Blancpain

Hello all,

About 5 years ago I was fortunately enough to locate and purchase a beautiful Blancpain FF 3,6,9, 12 Rotomatic (serial No 132X), however I was now wondering whether it might be worth sending it to Blancpain to get authentication papers for it.

I personally have no questions with its authenticity having purchased the watch from a respected French collector and having done a huge amount of due diligence (including a thumbs-up from Pierrec Leroi at Blanpain (after seeing photos of the watch), but was interested in the thoughts of the forum.

Also I have never seen a BBFF with an un-plated rotor, so is this something which needs to be fixed or left as is.

Your thoughts would be most welcome. Many thanks

Andy

I never saw a rotor like this, but that doesn't mean it didn't exist. 

I have to check my fotos. I can remember to have seen unplated rotors.
Best regards Stephan

I would not be too concerned about the rotor. Can i get a few photo of your watch-deco box. Did your watch come from Watch-deco?
Thanks Brian

Many thanks to those who responded. I will try to get some better photos tomorrow. 

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Firstly my apologies - my photographic skills have not improved. In respect to the Box - it measures 90mm x 90mm x 50mm. The top has a silver "brushed aluminum effect" ..





As for the watch a few more pictures of the watch. In respect to condition, it really is excellent and the watch and very sharp (as if it has lived most of is life as a bit of a safe queen - which it certainly has been in my ownership). Finally not sure whether its normal, however the watch (less seconds hands) still lumes, unlike a number of Rolex I have from the 80's. Best regards Andy









I most say I am rather curious as to what BB have to say.

Here is a shot after I shined a bright light at my Demo for a couple of seconds. Glow quickly goes out. 100% original untouched watch.

Best,
Adam

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Hi I managed to find a better shot of the dial. I fhis helps. BP have agreed to collect the watch on Monday. All very exciting 

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When i purchased my first tr-900 nine years ago i contacted Rene Bruyeron and he gave me the thumb up on the watch. He was a great guy and alway appreciated his feedback. He is missed by many people. Brian

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Its is with some relief that yesterday I was advised by Blancpain, that my watch was 100% authentic. They did identify a number of issues with the movement. It was dry and they saw signs of some mechanical wear, hands had been refurbished at some point in the past, but generally in good condition.

They did offer me a complete refurb, however this was based upon me agreeing to the watch being decontaminated and having the Radium removed (which could result in the hands, dial and bezel getting trashed - not good) so I declined.  FYI the radioactivity was measured at over 7000 counts per 10/minutes compared with a "safe" limit of 201.3 counts/10 minutes - so quite "hot".

The only thing I will have done is the to have the rotor correctly plated - it seems that when it left the factory it was only plated on one side!!! The rest of the movement work will be left to my trusted watchmaker.

If any one is interested in seeing a copy of the report (its very good because it contains lots of macro images of the watch, the movement, etc) I will be happy to share. Please contact me on [Email address suppressed for privacy]

As you can most likely tell - I am a very happy owner and can thoroughly recommend the Blancpain Service - which I am amazed it is free.

 Many thanks Andy

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Fear not. I did ask BP whether they could replate the rotor, alas they refused unless the watch was completely services (including decom process), which I would not allow.
Happy days indeed.

That is an interesting part of the watch's history as apparently confirmed by BP. It can always be done later but I can't see it affecting value. Bill

Andy, I am curious. Did BP state what material the rotor would be plated with?