Blancpain

I was thinking about this today and wondering what fellow Blancpain watch lovers think about this. It is often said that Blancpain is such an under appreciated watch brand. For sure, the level of craftsmanship and beauty of their watches are evident, but why is it that it seems their marketing department is not getting the point across? I mean, look at Omega (also under the Swatch Group) - they market their Seamaster very well under the James Bond films, and have several brand ambassadors that help further sell their products and get them their recognition out in the general public, but why is it that Blancpain uses a couple of Michelin star chefs to represent their brand? I’ve never even heard of those chefs and while their Ocean Commitment initiative is nice and all, I’m sure it doesn’t compare to the marketing and reach of the Bond films and Daniel Craig that benefits Seamaster sales. If anything, Bond, who drives an Aston Martin would be much better paired to wearing a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms versus a more modest Seamaster, no? A Seamaster is not exclusive or considered high end like an Aston (Fifty Fathoms) is. 

But they should be cooler ambassadors than chefs. Lol. Chefs, by the way, should be using a Flyback chrono to time their cooking, and not a dive watch. They are not getting it right! 

But I still believe that those fake ambassadors who are paid to wear these watches do add value in getting that brand recognition out there. It will help their sales of the product. Just us wearing these watches will not help their reach. Look at how Roger Federer helps to market Rolex. Use someone like him instead of a couple of chefs! 😆

Compared to the two register with grand date that they came up with afterwards.

I don’t know. They should bring it back I agree. I would buy another if they did. My BP Leman split second chrono is one of my all time favorite watches and one I will never part with. I also own and love the Leman Tourbillon. The size of these watches is superb also. I pray they return. BP would be well served by bringing them back. These days the line is only about Fifty Fathoms and Bathyscape it seems. They are short changing themselves and we watch enthusiasts both.

They need to hire better marketers or steal them from their Omega division.

And yes, you may be right, but hopefully someone can talk some sense into him then.

same useful WR, higher grade movement, better lume, 'affordable', acquirable, and looks absolutely amazing!

I agree because I used to own a steel Daytona and sold it after getting bored of it (to fund a Nautilus). Honestly, of all these, I still love the look of the Flyback the most. I didn’t like that the Daytona didn’t have a date function. I feel they could have had it located in same area that the Flyback has it without ruining the symmetry. I know the Leman is not worth as much, but I don’t care because I love the way it looks and I don’t have to be scared of it being noticed so much in public.

I actually (this very week in fact) wondered about Blancpain as well. They are in a strange place. They inhabit a tool watch domain but they are highly stylized. It’s almost a contradiction of form and function. From the perspective of price and performance they are virtually indistinguishable from Omega (as you mentioned BOTH swatch) which leaves style. For me their style is very French. It is truly a niche. Not rugged like Omega or Rolex. Maybe Jean Claude Van Damme or a race car driver…Ocon or more on pointe George Russell? One last point I (some will disagree) don’t consider BP higher end…just “fancier”.

F1 driver could be a good choice. Regarding higher end, it’s funny because I was posting a photo of my BP in the “High End” forum in the Watchuseek site, and had no issues, but did notice that folks who posted pics of their Omega or Rolex got comments saying that those brands were not considered high end and to not post there. LOL. In general, I think the thought is that BP is finished on a higher level than Omega and Rolex and closer to Vacheron and AP. But yes, I guess it depends a lot on perception (and marketing), which I think for BP, there is a lot of room for improvement.

Yes…the finish is better although the specs aren’t as good as the Omega PO’s…it’s an odd niche…I prefer Omega PO …or in fact Rolex to BP in the diver category…but I see why the finish elevates the brand.

Probably better in terms of specs than the BP, but similar to like an Aston Martin, are not as mass produced as say a Porsche and also finished to a higher luxury level. I can envision BP as a more exclusive brand. It’s up to Blancpain’s marketing dept to attain that goal.

And why I like the discussions on WPS so much!

It’s just sad that I’m not even a marketer, but can see the shortcomings of their actions so far. I really hope they can correct the course, because they do make great stuff. Maybe they should start organizing some focus groups to get some better ideas…or just read this thread. LOL. 

...I know I'm paying too much : )

...but often for better design/workmanship...

I’d love to buy another Leman model, but they don’t make em anymore!