Comments:
November 2003 Blancpain celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms with a limited edition.
The Anniversary 50 Fathoms was done in three series – I (50 pieces), II (50 pieces), III (50 pieces) + one for Marc Hayek + one for Bob Maloubier + one (I don´t know, but Stephan Ciejka would be my assumption). There was a brochure about the Limited Edition and Bob Maloubier, the founder of the Nageurs de Combat was shown with his Fifty Fathoms, in 1953.
Additionally there was a Klassik Uhren Special because of the anniversary, in 2004, with more detailed information about the Fifty Fathoms.
2250-1142 (ST, opaline dial)
2250-1430 (YG, black dial)
2250-1442 (YG, opaline dial)
2250-3630 (RG, black dial). Series limited to 100 numbered pieces.
2250-1540 (WG, blue dial)
2250-1540 (WG, blue dial, LE for Asprey)
2250-1542 (WG, opaline dial)
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms - parts of the family ...
The Fifty Fathoms
is the historical most important watch in the history of Blancpain.
Today it is claimed to be “The World´s First Modern Diving Watch” (by Blancpain) – from 1953.
Today it is claimed to be “The World´s First Modern Diving Watch” (by Blancpain) – from 1953.
Before we come to my main topic (Trilogy & Concept 2000), let me give you a rough overview about the family.
Vintage
- countless versions of the FF diver´s watch have been made and even
Blancpain has no detailed overview – at least it seems like this. Fifty Fathoms selling numbers in total (“Pre-Biver-Era”) have been about 50.000 up to 150.000
– different numbers from different sources. It was quite a success in
the past, but never treated like this. In-depth knowledge is not written
down - at least not available for the collectors, customers, public, … .
Lots of, sometimes different, information can be found in several
sources (official & not official). At the re-birth of Blancpain in
1983 (by Jean-Claude Biver and Jacques Piguet) there was no new Fifty Fathoms until 1998 and most of the people didn´t even know about it. When I bought my first FF Bathyscaphe in 1989, only a few collectors have been aware of the Fifty Fathoms. It was a bargain and the only Blancpain I could afford at the time.
The first time the old Fifty Fathoms was shown to a bigger audience was in 1998, when the Trilogy collection was presented.
There was a little catalogue (printed 2/98):
“The Fifty Fathoms Years – In 1956, Commander Costeau won the Palme d`Or of the Cannes Festival for his film The World of Silence. This represented the discovery of the vast oceans depths in which Blancpain took part with the famous Fifty Fathoms watch worn by the divers. As one
of the first diver watches to be water-resistant to 50 fathoms or 91.5
meters, it would soon become a precious working tool for divers the
world over. …”.
Nothing was mentioned about 1953 – at that time in 1998.
Nothing was mentioned about 1953 – at that time in 1998.
(Ref. 2200; caliber 1151)
In Basel 1999 they introduced the Concept 2000 collection and therefore they printed a brochure. Some watch journalists used the word futuristic
and indeed the design was more like a concept watch, at that time.
Steel, fiberglass, rubber - today some would call it a fusion …
More details about Trilogy & Concept 2000 later.
The first time I was reading about Fifty Fathoms and the date 1953, it was in the Chronos Special Blancpain (2001).
(ref. 2200A; caliber 1151; case diameter 40.3mm)
The Anniversary 50 Fathoms was done in three series – I (50 pieces), II (50 pieces), III (50 pieces) + one for Marc Hayek + one for Bob Maloubier + one (I don´t know, but Stephan Ciejka would be my assumption). There was a brochure about the Limited Edition and Bob Maloubier, the founder of the Nageurs de Combat was shown with his Fifty Fathoms, in 1953.
Additionally there was a Klassik Uhren Special because of the anniversary, in 2004, with more detailed information about the Fifty Fathoms.
Basel 2007 – introduction of the latest Fifty Fathoms collection, which is called Fifty Fathoms Sports.
(Prototype; caliber 1315; case diameter 45mm)
(Cannes – series number 1 to 10, on display)
Officially it was shown to the public at the Cannes Boat Show in summer 2007.
Basel & Cannes 2009, a 500 Fathoms was introduced. It uses the same caliber as the latest Fifty Fathoms, but is even bigger – 47mm.
Recently there is a bit more interest in the roots of Blancpain and the Fifty Fathoms
– internal & external. Interest for vintage pieces get stronger,
prices increase and we can even find lots of fakes in the market. As
mentioned before, there is still a lack of in-depth knowledge written
down.
There
was a comprehensive exhibition held at the Blancpain-Boutique in Paris
(November 2010), which moves on to China and the USA.
Most of the (about 100) pieces shown are loans from collectors. Obviously it is used to promote the current Fifty Fathoms Sports
collection in some markets, but I still hope that they will do more. At
least I could imagine a catalogue about the exhibition and the
collected pieces. Blancpain, it would be a great opportunity to do it
now!
My topic for the further report is the Trilogy & Concept 2000
and I will try (!) to give you an overview. I don´t know of any source
which covers them all and it is a challenge to get them all in detail.
Fifty Fathoms Trilogy
- SEA – Fifty Fathoms (Diver Watch)
- EARTH – GMT 24 (Two Time Zones)
- SKY – Air Command (Self-Winding Chronograph)
“Climbing the Echelons of the Trilogy
Look to the past for guidance into the future. This is the path taken by Blancpain to arrive at the Trilogy.
A
strong development yet quiet a natural one, in line with the brand´s
own historical concept. This is how Blancpain arrived at the classical
look of its six masterpieces and the 2100 line, finally leading up to
the Fifty Fathoms´expression of the 21st century – the birth
of a totally new concept. The expression of the traditional art of
watchmaking in the oceans, on land and in the air … The birth of an
exceptional collection in which man´s universe opens to the art of
watchmaking … A collection only Blancpain is capable of offering today.”
(Extract from the above mentioned catalogue)
Case diameter of most of the members from the Trilogy family: 40.3mm
The limited pieces from the Monaco YS editions will not be listed here.
Ref. 2200 – Fifty Fathoms
Calibre 1151 ,
12 lines, hand-decorated and finished. With a height of 3.25 mm, it is
composed of 185 pieces including two barrels which enable a power
reserve of over 100 hours.
Calibre 1151
2200-1130 (ST, black sun-ray dial, faceted hour markers and numeral)
2200-1142 (ST, opaline dial)
2200-1540 (WG, blue dial)
2200-1430 (YG, black dial)
2200-3618 (RG, white dial)
2200-3630
(RG, black dial). Limited series of 100 numbered pieces. Each timepiece
is signed by the watchmaker who finished and adjusted it.
2200-3642 (RG, opaline dial)
Ref. 2250 – FF GMT 24
Display
of second time-zone over 24 hours and bidirectional turning bezel.
2.95mm thick scratch-resistant sapphire crystal antireflective on both
sides. Self-winding calibre 5A50, 11 1/2 lines, 4.35mm high, composed of 236 pieces with 100-hour power reserve.
2250-1130 (ST, black dial)
Ref. 2255 – FF GMT 24 Perpetual Calendar
2255A-3630 (RG, black dial)
Ref. 2258F – FF Air Command Perpetual Calendar
2258-3630 (RG, black dial)
Ref. 2285F – FF Air Command
Chronograph movement with Flyback system, self-winding, calibre F185. Diameter 25.6mm or 11 ½ lines, height 5.40mm, components 308, power reserve 40 hours
2285F-1130 (ST, black sun-ray dial)
2285F-1142 (ST, opaline dial)
2285F-1140 (WG, blue dial, LE 8 for Asprey)
2285F-3630 (RG, black dial). Series limited to 100 numbered pieces.
2285F-3642 (RG, opaline dial)
2285F-1430 (YG, black dial)
Mysteries of the 2285F
There have been two different bezels, but I don´t know when they changed it and why. The (probably) early one looks like this – without 5 and 10:
(early)
(late)
The later ones show 5 and 10 at the bezel.
Maybe you already saw the next mystery at the dial. Water-resistant to 200 m … or 300 m
– both have been available. Both mysteries can be found together –
bezel and writing at the dial, in each variation. Most of the versions
in steel (2200-11xx) show 300m on the dial and the versions in precious
metals show 200m or nothing. My guess is - if there are steel versions
available with 200m on the dial, they just got the wrong dial from the Concept 2000 Air Command. Maybe I am wrong. Who knows?
Ref. 22553 – FF Perpetual Calendar
22553-3630 (RG, black dial)
Ref. 2485F – FF Air Command for ladies
Case diameter: 36mm
2485F-1130 (ST, black dial)
2485F-4630 (ST with diamond ring, black dial)
More mysteries
Do these pieces have a “black” bezel? Is it only an optical illusion from the picture? I have no idea so far.
For
sure there are several more mysteries when it comes to Blancpain as
there have been more Limited Editions, Pieces Unique, variation’s, … ;-)
Based on the Trilogy, but with :
· Steel and rubber bracelets
– links of steel and fiberglass-reinforced rubber. Enduring yet utterly
stylish bracelets provide exceptional suppleness and wearing comfort.
(Those have been changed after some years, because the former ones caused some problems with the rubber. Never heart about problems with the later ones)
(Those have been changed after some years, because the former ones caused some problems with the rubber. Never heart about problems with the later ones)
· Steel and rubber bezel – framing and enhancing the bezel figures, rubber also provides a more comfortable grip on the bezel´s ribbed rim
· Steel and rubber push pieces and crown – softer and more pleasant to the touch. Improved handling ease and all-round protection
Introduced: 1999
Case diameter: 40.3mm
Movements: same as the brothers from the Trilogy collection
Ref. 2200 Fifty Fathoms
2200-6530-66 (ST & black rubber, black dial)
2200-4430-44 (PT & black rubber, black dial, LE 10)
2200 (WG & blue rubber, blue dial, LE 10)
Ref. 2250 GMT 24
2250-6530-66 (ST & black rubber, black dial)
2250 (WG & blue rubber, blue dial, LE 10)
Ref. 2285F Air Command
Those are water-resistant to 200 meters, as you can see at the dials.
2285F-6530-66 (ST & black rubber, black dial)
2285F (WG & blue rubber, blue dial, LE 10)
If somebody asked me what I think is missing in the Fifty Fathoms family :
Well, I could imagine a FF Bathyscaphe
with a “simpler” caliber 1315, case diameter 42mm and a price tag about
€ 7K. From my point of view, those should sell very well. Some nice
vintage Bathyscaphe designs have been done in the past and could be used for inspiration …
For example:
Final conclusion
Both
series have never been part of the regular collections (LeBrassus,
Villeret, Leman), at least Blancpain assigned them under Specials.
The movements used have been the same as available in the Villeret and
Leman line and those are so called Ultra-Slim movements. They are more
luxury than tool watches. Personally I never had any trouble with mine,
but for sure the outstanding reliability/toughness of the latest
development – caliber 1315 – is hard to beat for the older ones. The FF Sports
collection chronographs (introduced in 2007 and later) still use the
same “old” movement – caliber F185. It was claimed to be “The World´s
First Women´s Flyback Chronograph” – thickness: 5.5mm; diameter: 26.2mm.
Nothing is wrong with the movement and I like it a lot, but does it fit
into a 45mm sports watch? Final judgement is up to the buyer.
Personally I would have preferred a later introduction of the new FF Sports chronographs, with a new developed movement.
Trilogy & Concept 2000
watches are out of production for some years, but still can be found
NOS (seldom, but possible) and are not that difficult to find in the
second market – at least in steel. From my observations, some of the
“Beginner´s” start with one of those watches – these days. Recently the Fifty Fathoms
“bug” gets stronger and because of the rarity of high-quality vintage
pieces and the big size/price of the latest one, more people are getting
interested and prices increase (slightly). Back in 1998/99 the all
steel Fifty Fathoms was too heavy for my taste and therefore two watches of the Concept 2000 line have been my daily companions for several years. The superior finish and the design is still one of my favourites.
This
report was prepared based on my collected knowledge and my personal
experiences. Credit for some of the knowledge and pictures goes to
Blancpain, the internet (forums, blogs, …), brochures, catalogues,
books, but I can´t name them all - sorry. I don´t claim to be correct in
all the details and would appreciate it to get better/more detailed
ones.
Let me close with some personal pictures :
1st Class post, Oliver.
The main problem with the Vintage FF is, as you said, that there are no archives kept.
But there is still a living memory, Mr J.J Fliechter.
And hes has some interesting informations about Vintage FFs.
I will see if I can manage to get some of these informations, through a good friend's help
You wondered for who was made the 3rd FF 50th Anniversary?
Simple... To Stephan Ciejka.
As he was involved in the project.
What is missing in the current collection?
I think a faithful tribute to the Air Command, as well as a re incarnation of the TR 900, or any military Milspec ( without this bloody date ).
I don't loose fauth nor hope to see one, one day.
Superb post, Oliver... Thanks.
Nicolas.
Superb post, Oliver...
A great job made, my friend.
Really thanks for this great read!
Very best
Emilio
excellent post Oliver
... for the air command I read about this:
300 meter proved by Blancpain for the older ones. The screwed pushers for the chronograph are not made by Blancpain itelf and garantie is only given for 200 meters from the firm which make/made them.
My air command has the Nr 22x and has the first insert. I got a replacement one 10 years later which I coated black. This is the newer version !
great posting
best Stephan
300 meter proved by Blancpain for the older ones. The screwed pushers for the chronograph are not made by Blancpain itelf and garantie is only given for 200 meters from the firm which make/made them.
My air command has the Nr 22x and has the first insert. I got a replacement one 10 years later which I coated black. This is the newer version !
great posting
best Stephan
Outstanding contribution, Oliver, long overdue...
I'll see whether I have something to contribute. But I guess you post is quite comprehensive ;-)
Thanks for taking the efforts to put this together. It clearly shows that the recent 50 Fathoms models are clearly collectable on their own account, with some fascinating rare varieties to enjoy. Your post also stresses the need for Blancpain to inventorise and publish this important part of their history, with a view on serving the collectors and not the marketing department. I feel such an endeavour, while being time consuming and costly, would immensly strengthen both visibility and credibility of Blancpain in the long run.
Cheers,
Magnus
Thanks for taking the efforts to put this together. It clearly shows that the recent 50 Fathoms models are clearly collectable on their own account, with some fascinating rare varieties to enjoy. Your post also stresses the need for Blancpain to inventorise and publish this important part of their history, with a view on serving the collectors and not the marketing department. I feel such an endeavour, while being time consuming and costly, would immensly strengthen both visibility and credibility of Blancpain in the long run.
Cheers,
Magnus
"visibility and credibility of Blancpain"
Ample opportunities, but not a strength - so far.
Thanks my dear friend!
Oliver
Thanks my dear friend!
Oliver
A very enjoyable read
I dream that the modern FF family will also offer a model 40-42 mm and perhaps without a date.
Blancpain
I also dream of another 40mm Fifty fathom! Its great to see the lineup since the rebirth in '83. Does anyone know what Bob Moloubier was wearing on his wrist at the big show in Paris? Brian
Super post....
Well done my friend...
If you ever need a jog, I am certain that Blancpain would
offer you one...
Cheers
Thanks my friend ...
but I am really not sure about the job (jog=job, isn´t it), because sometimes pleasure & pain is very close
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Oliver
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Oliver
Obviously.....
job and not jog....
And you are right, pleasure and pain is very close...
A white weekend here, iassumethe same up north...
Enjoy the end of it...
Cheers
Very pleasant post
Thank you Oliver for this brilliant and exhaustive presentation of the modern branch of the FF family.
It is almost a genealogy tree that you offer us!
It is almost a genealogy tree that you offer us!
Great work :-)
extraordinary post and wonderful set of pictures...
if i only could achieve one more of them besides my FF Sports...
btw: may i ask the connaisseurs here what exactly is the difference between the FF Sports Chrono and the FF Sports Air Command?
if i only could achieve one more of them besides my FF Sports...
btw: may i ask the connaisseurs here what exactly is the difference between the FF Sports Chrono and the FF Sports Air Command?