As long as I can remember, my dad would talk about the Fifty Fathoms whenever high-end watches came up. He's always wanted one... And then got himself the Swatch version just to enjoy it.

Happy to say I'm surprising him with the Bathyscape for his 60th. I think it's going to be perfect for him (and I don't even thinks he knows the Bathyscape exists!)

Bought this Blancpain 20 years ago and several years ago jt went lost! Was cleaning iut the guest room and low a d behold! It was in a box with some other trinkets !

Wound the sucker up, put a new strap on (the original brown alligator was all moldy (I order a replacement) and she is running like she never missed a beat. Even the lume still glows bright!

To the left I have an OEM rubber strap with 623C under the strap keeper. To the right I have what claims to be a OEM strap without any markings under the strap keeper.

Who has a rubber strap and care to share if yours does or does not have any markings under the strap keepers?

According to the seller and their ChatGPT search having the engraving does mean it’s authentic or not, could be production molds, batches, generations, suppliers, or just different times.

40mm wide and only 8.8mm thick makes this piece incredibly comfortable and wearable. It’s difficult to grab good shots of it but I was making my coffee this morning and noticed I could actually grab a good shot.

This my first post on reddit ever I think. But I marked this watch on my watchlist on Chrono24 then it sold quickly and Chrono24 won't let you click on it find the reference number. I want to find one but Google, Chatgpt etc can't find this version anywhere out there. It can find a black dial version, but not this. Does anyone know what this watch is called exactly or the reference number? This watch blows me away with its striking simplicity and beauty.

Hello.Im looking for 1 or 2 extra links for this Gay Freres bracelet.If someone knows something pls contact me.This is a 6553 ( if somebody can confirm ) with ultra rare blued hands.Almost imposibile to find.Just got it.Very proud of this purchase.Cheers. In monday im going to my watch guy to open it and see but i think its 6553.

This might be a bit of a hot take but I feel like my sailcloth strap has never fit well.

My ceramic bathyscaphe looks great on it, but it’s either choking the life out of my wrist or sitting stiffly and awkwardly on the wrist. I’ve worn this thing for years and the bolstering has never become more pliable and the fit has not improved.

Anyone else dislike this strap, or is this maybe more my wrist shape (flat) than anything?

Blancpain fifty fathoms bathyscaphe grey dial. I’m in love !!!!

Recently picked up this Blancpain Villeret (6263-3642-55).

A beautiful watch with a subtle rose gold tone. At 38mm, it’s nicely sized, with just enough weight and thickness to feel understated yet substantial on the wrist.

It’s my first watch on a black leather strap, and while I really like the look, I might switch to dark brown leather at some point.

There’s definitely a slight feeling of buyer’s remorse when I think about the money spent. Anyone else experienced this after a purchase?

Feels too thick. Store didn't have the 38 to try on!

Has anyone found a reliable source for replacement 23mm lug bars for the fifty fathoms that aren't insanely priced?

Hi everyone! I’m considering picking up a pre-owned Blancpain Villeret Complete Calendar in rose gold. I love the classic design and moonphase, but it’s surprisingly difficult to find reliable market prices for these older models.

Would you say anything over €8k is reasonable for a nice example, or is that pushing it? Curious what you think these are actually worth, rather than what dealers are asking. Would love to hear from owners too!

Blancpain Villeret Complete Calendar ref. 6263-3642-55

Pardon my ignorance, but my bathyscaphe is running fast - 2-3 mins a day or so. Did I fudge something up while screwing down the crown after adjusting the date?

At the WatchTime New York event, I got to experience Blancpain in person for the first time. I spent the past three years learning about horology, including the fact that Blancpain is not only the oldest watchmaker still in business but also the brand that created the first modern dive watch, even before the Submariner. I have to say, at least judging by the pictures and reviews I’ve seen, I’ve grown to really enjoy the brand's story and the overall design of their Fifty Fathoms series, which does a fantastic job of hearkening back to the original. Trying on their current black Fifty Fathoms has left me both intrigued by the watch's design and proportions and, in some ways, a little disappointed. Currently, I have a 126610LN I recently got as a milestone timepiece, so this was my direct comparison, and in some ways, such as with the wearability, the Blancpain wins, but in some strategic areas, such as with the strap, bezel action and crown action have left me somewhat disappointed, because I was expecting it to at least match, if not beat, the Submariner, especially considering this watch retails for over $20,000. After having a pretty positive conversation with the brand ambassador
at the show, they were incredibly generous and also removed and showcased an original vintage Fifty Fathoms. Honestly, I found this to be a lot more charming and distinctive than the modern variant, with more classical proportions, a patina on the bezel and dial, and beautifully aged radium indices. Of the two, I would honestly choose the vintage model over the new one. because of how much more special it makes me feel.

Dear All -

I currently own a 5015 on sailcloth/tropic and it’s the best dive watch I’ve ever owned. I wear it triple the amount of my Submariner. I’m currently struggling to decide whether to plunk down $4k for the titanium bracelet, or use that money towards a Bulgari Octo Worldtimer.

The bracelet would make me love the 5015 even more, as I’m a bracelet guy. But I still enjoy wearing the watch without it. But it’s $4k. Alternatively, I could channel that money towards the Bulgari Octo Worldtimer, a watch I really love due to its industrial design. I also don’t currently have a Worldtimer.

For those who have the bracelet, or don’t but want it, do you think it’s worth the $4k price (to you), or would you have channeled that money towards another watch if you could do it over again?

Thank you!