We Buy Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Eta Movement Replica Watches

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain continues to be a strong provider of unique and interesting movements in what often feels like a sea of mechanical genericism, even in the luxury Vintage Blancpain Watches For Sale Replica industry. Look closely and you’ll see in Blancpain watches genuinely innovative attempts that are creating new assortments of existing ideas, as well as some novel ones. Today, I’d like to look at the Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT watch which we first covered here. It comes in 18k white gold, 18k rose gold, as well as in steel – all with various dial styles. It’s updated for 2016 based on a movement that launched in 2011.

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On
As well as creating ultra-slim movements for women, the company also makes a Quantième Retrograde with retrograde date along with an entire Calendar with moon phase. The movements used for its Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day watches are mechanical — Blancpain has never made a quartz movement — most designed particularly for women’ watches. Since the Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Blancpain Iconic Watches Replica was first introduced in 2001, it has been powered by several distinct movements, most with centre seconds hands, which is uncommon on a ladies’ mechanical timepiece. The Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day watch was a tradition since 2001 and usually comprises a heart motif placed artfully somewhere on the watch. This year, it is formed by a bunch of 19 rubies set into the dial at 12 o’clock. The rubies are buff-top trimmed, a mixed cut which typically has a smooth upper half and a faceted pavilion, a mixture that creates light yield when a stone is set flush to alloy — particularly when it is set into a thin layer of metal, including a watch dialup, where no light illuminates the pavilion. The center has had several interesting incarnations on the special editions. In the 2007 part, the internal mother-of-pearl dial has been heart-shaped. In 2009 the little seconds subdial was outlined by rubies place to create a heart shape. On the 2011 variant, a heart-shaped crimson was set subtly at 12 o’clock flush with the diamonds around the bezel. The dial of the 2013 edition comprised five red-lacquered mother-of-pearl hearts, with the hearts repeated on the rotor and the case side. A heart charm dangles from the strap of the 2016 edition.

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

At its heart, this Blancpain Watches Dubai Replica is about offering a unique layout for two complication sets that you don’t frequently find together. That is a subsidiary GMT hand to indicate a second time zone, as well as an annual calendar complication. The latter is rather elegantly laid out with the calendar information being indicated via three distinct windows on the dial. Underneath is a series of three discs which overlap. What is interesting is that despite the volume of information on the dial (time, second 24-hour time zone, date, day, and month) the face of the Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT is relatively sparse and clean.

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Lovers of purely symmetrical dials will likely find the eccentric layout on the Blancpain Quantieme Annuel GMT dial bothersome, and those who like a bit of asymmetry in their watches will appreciate the look as well as the immaculate legibility. This steel version of the Blancpain Quaniteme Annuel GMT is the cleanest looking of the series. The 18k red gold version has a “sunburst grey” dial, while the 18k white gold model has the most intricate-looking dial that is “stamped flinque opaline.”

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Let me add here that the model you are seeing images of is actually in an 18k white gold case, but it seems as though Blancpain will produce it as a steel model and the same 18k white gold case for another dial option. This is a possibility, but it’s hard to confirm, as their website is unclear as to whether or not an 18k white gold model with this clean white dial is available.

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

As a dress watch, I like the calming effect of the clean dial that is otherwise very functional. The 40mm-wide case is 11.04mm thick, and water resistant to 30 meters. It wears nicely thanks to the comfortable case and looks larger given the thin bezel structure. Distinctive Blancpain Villeret-style Roman numerals and matching leaf-style hands add to the brand’s signature look. In steel and red gold, the Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT watch even comes on a matching bracelet option that I quite like – in addition to the black alligator strap choice.

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Manufactured in-house by Blancpain, the Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT watch contains the caliber 6054F automatic movement – whose gold rotor is very nicely decorated. While the movement architecture is decidedly modern in its aesthetics, you still see a lot of haute horology hand-finishing. The movement operates at 4Hz (28,800bph) and has a power reserve of 72 hours (three days).

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The movement has some additional interesting elements which merit discussion. These include being produced from 367 parts, using a silicon balance spring (for accuracy) and employing Blancpain’s brilliant “under lug correctors.” Look closely under the lugs and you’ll notice small pushers that you can operating with your fingers. These have a few benefits. First is that the watch does not need to rely on unattractive inset pushers on the side of the case. Second is that you don’t need a special tool in order to adjust the GMT or calendar settings. On most watches with in-set pushers, you need a stylus to operate them – and if you use something metal, you risk scratching the watch. This is just one of the many little ergonomic marvels you see far too rarely in the world of high-end watches.

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

As you can see, the relative simplicity of this Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Blancpain Watches Usa Replica hides some appealing details once you take a closer look. That isn’t the fact with all Blancpain models, but Blancpain is a brand that tends to be pretty poor at explaining its own best virtues (so we try our best to do it for them when possible).

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT is produced as the reference 6670-1542-55B (for a price of $40,100) in 18k white gold; the references 6670-3642-55 ($40,100), 6670-3642-55B ($39,100), and 6670-3642-MMB ($58,200) in 18k red gold; and the references 6670-1127-55 ($27,300) and 6670-1127-MMB ($29,500) in steel. blancpain.com

Discount Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Replica Trusted Dealers

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

My absolute favorite watches are pretty-looking sport models. There is a significant volume of these watches around, but really attractive ones are hard to find. Probably the biggest challenge in making a beautiful-looking sports watch is to first make sure it is a great utility watch, and only then ensuring it is visually attractive. Doing both is no simple task, but success can yield the reward of a watch being a true classic. That’s probably a good way of introducing this hands-on look at the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II timepieces that just look so darn good.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

I am not shy about sharing my feeling that Blancpain produces some of the most beautiful high-end diving watches available these days with their Fifty Fathoms family. The collection is populated with a few distinct models which generally fall into the “classic” Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5015 watch family (review here), and the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe. The latter subfamily has two lines right now which are the three-hand Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, and the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback, which this limited-edition watch is a version of.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

I first went hands-on with the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback here back in 2014 when it was released. The first limited edition model was the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment, and earlier in 2016 Blancpain introduced a followup limited edition with this Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II (debuted on aBlogtoWatch here). In a sense, it is probably a bit irritating to people who purchased the first limited-edition Ocean Commitment model that there is now a second one. On the other hand, this followup is just as beautiful as the first, but also distinct in its appeal. So, if anything, the fact that there is a sequel to the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment is a sign of the collection’s popularity.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

There are a lot of hidden elements inside of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph which make it a truly compelling timepiece, but it does take some time to learn about them all. This is important to do in order to understand the value proposition because these watches are anything but cheap in price. With that said, you do get a fair amount for your money if you are interested in tool watch looks with a modern movement and excellent fit and finishing.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

I also want to say right now that I prefer the chronograph version of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe over the three-hand model. Of course, not everyone agrees with me, but that is my personal preference as I find the three-hand model’s dial a bit visually bare. On the other hand, I certainly prefer the three-hand model of the original Fifty Fathoms models over their chronograph models.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

A good reason for this aside from aesthetics is the movement inside of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph which is the in-house-made Blancpain caliber F385 automatic chronograph. You can view the movement through the rear of the case, and it isn’t difficult to tell that it is lovely in both design and decoration. Modern lines and shapes decorate this modern mechanical movement which also happens to boast a 5Hz (36,000bph) operating frequency. That is the same as the celebrated Zenith El Primero, and 1Hz faster than most standard 4Hz chronograph watches.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Given the faster operating speed of the movement you get two areas of benefits. First is a bit less useful to most people, and that is the ability to be a bit more precise when using the chronograph. Second is the fact that a higher operating frequency of the balance wheel means that rate result errors are averaged out more. That translates into more accuracy over time – a good thing. It is true that 5Hz movements of any kind are rare, and in dedicated dive watches this is pretty much the only one that I can think of.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The caliber F385 has a power reserve of 50 hours, and the chronograph has a flyback complication as well. It is produced from 322 parts, and apparently is specially secured to the case of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph for shock protection purposes. Last, the movement features a silicon hair spring, which adds the benefits of more durability and accuracy over time.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

That all sounds great but, unfortunately, I couldn’t have the pleasure of testing the watch out first-hand as the model I got to play with was a “blocked” (the movement is stopped from working in order to maintain the position of the hands) prototype. Thus, I still yearn to wear a functioning one of these and fully experience the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II out and about.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The first Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment Blancpain Lamborghini Watch Price Replica has a gray ceramic case with a blue bezel and dial. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II sort of reverses that color palette with a blue ceramic case and bezel, and then a metallic gray dial. Both the first and second Ocean Commitment models are pretty awesome, but ceramic watch lovers will clearly flock to this sequel limited edition model.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

This is the first blue ceramic watch case I’ve worn (from a luxury brand), and it looks fantastic – especially next to the glossy gray tones. In some lights, the blue ceramic just looks like a black that has something going on with it, but in full light the rich blue tone of the case material comes out. Blancpain couldn’t really go any lighter with the blue as it would have made the color too unstable when it comes to production purposes.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain and Omega (both part of the Swatch Group and who share technologies) have some of the best ceramic cases around. The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon (review here) and the ceramic versions of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph have something in common. That is having some of the very best-looking ceramic cases on the market. What makes them so good is the sharpness of the angles on the case, as well as the quality of the contrast polishing. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph case is among the finest available in a modern high-end dive watch, and that goes for the ceramic version as well. Angles are just wonderfully sharp, and detailing throughout is fantastic. It is hard to experience quality like this and go back to lesser watches.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Despite being a chronograph and having a ceramic case, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II is still water resistant to 300 meters. The case feels perfectly sized at 43.60mm wide. It is also 15.25mm thick and has a lightly domed AR-coated sapphire crystal.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Around the dial is a smoothly operating 120-click, uni-directional rotating diver-style bezel. The outer bezel is titanium, with Liquidmetal (another technology shared with Omega) and blue ceramic as the rest of the bezel. The crown and pushers are also in blue ceramic – rendered equally nicely.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain was founded in 1735 and Goes Back to the Swatch Group (Breguet, Omega, Longines, Swatch).

For many years during the 20th century Blancpain was from business and didn’t sell any watches. From the 1980s Blancpain was revived and today enjoys substantial success among collectors.A somewhat famous advertising slogan is that Blancpain has never produced quartz watches and it won’t. Every Blancpain timepiece (usually thirty to forty daily are being manufacture) is entirely made by one individual, the so called watchmaker. The Blancpain 1735 Watch Blancpain Endurance Series Replica is among the most complicated watches ever made, its features include a tourbillon, minute repeater, perpetual calendar, divide chrono — and together are the base for a grand complication. Blancpain watches are popular with sports lovers and divers.

Given that this is a sport watch, the most important element other than durability is legibility. Here, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe certainly does not disappoint, with large blocky hands totally covered in luminant, and easy-to-read, highly contrasting hour markers. I also like that the subdials on the face are visually minimized. In fact, the most prominent elements on the dial are the various hands as well as the major markers. This allows the eyes to focus on the most important elements, while other things (like the chronograph subdials) are easy to read, but also not “in your face” when you don’t want to look at them.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Perhaps the only controversial element of the dial is the date window. It does help sales of watches to have a date complication. It is also good that Blancpain didn’t design the dial with the date window cutting off anything else. However, the date window is tilted so it is a bit odd to read with its position between 4 and 5 o’clock. Also, the date disc itself is black, which is a bit darker than the “meteor grey” dial color of the Blancpain Watches Online Replica itself. It’s really not a big deal, but it will be the one thing people might complain about in the otherwise beautiful dial design. There are other splendid details that you’ll notice in the dial by just looking at it. Start by examining the clever design of the subdials, as well as the mostly polished metal-framed hour markers.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The brand offers two versions of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II on either a gray textile/canvas strap, or this high-end NATO-style strap with gray titanium hardware. It’s a darn nice NATO-style strap, but it does come in a 23mm wide size, and it also feels a bit odd on such a high-end watch (even if it looks cool).

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The best way to think about the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph is as an extremely well-detailed tool watch. It looks nice, performs well, and has a very handsome classic look to it. Most important, of course, is that it is comfortable to wear and easy to read. Those elements together actually put it in a league with not that many other watches, and help solidify Blancpain as one of the premier producers of high-end “luxury” sport watches. The reference 5200-0310-G52 A (canvas strap) or reference 5200-0310-NAG A (NATO-style strap) Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Blancpain Watches Aqualung Replica is priced at $20,100. blancpain.com

High End Blancpain Villeret Date Moonphase Ladies’ Watch Replica Guide Trusted Dealers

If you look closely, you will observe that the moon has eyelashes, lips that look like lipstick was applied and, what is that? — a beauty place. The artificial mole or beauty area (known as a mouche for its similarity of a fly) was seen in 18th century France as representing a playfully teasing attitude. Mouches were used by coquettish ladies of the Court as messages for their suitors that differed according to where they had been placed.The motion is a next-generation caliber created by Blancpain specifically for ladies’ watches and is a good example of the commitment being made by luxury Blancpain Women’s Watches Price Replica brands to come up with a steady of calibers sized for ladies’ watches which are equipped with all the progress in watchmaking which are frequently reserved only for men’s movements. The Caliber 913QL is an evolution of the women’s Caliber 953, a 21mm-diameter motion that has been a staple of ladies’ watches at Blancpain. It remains the same size but currently has a high-performance silicon balance spring. It’s also impervious to magnetic fields and also generally more secure, with improved isochronism.In addition, the 913 includes a glucydur balance wheel with golden micrometric regulating screws, making it adjustable and also more shock-resistant than its predecessor. There’s also a better winding system which employs a ball-bearing mounted rotor. The sapphire case back shows the rotor, which can be reddish gold with a snailed bevel, polished chamfers and straight and circular Côtes de Genève patterns. The Caliber 913QL is fitted with a moon phase module, a wheel with 59 cogs covering two full 29.5-day lunar cycles. It has a 40-hour power reserve.

Blancpain Villeret Date Moonphase Ladies' Watch Watch Releases

The moon phase function has evolved from its traditional role as an accompaniment to men’s perpetual calendars to a “poetic” complication, used more often in ladies’ watches. It has been reimagined in many ways that depart from the traditional blue-sky-gold-moon-and-stars configuration, but Blancpain finds a way to maintain tradition while updating the function for a modern ladies’ watch. The Blancpain Villeret Date Moonphase, introduced at Baselworld 2017, sports the traditional moon phase colors and configuration – as it should in a traditional collection such as the Blancpain Villeret – but with a few small tweaks to make it feminine, even poetic.

If you look closely, you will see that the moon has eyelashes, lips that look as if lipstick has been applied and, what’s that? – a beauty spot. The artificial mole or beauty spot (known as a mouche for its resemblance of a fly) was regarded in 18th century France as symbolizing a playfully teasing attitude. Mouches were used by coquettish ladies of the Court as messages to their suitors that differed according to where they were placed.

Blancpain Villeret Date Moonphase Ladies' Watch Watch Releases

The movement is a next-generation caliber made by Blancpain specifically for ladies’ watches and is an example of the commitment being made by luxury watch brands to develop a stable of calibers sized for ladies’ watches that are equipped with all the advancements in watchmaking that are often reserved just for men’s movements. The Caliber 913QL is an evolution of the women’s Caliber 953, a 21mm-diameter movement that has been a staple of ladies’ watches at Blancpain. It remains the same size but now has a high-performance silicon balance spring. Silicon’s low density makes it lighter and thus more shock-resistant. It is also impervious to magnetic fields and generally more stable, with improved isochronism.

In addition, the 913 has a glucydur balance wheel with gold micrometric regulating screws, which makes it adjustable and also more shock-resistant than its predecessor. There is also an improved winding system that uses a ball-bearing mounted rotor. The sapphire case back reveals the rotor, which is red gold with a snailed bevel, polished chamfers and straight and circular Côtes de Genève patterns. The Caliber 913QL is fitted with a moon phase module, a wheel with 59 cogs covering two complete 29.5-day lunar cycles. It has a 40-hour power reserve.

Blancpain Villeret Date Moonphase Ladies' Watch Watch Releases

At 29.2mm, the Blancpain Villeret Date Moonphase is a very small Blancpain Watches Vintage Replica considering there is a moon phase plus a date and a seconds hand, a rare advantage in a small ladies’ automatic. It is evidence of Blancpain’s commitment to producing size-appropriate high-grade calibers dedicated to ladies’ watches in its elite collections. The date is elegantly spaced out just inside the hour track, indicated by a red-tipped pointer. The bezel is set with 48 diamonds and there are eight diamond indexes as well as four applied Roman numerals in the signature Villeret font. The dial is opaline and the strap is taupe-colored alligator. There are two references, one in 18k gold, priced at $19,900, and in steel at $16,600. blancpain.com

How Much Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Now In Blue Ceramic Case Replica For Sale

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Now In Blue Ceramic Case Watch Releases

Some major Blancpain Watches Switzerland Replica brands seem to really think highly of ceramic as a case material and Blancpain is among them. Previously a closely guarded field of expertise of Rado and Chanel, ceramic technology and production techniques have only recently evolved to a point where more brands are entertaining the idea of a ZrO2 case, since a lot more control of things like colors and hardness is becoming possible. The new-for-2016 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II watch case is all in blue ceramic – something the likes of which we haven’t seen before.

Blancpain will make a charitable contribution in the amount of 1,000 Euros for each Blancpain Watches Amazon Replica sold at the restricted series.The Blancpain Ocean Commitment will soon be on display at the exhibition together with a special selection of vintage Fifty Fathom timepieces which date back as early as the collection’s production in 1953. Again, the display will run from April 29 to May 17 and below is the information for the May 5th cocktail event.Sponsored Articles are a form of advertising that allows sponsors to discuss helpful information, messages, and also offers to aBlogtoWatch readers in a way traditional display advertisements is often not best suited to. All Sponsored Posts are subject to editorial guidelines with the intention that they offer readers useful news, promotions, or tales. The viewpoints and opinions expressed in Sponsored Articles are those of the advertiser and not necessarily those of aBlogtoWatch or its writers.If your core has a desire for a watch that combines a very nice and fresh in-house Blancpain chronograph movement using their Villeret-style circumstance, then this brand new Blancpain Villeret Pulosmeter Flyback Chronograph timepiece might be for you personally. One of Blancpain’s most watches, the business says the Villeret is the classic set. Indeed, if one was to browse the collection here, it would be very tough to disagree. Among my personal favorites is the Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel, that has a perpetual calendar role that follows the Chinese calendar.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Now In Blue Ceramic Case Watch Releases

Why we haven’t seen it before? My understanding is that achieving color uniformity and maintaining sufficient hardness at the same time has been the major challenge of adding pigments to ceramic. That’s why we mostly see black and white (and gray) ceramic (like, say, this black ceramic Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe). The problem is that if the mixture does not clean up entirely and evenly after the heat treatment process, it will have discolorations and marks in it that will ruin the look – and the piece itself, since these imperfections cannot be removed.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Now In Blue Ceramic Case Watch Releases

It is true that we have been seeing more and more colors in ceramic bezels from Rolex, TAG Heuer and a few others, and so it was perhaps only a matter of time before colored ceramic cases came along. And it kind of also suggests a possible future of all kinds of colors for ceramic Blancpain Dive Watch History Replica cases – Speedmaster Muave Side of the Moon, anyone? That might be kind of cool.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Now In Blue Ceramic Case Watch Releases

Back on point, Blancpain says they achieve this deep, rich blue of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph by adding the pigment and a bonding agent during the production process, with the bonding agent burning off at a lower heat level before submitting the piece to the high-temperature (sintering) step for hardening. I’m not really sure why this apparently difficult technique succeeds where others had failed – and I suspect truly understanding the chemistry would be a much longer discussion – but Blancpain says it is the product of several years of trials. Anyhow, I believe them that getting it right, with a uniform color across all the parts was a challenge – otherwise, we would have seen it before.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Now In Blue Ceramic Case Watch Releases

The all-blue ceramic case of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II is 43.60mm across by 15.25mm thick, and water-resistant to 300 meters. Lug width is an unconventional 23mm, putting a damper on your strap-changing zeal. We can all agree that ceramic’s non-scratching and non-fading properties are both very positive, but I, for one, am not totally convinced of its suitability as a case material. Something like the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II will probably last for a long time and keep looking good if you aren’t too hard on it – but I have seen a chipped ceramic watch case and bracelet, and it isn’t pretty, so do keep it safe from drops and bangs. Making a sport watch in ceramic, to me, just emphasizes that it is a luxury object made to be worn in day-to-day situations, shown off among rich friends… and that a Seiko or a Casio is what will likely accompany real adventurers who plan on moving large rocks underwater.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Now In Blue Ceramic Case Watch Releases

Introduced in 2014 (hands-on with that Bathyscaph Flyback Chronograph here), the automatic caliber F385 runs at 5Hz (that’s a “hi-beat” 36,000bph) with a 50-hour power reserve, and features a 12-hour flyback chronograph, small seconds, and the date. The sapphire crystal case-back offers a dang lovely view of the movement and the 18k gold rotor with the Ocean Commitment logo.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Now In Blue Ceramic Case Watch Releases

Price for each of the 250-piece limited-edition Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment watches will be £14,000 (which is currently around US$17,000). For each piece sold, €1,000 (totaling €250,000 for the full run) will go to supporting scientific expeditions as part of Blancpain’s Ocean Commitment project. blancpain.com

Where Can I Buy Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Replica Watches Essentials

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Even as purveyors of arguably one of the world’s first truly purpose-built dive watches, there’s no denying it’s been a long time since Blancpain has even been remotely close to the tool watch realm it once pioneered. That being said, it’s still neat to see the brand revisit those days with a marked degree of panache in the recently announced Tribute to Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec – a watch that might cost $14,000, but it’s still every bit the capable tool once relied upon by combat divers in the late fifties.

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Price notwithstanding, there’s a lot to love about this new limited-edition entry to the Fifty Fathoms line – which is likely why the watch is enjoying dive watch lover “sleeper hit” status post-Baselworld. Largely released without major fanfare, part of the Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec watch’s appeal are its conservative dimensions and faithful adherence to the design codes of the original Mil-Spec. But a key dimension of its appeal is likely Blancpain’s inclusion of a critical feature of the original: a working replica of the “watertightness” moisture indicator at 6:00.

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Back in the early days “when sex was safe and diving was dangerous,” dive watches weren’t the rugged, reliable tools we’re familiar with today. Though paramount to a diver’s safety, the earliest examples were still susceptible to damage by shock, plagued by poor visibility in low light, and built with cases ill-equipped to handle great ocean depths. Unsatisfied with issued watches that couldn’t (quite literally) perform under pressure, French combat swimmer corps commanders Captain Robert Maloubier and Lieutenant Claude Riffaud sought out the grandfather of the Fifty Fathoms, Jean-Jacques Fiechter, who was already hard at work on a design that would address these very symptoms.

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

But the Blancpain Watch Case Replica that became standard-issue to the UDT teams commanded by Maloubier and Riffaud wasn’t Fiechter’s original Fifty Fathoms design, but one that contained an added safeguard: a quirky watertightness indicator that would alert the wearer if their watch was compromised. Now, it’s worth clarifying that such an indicator is a little bit like a smoke detector – it only points out the obvious, and does little to prevent the fire. But back in 1957 when the design was pioneered and soon adopted on all dive watches issued to combat swimmers, a diver only needed to know if his watch could be trusted or not.

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

If the watch was compromised (as many watches were prone to back then), he needed to rely on alternate means for timekeeping, or abort the dive to avoid decompression sickness (or worse). It’s also probably worth pointing out that such a safeguard is admittedly somewhat silly on an ultra-modern dive watch that’s already water-resistant to a crushing 300 meters (and costs $14k), but the charm of the Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec isn’t its utility, but its admirable commitment to the source material.

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On
At 29.2mm, the Blancpain Villeret Date Moonphase is a really small watch considering there’s a moon period and a date and a hand, a rare advantage in a tiny women’ automatic. It is proof of Blancpain’s commitment to producing size-appropriate high-grade calibers dedicated to ladies’ watches at its own elite collections. The date is spaced out only in the hour trail, signaled by a red-tipped pointer. The bezel is set with 48 diamonds and there are eight diamond indexes as well as four applied Roman numerals in the touch Villeret font. There are two references, one in 18k gold, priced at $19,900, and in steel at16,600. Together with Blancpain’s handsome Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe spending the last few release cycles at the limelight, it was just time that the brand’s authentic battle diver get its due. This year, for Baselworld 2017, Blancpain is paying tribute to the Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec 1 Watch, the first UDT-issued dive watch especially designed with a working “watertightness,” or humidity, index right on the dial.Due to their service lifetime, surviving vintage examples of issued Mil-Spec Blancpain divers are incredibly rare, and so highly coveted amongst vintage collectors.

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Speaking of source material, though the case size on the Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec has been increased from 37mm to 40mm, it’s still a merciful reduction from the last time we saw a Tribute to Fifty Fathoms, which managed to actually wear bigger than its sacrilegious 45mm case width. This 40mm case is really the sweet spot for Blancpain divers like the Mil-Spec, which finally strikes that fine balance between carrying the highly polished visual weight of being a modern “luxury diver” while still staying true to Fiechter’s original vision. If this is a harbinger of what’s to come for the next generation of Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms collection, consider us fans.

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

But back to the moisture indicator for a moment – an indicator one would pray one never sees change color, especially on a watch at this price range. On the original, the idea was that in the event of a moisture ingress, the contrasting white region of the half-circle on the dial would change to a dark pink color. And the less contrast you see between the two, the greater your service bill is going to be. Blancpain wasn’t entirely clear about what materials actually comprise the indicator, but it’s raised and subtly textured like the surrounding luminous plots. Functionality-wise, it’s not unlike a water contact indicating tape you might find from manufacturers like 3M.

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Since the moisture indicator has no connection with the inner workings of the Blancpain New Watches Replica (unlike Sinn’s Ar-capsule technology which functions as an active dehumidifier for the movement), Blancpain’s Caliber 1150 is allowed to perform as-is. Given the smaller profile of the case, Blancpain was wise to select a slimmer movement, rather than use the 1315 found on other Fifty Fathoms editions like the Bathyscaphe. Thus, the power reserve drops from 120 hours to 96 – which is still a generous number, thanks to its twin-barrel design. The watch is finished with an exhibition caseback, granting a view of the platinum alloy-coated gold rotor – an extravagant detail for a watch with such humble beginnings, but a nice one to look at, nonetheless.

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec is available on one of three options: Blancpain’s now-familiar rubber-backed sailcloth, a stainless steel bracelet, or a black NATO strap – the latter of which seems to best disguise the price point and match the watch’s UDT trappings most efficiently between the three. The price on the bracelet is $14,100. blancpain.com

Cheapest Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh Watch Replica Watches Buy Online

Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh Watch Watch Releases

It is a common belief that God is omnipresent, but as the physical identity of God is still a mystery, we humans connect with the Almighty by practicing different religions in different parts of the world. And every religion offers a representation of God which can be used as an object of worship and symbolism. Why am I rambling on about a topic like religion, and how exactly does it relate to horology? I would like to introduce to you the Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh watch.

The Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh watch, as the name indicates, is a tribute to the Hindu Lord Ganesha, and it is a new offering from Blancpain’s Villeret line of watches. Lord Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka (Knowlegeable) and Vighneshwara (Lord of obstacles) is one of the most worshipped deities in the Hindu religion. Another interesting fact about Lord Ganesha is that he is known as the patron of arts, and Blancpain launching the stunningly artistic Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh watch around Lord Ganesha’s birthday couldn’t be a better birthday present for him.

At first, Blancpain has hardly touched the basic design in the 30-odd years since its introduction. The stepped case design is a staple by today (and here’s hoping Blancpain never changes that). It’s seriously one of my favorite things about this watch. However, small things, like the position of the date and month, and the size of the moon, have changed. However, the biggest change has been the slow but continuous size growth of the case (in both diameter and height). The Complete Calendar simply is not as lean as its once was. In reality, it’s certainly not ultra-thin, but more on this later.Blancpain informs us that the opinion received its first upgrade in the early 1990s, when Blancpain switched to the F. Piguet Caliber 1150 as a new foundation, with two brand new plates (numbers 65 and 67). The first switched the order of the day and month exhibits, while the second shifted the moon’s place on the dial, thus enabling the moments to be signaled in six o’clock co-axially with the moon screen. The new calibers (6553 and 6763( respectively) were slightly larger in diameter (32mm vs. 27mm) but they were thinner than their record-breaking predecessor (by .08mm), indicating Blancpain’s desire to pursue dimension because a member of its selling points.The latest Blancpain Watch Restoration Replica nonetheless, goes the opposite direction. On the dial, the biggest update is that the movement of the minutes hand into the center, along with the return of a broad moonphase at six o’clock. The benefit there is that you receive a bigger moonphase and a much better perspective of its discernibly joyous face. It’s a complication with a few serious charm.
Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh Watch Watch Releases

The Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh is a product of Blancpain’s award-winning Métiers D’Art studio located in Vallée de Joux. The Métiers D’Art studio is renowned for a wide range of artistic crafts including fine engraving, enameling, damascening, shakudō, and more. Having won the Artistic Crafts prize for the Blancpain Villeret Shakudo Ganesh watch in 2015, Métiers d’Art studio is back with another unique interpretation of the Ganesh theme in the Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh watch. The beautiful portrait of Lord Ganesha on the dial of the Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh is a result of combining fine engraving, damascening, and shakudō, and is testimony to the skills and craftsmanship of Blancpain’s artisans.

Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh Watch Watch Releases

The black patina on the dial of the Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh is achieved with the help of shakudō, which is an alloy of gold and copper. Unpatinated shakudō resembles bronze, and Blancpain’s artisans delicately treat the surface multiple times to achieve the final subtle black shades that mark this art form which was originally developed for the decoration of swords and jewellery. Another art form which adorns this dial, and whose application in watchmaking is limited to Blancpain, is damascening. Damascening is the art of inlaying different metals into one another, and it is utilized to hand-carve fine designs on the dial of the Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh watch, following which gold is hammered into the resulting troughs.

Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh Watch Watch Releases

Continuing the golden theme on the intricately finished dial of the Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh, this watch is equipped with a 45mm-wide red gold case with Blancpain’s signature double-stepped bezel, adding to the overall warmth of the design. At the helm of this watch is the ultra slim manually wound in-house caliber 15B, offering a power reserve of 40 hours. The movement has been moderately decorated with finely hand-applied Côtes de Genève along with beveling and circular graining, and can be viewed from the transparent case back.

The Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh is literally a one-of-a-kind watch, as only one is being produced. It is targeted towards devotees of Lord Ganesha who want to maintain a divine connection with him every single second of the day by having his picture on the dial of their watch. The Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh comes on a brown alligator strap with a price of £111,550. blancpain.com

How Much Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Blue & Ceramic Watch Hands-On Replica Watches Buy Online

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Blue & Ceramic Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The past few years have seen the launch and steady expansion of Blancpain’s Bathyscaphe line up. In 2013, we saw the original three-hander, 2014 gave us the Bathyscaphe Chronograph, and then the beautifully blue Bathyscaphe Ocean Commitment Chronograph came in 2015. This year, Blancpain completed the family portrait with the latest iteration of the Bathyscaphe, which quite successfully puts the look and construction of the Ocean Commitment Chronograph into the original three-hand design.

In broad strokes, if you know the standard Bathyscaphe three-hander, you are well on your way to understanding this new version. While the basic form remains thankfully unchanged, this new model is more than just a blue dial and bezel as its 43.6 mm case is made of grey ceramic. This is not the first time that Blancpain has used ceramic for the case of a Bathyscaphe three-hander and, much like the preceding Ocean Commitment Chronograph, this version has a lovely brushed blue dial and ceramic bezel with Liquidmetal hour markers.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Blue & Ceramic Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Blue & Ceramic Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Until you have it in your hands, you could be excused for thinking that the case was metal, as it carries the warmth of titanium and a beautifully brushed finish. Upon lifting this diver from the table the ceramic feels solid, smooth like glass, and lighter than you might expect. The official reference is 5000-0240-NAOA (with the nato strap) but I wish they had called it something, anything, aside from just Bathyscaphe. I suppose we’ll all just know it as the blue Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Blue & Ceramic Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Still 13.8mm thick and water resistant to 300m, the blue dial and bezel make for a considerably different vibe than its siblings, perhaps not quite as austere. Less tactical than the monochromatic alternatives, the blue Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe (aside from its ceramic case and 43.6mm sizing) has the demeanor of a watch designed in the early days of diving. Its crystal-clear legibility and razor-sharp detailing is juxtaposed by the warm and inviting blue tones of the dial and bezel. If the Bathyscaphe is an attempt to carry vintage Blancpain design elements into a modern luxury diver, I think this blue version is the most successful iteration we’ve seen to date.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Blue & Ceramic Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Till you’ve got it in your hands, you could be excused for thinking that the case was metal, as it conveys the warmth of titanium and a beautifully brushed finish. Upon lifting this diver from the table the ceramic feels strong, smooth like glass lighter than you might anticipate. The official reference is 5000-0240-NAOA (with all the nato strap) but I wish they’d called it something, anything, aside from just Bathyscaphe. Less tactical than the monochromatic options, the grim Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe (aside from the ceramic case and also 43.6mm sizing) has the demeanor of a watch designed in the first days of diving. Its crystal-clear legibility and sharp detailing is obscured from the warm and inviting blue tones of the dial and bezel. If the Bathyscaphe is an attempt to take vintage Blancpain design components into a contemporary luxury diver, I think this blue version is easily the most prosperous iteration we’ve seen to date.Visible by means of a screen case back, the blue Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe uses Blancpain’s calibre 1315 – the exact same movement used by all the three-hand Bathyscaphes. This 4Hz in-house automated motion uses three mainspring barrels to offer 120 hours of power reserve because of the display of the date and time. Designed to become tool-ready, the 1315 is function above form and has been used in several of Blancpain’s dive watches in the past.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Blue & Ceramic Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Visible via a display case back, the blue Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe uses Blancpain’s calibre 1315 – the same movement used by all of the three-hand Bathyscaphes. This 4Hz in-house automatic movement uses three mainspring barrels to offer 120 hours of power reserve for its display of the time and date. Designed to be tool-ready, the 1315 is function over form and has been used in several of Blancpain’s dive watches in the past.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Blue & Ceramic Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Blue & Ceramic Watch Hands-On Hands-On

I remember loving the original crop of Bathyscaphes back in 2013, and this blue model is an even stronger fit for my tastes while also being an incredibly unrealistic request of my wallet. The ceramic case ensures top billing in the three-hand Bathyscaphe pecking order, and indeed the blue Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe claims a tidy $12,800 USD, mounted to either the pictured high-quality blue NATO or Blancpain’s frankly excellent sail canvas two-piece strap. Following the example set by the Ocean Commitment Chronograph, the blue Bathyscaphe offers a similar appeal in a more simplified layout that is certainly eye-catching and should look even better underwater. If you happen to take one diving, I’d love to see the photos. blancpain.com

High Grade Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Special Edition Watch For The Ladies In Your Life Replica At Best Price


Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Special Edition Watch For The Ladies In Your Life Watch Releases

The 2017 Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Special Edition.

When it comes to fine watches, it sometimes seems like every day is Father’s Day. No need to create a special watch to celebrate men, since most mechanical timepieces are already geared to male aficionados. Blancpain, however, thoughtfully singles out women once a year for a special-edition watch designed to be gifted to a woman on St. Valentine’s Day. Blancpain, the maker of such tough-guy timepieces as the Fifty Fathoms and sophisticated complications like the Tourbillon Carrousel, has been making ladies watches since 1930, and lays claim to having made the first automatic watch for ladies.

Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Special Edition Watch For The Ladies In Your Life Watch Releases

I recall loving the original crop of Bathyscaphes back in 2013, and this grim model is a much stronger fit for my tastes while also being a very unrealistic request of my wallet. The ceramic case guarantees top billing from the three-hand Bathyscaphe pecking order, and indeed the blue Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe asserts a neat $12,800 USD, mounted to the pictured high quality blue NATO or Blancpain’s honestly excellent sail canvas two-piece strap. After the example set by the Ocean Commitment Chronograph, the blue Bathyscaphe supplies a similar charm in a more simplified layout that’s certainly eye-catching and should look even better underwater. Should you happen to choose 1 diving, I’d love to see the photos. On May 5, 2016, CH Premier and Blancpain will soon be hosting an evening cocktail reception and speaking engagement with Blancpain US Brand President, David Gely, where he will speak about the brand’s longstanding connection to the underwater world and its commitment to preserving and protecting the planet’s oceans. Blancpain and CH Premier invite watch lovers in the Santa Clara, California area to attend.On May 5, 2016, CH Premier and also Blancpain will be hosting an evening cocktail reception and talking involvement with Blancpain US Brand President, David Gely, where he will discuss the brand’s longstanding link with the underwater world and its own dedication to protecting and preserving the planet’s oceans.

Caseback of the 2017 Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Special Edition

In addition to making ultra-slim movements for women, the company also makes a Quantième Retrograde with retrograde date and a Complete Calendar with moon phase. The movements used for the Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day watches are all mechanical – Blancpain has never made a quartz movement – most designed specifically for ladies’ watches. Since the Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Blancpain Watches Tourbillon Replica was first introduced in 2001, it has been powered by several different movements, most with center seconds hands, which is rare on a ladies’ mechanical timepiece. The calibers used in the past Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day watches include the ultra-thin automatic Caliber 1150 with 100-hour power reserve; Caliber 6763 automatic day-date, with pointer-type date display; Caliber F185, a flyback chronograph, originally used by the brand in 1998 to power the world’s first ladies’ flyback chronograph; the “Lady Bird” Caliber 6150, which at the time it was introduced (in the 1950s) was the world’s smallest automatic movement (15.7mm diameter).

Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Special Edition Watch For The Ladies In Your Life Watch Releases

The 2003 version of the Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Special Edition.

Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Special Edition Watch For The Ladies In Your Life Watch Releases

At first glance, Blancpain has hardly touched the simple design in the 30-odd years since its debut. The stepped case design is a staple by now (and here is hoping Blancpain never changes that). It’s seriously one of my favorite things about this particular watch. However, little things, like the place of the date and month, and the size of the moon, have shifted. However, the biggest change has been the slow but continuous size increase of this instance (in both diameter and height). The Complete Calendar simply isn’t as lean as its formerly was. In fact, it’s definitely not ultra-thin, but more on this later.Blancpain informs us that the opinion received its first upgrade in the early 1990s, when Blancpain switched to the F. Piguet Caliber 1150 as a fresh base, with two brand new plates (numbers 65 and 67). The first switched the order of the month and day exhibits, while the second shifted the moon’s place on the dial, hence enabling the seconds to be indicated in six o’clock co-axially together with the moon screen. Reference 6654 is still powered by the exact same base motion, Caliber 1150, but it introduces yet another new plate (no. 66), which increases both the thickness (5.32mm) and diameter (32mm) of the movement. On the dial, the biggest update is the move of the minutes hand into the center, and the yield of a wide moonphase at half an hour. The benefit there is that you get a bigger moonphase and a better view of its discernibly joyous face. It is a complication with some severe charm.

The 2004 version of the Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Special Edition.

The Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Blancpain Watches Vintage Replica has been a tradition since 2001 and usually includes a heart motif placed artfully somewhere on the watch. This year, it is formed by a cluster of 19 rubies set into the dial at 12 o’clock. The rubies are buff-top cut, a mixed cut that typically has a smooth upper half and a faceted pavilion, a combination that creates light return even when a gem is set flush into metal – particularly when it is set into a thin layer of metal, such as a watch dial, where no light penetrates the pavilion. The heart has had several interesting incarnations on the special editions. In the 2007 piece, the inner mother-of-pearl dial was heart-shaped. In 2009 the small seconds subdial was outlined by rubies set to form a heart shape. On the 2011 version, a heart-shaped ruby was set discreetly at 12 o’clock flush with the diamonds on the bezel. The dial of the 2013 edition featured five red-lacquered mother-of-pearl hearts, with the hearts repeated on the rotor and case side. A heart charm dangles from the strap of the 2016 edition.

Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Special Edition Watch For The Ladies In Your Life Watch Releases

The 2017 version of the Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day Special Edition.

The 2017 Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day edition is a great, robust everyday watch, with a steel case, 50-meter water resistance, and an automatic movement, the ultra-slim Caliber 913. It has a glucydur balance wheel fitted with micrometric regulating screws, and a balance spring made of silicon, the low density of which makes it particularly light and shock-resistant. Silicon is also anti-magnetic. The gold rotor is given a snailed bevel and polished angles, as well as straight and circular Côtes de Genève patterns. The Blancpain logo is red to match the ruby heart on the dial. It comes with two interchangeable alligator leather straps, one in red and the other in white. Like all Blancpain St. Valentine’s Day watches, it is a limited edition, this one engraved and numbered from one to 99. The seconds hand is shaped like a Cupid’s arrow, with a red tip. Otherwise, the dial is set only with diamond markers and three Roman numerals in the collection’s signature font. The 29mm case’s bezel and lugs are set with 68 diamonds. It is priced at $14,900. blancpain.com

How To Buy Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner Replica Wholesale Suppliers

Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

The lauded Rolex Submariner is one of the most popular luxury watches in the world. Easily the most popular steel-cased (or otherwise) luxury diving watch, the Rolex Submariner sets the bar in many ways when it comes to timepieces of its type, at its price point. aBlogtoWatch has reviewed the Rolex Submariner here, offered a long-term review of the Rolex Submariner No Date watch here, and even compared the Rolex Submariner to its “cousin” watch the Tudor Heritage Black Bay here. With that said, the Rolex Submariner isn’t for everyone, and a lot of people who already have a Rolex Submariner still like the genre of high-end steel sports diving watches and are interested in other watches like it.

Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

Let me first say that Rolex as a brand, and the Rolex Submariner as a model, are among the most copied things out there. Not only is there a vast underworld of fake (which we very much recommend against) Rolex watches, there are lots of “lookalike” timepieces out there which merely seek to emulate the look and feel of a Rolex Submariner for the benefit of another brand. Those aren’t the types of watches I’ll be talking about in this list. Oh, and I’d also like to say that all of the watches included in this top 10 list are being currently produced at the time of this article’s writing – but it is possible to find other stuff out there that is no longer in production.

Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

To kick-off a possible new article series, I’d like to list my personal top 10 alternatives to the Rolex Submariner that still exist within the design, quality, and overall luxury pricing of the Rolex Submariner. Further, I’d like to focus on dive watches that share a few important things in common with the Rolex Submariner. Those things, for our purposes, are 1) available steel or titanium case construction with matching bracelet, 2) high-quality mechanical movement, 3) time-only display (date optional), 4) mostly (or entirely) monochromatic design with dark colored dial, and 5) a sporty design that can be feasibly be dressed up for a more elegant or formal look.

Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

Nothing can absolutely replace the Rolex Submariner, and in many ways the Rolex Submariner is the best of its kind when blending price, features, and quality. Also, Rolex has some of its own “alternatives” to the Submariner which arguably include the Rolex GMT-Master II, Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000, and the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller. I won’t mention those below, but you should know about these more “deep-diving” watches that Rolex produces which are technically Submariner alternatives as well (even though they arguably look very similar).

Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

Last, I would like to mention a few basic tech specs of the Rolex Submariner to keep in mind. The Blancpain Watch Movements Replica is 40mm wide in 904L steel, water-resistant to 300 meters, and has a wonderful matching bracelet that has a handy micro-adjust system for a more precise fit that can be adjusted on the fly. Rolex uses their own in-house-made movement which promise arguably class-leading performance, and the Rolex Submariner’s bezel is produced from ceramic. Current retail price for the steel Rolex Submariner 114060 “No Date” is $7,500, and the Rolex Submariner Date 116610 is $8,550.

Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

Strengths: 45mm wide and with an in-house movement, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5015 (aBlogtoWatch review here) collection has an available steel model with a matching bracelet and black dial that is thematically in the same category at the Rolex Submariner. It is expensive, but it is also well-made and beautiful.

Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

How it compares: With a heritage similar to the Rolex Submariner in terms of origin and purpose, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms currently exists a bit higher on the price ladder than the Rolex Submariner, even though it arguably isn’t a “better” watch. The Fifty Fathoms does have an attractive curved sapphire crystal over the bezel (versus ceramic), and which you prefer is a matter of taste. Blancpain’s has a different look that some say is a bit more on the elegant versus “tool watch” side. The Blancpain is also the more original choice with a higher price premium and far fewer of them out there.

Price: $14,500

Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

Tudor Heritage Black Bay

Strengths: Tudor is owned by the same people as Rolex (they are careful to say they are not owned by Rolex), so there is a lot of design and construction carry-over from “the crown” brand. Starting in 2016, the Tudor Heritage Black Bay (hands-on here) also has an in-house movement along with a handful of interesting design refinements. It is easily one of the best values around when comparing design, construction, and mechanics.

Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

How it compares: The Tudor Black Bay is slightly larger than the 40mm Rolex Submariner with a 41mm-wide steel case, and it is a bit thicker as well. Perhaps the biggest “down-side” is its aluminum bezel insert material versus the Rolex Submariner’s more durable ceramic – though you do get more interesting color options in the Heritage Black Bay, such as burgundy red. Solid dial design was historically inspired by the Rolex Submariner, so the differences are only slight, though noticeable.

Price: $3,675

Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean

Strengths: Omega has spent decades refining and honing its Seamaster collection… which has actually resulted in a huge amount of variety. At the top of the ladder when it comes to fancy dive watches is the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, which combines the appeal of a serious diving tool with a good-looking lifestyle product. The Planet Ocean is just sober enough to not look showy, but it certainly has an impressive wrist presence and a lot of very attractive movements today.

Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

How it compares: Comparing the Omega Planet Ocean to the Rolex Submariner really depends on the model since Omega makes not only different sizes, but different versions – and that applies even to just the three-hand automatic models (the image above shows the Planet Ocean Master Chronometer). There is no perfect 40mm-wide analog, but there are Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean models similar to the Rolex Submariner in terms of features and size. While Rolex still arguably wins when it comes to fit and finishing, Omega is clearly chasing Rolex when it comes to movement performance, dial and case construction, as well as overall popularity. It’s certainly worth a close look.

Price: Starting at around 5,700 CHF

Until you have it in your hands, you might be excused for thinking that the case was metal, because it carries the warmth of titanium and a superbly brushed finish. Upon lifting this diver from the dining table that the ceramic feels solid, smooth like glass , and lighter than you might expect. The official mention is 5000-0240-NAOA (using all the nato strap) but I wish they had called it something, anything, aside from just Bathyscaphe. Less strategic than the monochromatic options, the grim Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe (aside from its ceramic case and 43.6mm sizing) has the demeanor of a watch designed in the first days of diving. Its crystal-clear legibility and sharp detailing is obscured from the warm and inviting blue tones of the dial and bezel. If the Bathyscaphe is an attempt to take vintage Blancpain design elements into a modern luxury diver, I think this blue version has become the most prosperous iteration we have seen to date.Visible via a display case back, the gloomy Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe uses Blancpain’s calibre 1315 – exactly the exact same movement used by all of the three-hand Bathyscaphes. This 4Hz in-house automatic movement uses three mainspring barrels to provide 120 hours of power reserve for the display of the time and date. Made to be tool-ready, the 1315 is function over form and has been utilized in many of Blancpain’s dive watches in the past.
Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

Bulgari Diagono Scuba

Strengths: The newest generation Bulgari Diagono Scuba (aBlogtoWatch review here) is the best Diagono diver Do Blancpain Watches Hold Their Value Replica made to date, offering an interesting Italian-theme to the idea of a Rolex Submariner alternative. Built on the Diagono family of watches, you see distinctive design elements such as the hinge-style lugs, bracelet, and dial design, which here is the cleanest we’ve ever seen it on a Diagono Scuba. It also happens to mix sportiness with elegance very well, just like the Rolex Submariner

Top 10 Watch Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner ABTW Editors' Lists

How it Compares: The 41mm-wide Diagono Scuba is about the same width as the Rolex Submariner, and they have similar thickness profiles as well. On the wrist, they have a very different feel, even though they attempt to serve the same purposes. Both are 300-meter-water-resistant divers and contain in-house movements. The Bulgari Diagono Scuba doesn’t have a ceramic bezel (it uses an all steel design) but is an admirable and lower-priced Rolex Submariner alternative with a more modern, designer twist to it.

Price: 6,400 CHF

Where Can I Buy Starting Point: Best Dressy Chronograph Watches Replica At Lowest Price

Starting Point: Best Dressy Chronograph Watches ABTW Editors' Lists

Here at aBlogtoWatch, we have covered our fair share of chronograph watches, and oftentimes they can be bunched into the “sportier” side of life. This isn’t to say that there aren’t chronographs out there that can be seen as dressy; in fact, with so many brands evolving their lines to include new materials and classier touches, the range of options have grown vastly to broaden the role that a chronograph can serve.

Whether it be a cleaner, uncluttered dial or a gold case, a chronograph can be just as much at home in a suit as it can with jeans and a t-shirt. Foregoing any loud color choices, styling, and general “sportiness,” these dressy chronographs are subtle without coming off stuffy or too formal – classy with something of an edge, you could say. The goal when looking for one is to find what works best for you, and we have compiled a list that should serve as a great “starting point” to your personal collection. With these things in mind, let’s take a look at just a few of your options.

Bulgari Octo Velocissimo Ultranero Chronograph

Starting Point: Best Dressy Chronograph Watches ABTW Editors' Lists

With its octagonal case, dressed up to shine thanks to a total of over 100 facets, polished and applied indices and a deep black dial, this Bulgari Octo Velocissimo strikes a rare balance between masculine, sporty design, and powerful restraint. Bulgari offers several variants in the Octo collection, so you can go from this all steel version all the way to the even more serious-looking version with a combination of a black DLC case and an 18k gold bezel, hands and indices.

Starting Point: Best Dressy Chronograph Watches ABTW Editors' Lists

It is not easy to successfully mix timeless, elegant design with unique treats. Thanks to this powerful mixture of curves and hard angles, shining bright and brushed surfaces, and a relatively small 41mm wide case, the Bulgari Octo Velocissimo does manage to tick a lot of boxes. The movement is a Zenith El Primero-based BVL328 that is stunning to view through the sapphire crystal back. Pricing starts $9,900 for the steel cased version on the black leather strap.

A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph

Should you look carefully, you will observe that the moon has eyelashes, lips that seem as if lipstick was implemented and, what’s that? — a beauty place. The artificial analgesic or beauty spot (called a mouche for its similarity of a fly) was regarded in 18th century France as symbolizing a playfully teasing attitude. Mouches were utilized by coquettish ladies of the Court as messages for their suitors that contrasts based on where they were placed.The motion is a next-generation standard created by Blancpain especially for ladies’ watches and is a good example of the commitment being made by luxury watch brands to come up with a stable of calibers sized for ladies’ watches that are equipped with all the progress in watchmaking that are often reserved only for men’s movements. The Caliber 913QL is an evolution of the women’s Caliber 953, a 21mm-diameter movement that has been a staple of ladies’ watches at Blancpain. It stays the identical size but now has a high performance silicon equilibrium spring. Silicon’s low density makes it lighter and thus more shock-resistant. It is also impervious to magnetic fields and also more stable, with enhanced isochronism.In addition, the 913 includes a glucydur balance wheel with golden micrometric regulating screws, which makes it flexible and more shock-resistant compared to its predecessor. There’s also a better winding system that employs a ball-bearing mounted rotor. The sapphire case back reveals the rotor, which is reddish gold with a snailed bevel, glistening chamfers and straight and circular Côtes de Genève patterns. It’s a 40-hour power reserve.

Starting Point: Best Dressy Chronograph Watches ABTW Editors' Lists

It would be hard to make a list like this without including the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph. One of Germany’s finest watchmakers, Lange has never really been about large watches – and we have all forgotten about that experimental Lange 31 that was 46mm wide, right? The 1815, with its sleek white gold case, thin lugs and discreet, rectangular pushers is as classic in its look as they get. Chronographs of today do tend to be too bulky for the sake of being bulky, but at 39.5mm, this Blancpain Fake Watches Replica is ideally sized to suit its reserved wrist-presence.

Starting Point: Best Dressy Chronograph Watches ABTW Editors' Lists

Powered by the exquisite Caliber L951.5, the 1815 has a healthy power reserve of 60 hours. This particular A Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph Boutique Edition is professional-looking even with the added pulsometer on the flange ring and, with a dark-blue leather strap, should have no trouble to be matched to whatever you put on for your suit-up day. It won’t be on every other wrist either with a price of 49,000 Euros.

Cartier Rotonde Chronograph

Starting Point: Best Dressy Chronograph Watches ABTW Editors' Lists

Dressy elegance and Cartier are a match made in heaven. With this Rotonde de Cartier Chronograph (Reference CRWSRO0002), Cartier succeeded in designing a timepiece that truly embodies the exquisite finishing and classic styling the brand is known for. Some could argue that the dial is a bit busy, and though it might be, the large hands and trademark Cartier Roman numerals all make for above-average-legibility.

The stainless steel case is pictured here, but Cartier also offers the Rotonde in 18k white or pink gold – and even with the steel you, of course, also get the added touch of the blue spinel cabochon. . Consider this piece is powered by the in-house caliber 1904-CH MC and you have not only a beautiful watch, but also the added bragging rights of a proprietary movement. Priced at $9,050, the Rotonde de Cartier Chronograph is a true classic – albeit arguably not one with the most competitive price.

Vacheron Constantin Historique Cornes De Vache 1955 Chronograph

Starting Point: Best Dressy Chronograph Watches ABTW Editors' Lists

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes De Vache 1955 revives vintage chronograph vibes like hardly anything else released in recent years. At 38.5mm, this platinum reinterpretation of Vacheron’s Reference 6087 wears a little smaller than your average chronograph, and the famed “cow-horn” lugs add to the vintage-inspired touch. Its white dial is elegant and straight-forward and its thin baton hands are just the right length.

Starting Point: Best Dressy Chronograph Watches ABTW Editors' Lists

The in-house Calibre 1142 is the epitome of classic mechanical chronograph movement design, and the case’s sapphire crystal back permits an excellent view. The modest size of the Cornes De Vache, again a plus here, allows it to fit nicely under shirt cuffs and the dark alligator strap is smart and safe choice. Price, even with the platinum case and the remarkable movement, is up there at $75,000.

Starting Point: Best Dressy Chronograph Watches ABTW Editors' Lists

Patek Philippe 5170R-010

The Patek Philippe 5170R-010 has a rather similar dial layout to the Cartier and the Lange we have looked at above – and yet, the 5170R ends up being an incomparably different watch. Its dauphine hands, applied Breguet numerals and (relatively speaking) generously sized, 39.4 millimeter-wide rose gold case all make for a more powerful, and yet more classical look.

Starting Point: Best Dressy Chronograph Watches ABTW Editors' Lists

Patek Philippe does offer the 5170 in a few different versions, but it really is the rose gold (with either a white or black dial) that combines traditional with contemporary. Run by Patek’s hand-wound CH 29-535 PS, this is yet another look at the highest levels of traditional chronograph movement architecture. All this magnificence and the Patek name do come with a matching price: the Patek Philippe 5170R-010 is priced at $81,000. 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph

Starting Point: Best Dressy Chronograph Watches ABTW Editors' Lists

Given the nature of this list, I would be remiss if I left out the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph. This watch makes the list for several reasons, first of which is its ability to blend in or stand out depending on your attire. The trademark AP “grande tapisserie” dial is available in a number of colors and is paired with either stainless steel or 18k gold case variants. The famous avant-garde styling of the Royal Oak lends itself well to a dressier nature and the stunning link band makes for a perfect combination.

You can change the vibe of the Royal Oak Chronograph easily by simply matching it to either a rubber strap, black or brown alligator options, or AP’s amazing bracelets – which are, of course, available in gold or steel. The movement cannot measure up to those offered by AP and VC, but the solid 2385 automatic caliber has sure been around long enough to be tried and proven by now. In gold, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph is priced at $38,500.