... the Sports Collection (a new Aqualung!)!

Let’s start the Sports collection featuring one of the current most popular watches from Blancpain, the Fifty Fathoms. There is a new member in the family and most of you will be familiar with its name: the Tribute 2011 Aqualung.



Obviously it is a successor of the former Aqualungs, and since there will be no more watches from the Léman collection in the future (that collection is discontinued), it makes sense to show it in their Sport collection.



What is different to the current 45mm Fifty Fathoms (Ref. 5015-1130)? The hands, the numbers, the bezel, the matte finish of the case, the open case back, the rotor and the strap.






The limitation to 200 pieces. Well, the price is different as well ... even with the upcoming price increase…

The much-celebrated exhibition on vintage Fifty Fathoms watches (at the backmost right corner of the booth) contained some vintage Aqua Lungs, while we missed the novelty (as well as the current 45mm Fifty Fathoms altogether) in that showcase. Looks like there is strong history and nobody cares or understands...

Oli:
As you can see it looks very good on the wrist and even better in the metal. My biggest regret is that they didn’t case it in a slightly smaller one, which is a missed opportunity in my point of view.



Magnus:
With the Fifty Fathoms Blancpain has legitimate entrance into the hall of fame of diving watches. The manufacturer recognized its significance and introduced, in 2007, a new line that ticked all the right boxes: the gorgeous sapphire bezel, a contemporary size and the magnificent Cal. 1315 with its restrained, workmanlike finishing.

As a long time admirer (and three times almost owner) of an Aqualung (first the 38mm time only, then the 40mm Big Date) I am most thrilled with the appearance of the Ref. 5015 Aqualung. My only regret is the price tag of CHF 15’500 in steel with the new likable sailcloth strap. I’d dispense with the display back and the elaborate rotor (it’s a tool watch, for heaven’s sake!), and instead lower the price a (significant) bit.



Let’s face it: The ultimate legitimation for the modern 50 Fathoms would be its certification for any military, explorative or other physically demanding operation.

I am sure that such a certification would drive the watch world crazy. But I am also certain that this will not happen. Not because the 50 Fathoms would not stand such a test (I assume it would), but it would be much too expensive.

So what I would like to see is a 'budget' 50 Fathoms with a less elaborate bezel, a more basic case and less expensive finishing but built to withstand the elements as the current one - this does not really fit into Blancpain's haute horlogerie philosophie, doesn't it?

WAIT – there was once a watch called 'Bathyscaphe'...? We almost pray in unison: Hope, is there hope?

... the Le Brassus Collection (attention: adult!)!

Le Brassus is the name of blancpain's top tier collection and was treated with a bit of 'moving here and shaking there' type of activities. Essentially, the signature Carrousel and the new Minute Repeater with cathedral gongs are mixed together with different flavours as spices.

The Ref. 0232, a Carrousel Minute Repeater with Automaton for CHF 450’000…






… and the Ref. 0235, a Carrousel Minute Repeater for affordable CHF 385'000






Oli & Magnus:
What is the significance of this collection? Formerly, Le Brassus was the complicated line for the brand, but recently Blancpain introduced significant complications and combinations thereof also in the Villeret collection (see above), leaving us a bit clueless as to whether a more substantial 42mm case as almost the sole differentiating feature is enough.



I am convinced that the Ref. 235 could do better without the Carrousel hole... This year’s Le Brassus novelties are new combinations of existing complications, solid watchmaking but nothing groundbreaking and not really wearable. Certainly not for the classic markets. Nicely done, though, but is this enough?

... see next