Just arrived yesterday...Act 3 from Blancpain...
So...this has been a year of edge of the seat waiting...what would Blancpain release to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the world's first professional/commercial dive watch?
Act 1 - basically the same watch those of us collectors already had in the 45mm size released now in 42mm. Yawn.
Act 2 - the Tech Gombessa...WTF...47mm! "A watch for divers designed by divers" for saturation dives. OK...guess that's not me.
Act 3 - Milspec...check. 9k Gold and Bronze...check. Matching NATO strap...check. Case size 41.3mm...check. 100 hrs power reserve...check. 300M WR...check. Thickness of 13.3mm...check. Oh YES...this watch is definitely for me!
I called my contacts in Las Vegas when I saw the release info for this beauty. Got my allocation lined up right away..."We've checked with the home office in Switzerland and you are approved to purchase." Nice!
So how is the watch IRL?
Amazing...my daughter said it looks like the watch James Bond should be wearing...totally agree (I'm definitely not James Bond but one can fantasize). Hollywood take note...this should be the watch for the next JB movie.
The NATO is super comfortable, but I will be looking to pick up a nice sailcloth/rubber strap in 20mm as an option. For the price of this watch, they really should have provided one in the box.
As you can see from the images posted...the watch comes in a deep sea diving container. Very fun...but also very kitschy.
Overall...completely satisfied (despite the crazy price) and look forward to the possibility that one day they will reissue the original 1953 Fifty Fathoms to originals specs.
I really like chronographs especially vintage ones.
Wow! Awesome Piece! Great story and your daughter may have something there ;-)
Wowwww speechless
So, there is no sea slug on the back?
Another showstopper to your already stellar collection, Mel. Congrats 🤙❤️👌
Awesome!!! How long did you have to wait in line to get it from the Swatch shop?
Absolutely gorgeous watch!!! Congrats!!!
Congrats! Wear it in good health!!
Awesome!!! How long did you have to wait in line to get it from the Swatch shop?
Absolutely gorgeous watch!!! Congrats!!!
You know I asked them why it felt so heavy...I thought plastic was lighter than that...also it seemed really expensive...kinda like they added a zero to the price 😉
I doubt we will see this at the Blancpain boutique...
Another showstopper to your already stellar collection, Mel. Congrats 🤙❤️👌
Thanks for the kind words Brah!
It looks phenomenal 😁
So, there is no sea slug on the back?
Yeah...they dropped the ball on this one.
I kinda think this guy would have been perfect...
Wow! Awesome Piece! Great story and your daughter may have something there ;-)
Thanks!
It looks phenomenal 😁
Thanks! It really knocks your eyes out in real life.
Congratulations ! Looks really cool.
Wow!
Congrats Mel!
Will you get all the other colors?
😁😃😜
ok I suck - sorry for that!
For real looks lvery cool and unique. Diggin’ that big dome on the sapphire
Interesting to me, AD must “phone to head office to check you’re approved??”
Is it like Rolex and they won’t sell if head office has you black listed?? Please expand, I’m fascinated!
Wow!
Congrats Mel!
Will you get all the other colors?
😁😃😜
ok I suck - sorry for that!
For real looks lvery cool and unique. Diggin’ that big dome on the sapphire
Interesting to me, AD must “phone to head office to check you’re approved??”
Is it like Rolex and they won’t sell if head office has you black listed?? Please expand, I’m fascinated!
So the way it works is that each location only receives a limited allocation (generally one or two pieces).
Then they need to assess whether you are "qualified" to purchase the watch.
Since I already have two Fifty Fathoms in the collection, I'm guessing that helps them to know that I am not a flipper and a worthy potential owner.
This happens a lot with high demand limited editions.
It's truly fascinating to see what becomes available when you have relationships with the brands...stuff that never makes it into the boutiques because it sells out before it's even released.
For example, I happened to be in Geneva for Watches & Wonders this year and was able to meet with some of the top executives for JLC. I am a pretty decent client of JLC, so I was fortunate to get allocated one of these limited production watches (which is supposed to be arriving in the next few weeks)...
So the way it works is that each location only receives a limited allocation (generally one or two pieces).
Then they need to assess whether you are "qualified" to purchase the watch.
Since I already have two Fifty Fathoms in the collection, I'm guessing that helps them to know that I am not a flipper and a worthy potential owner.
This happens a lot with high demand limited editions.
It's truly fascinating to see what becomes available when you have relationships with the brands...stuff that never makes it into the boutiques because it sells out before it's even released.
For example, I happened to be in Geneva for Watches & Wonders this year and was able to meet with some of the top executives for JLC. I am a pretty decent client of JLC, so I was fortunate to get allocated one of these limited production watches (which is supposed to be arriving in the next few weeks)...
Fascinating! Thanks so much for expanding on that.
Watches and wonders must have been amazing for watches and for getting contacts within brands.
I wonder if you are allowed to ‘buy for a friend” 😜 - kidding! (well, for now anyway)
That JLC on order looks amazing 👌. Though I’d never have it turned toward the plain black dial side if I owned it !
Fascinating! Thanks so much for expanding on that.
Watches and wonders must have been amazing for watches and for getting contacts within brands.
I wonder if you are allowed to ‘buy for a friend” 😜 - kidding! (well, for now anyway)
That JLC on order looks amazing 👌. Though I’d never have it turned toward the plain black dial side if I owned it !
Watches & Wonders was really cool.
I heard I may get the invite again this year. Looking forward to it.
Better get the bank account ready for that 😉
Im stoked to see that this piece went to a real collector like yourself!! Congrats
Im stoked to see that this piece went to a real collector like yourself!! Congrats
Thanks! Appreciate the kind words.