Affordable BlancPain alternatives
Hello Fellow,
I just think I should have to make a compilation of BlancPain alternatives which we can pull out when we need it or someone asks for it.
I listed those watches which I think has some design influences of some BlancPain models. Some of the fifty fathoms, some of the Bathyscaphe, some of both.
Here are models from different brands. Established big brands or micro brands from enthusiasts.
I totally ignored watchbrands from Ali Express, copy cats and those made of plastic (aka bioceramic). Please don't take it personal. I'm not judging anyone. It's totally ok if like one of those.
The watches are organized in different price classes.
I will extend this list in furture, so if some of our fellows need an advice, we can just simply show him (or her) this list.
So if there is anything I should add please feel free to write it as a comment.
==========================================
Under 500
Casio MTD-1053D-1AV
Elysee Bronze Automativ 98022
Richard LeGrand Oceanfarer
Richard LeGrand Odyssea
Lorier Neptune
Spinnaker Fleus
Le Forban Sécurité Mer
Helm Miyako
==========================================
Under 1,000
Baltic Aquascaphe
Yema Pearldiver
Hemel Hydrodurance
Helson Skindiver
Certina DS PH200
Bulova Mil-Ships-W-2181
==========================================
Under 2,000
Squale Sub-39
==========================================
Under 3,000
Union Glashütte Noramis Datum Sport
Rado Captain Cook
==========================================
Honorable mention:
Seiko SNZH57 (Hard to find, but mostly overpriced)
Tissot Seastar
I think the old discontinued model t120.407.11.051.00 in Black with silver bezel indizes, has some Bathyscpahe vibes going on on it's dial
Chairman of Quarz Rights Watch Association, fighting for equal rights of Quarz Watches and reporting crimes against quarz watches by Mecascists (mecanical fascists) and abuses and missuses of Quarz-Or...
Helm Miyako has some FF vibes too.
Great list.
But none of those are made of plastic.
Great list, kudos for putting this together. That said - I don’t believe in the concept of “an alternative” watch. If you like the watch and you can afford it - buy it. If it’s outside of your budget or you’re simply not willing to spent whatever they ask for it - dig deeper until you find what you like for what it is.
My Spinnaker Bradner has something of the look of a BP to it as well.
Thanks for this. The Certina DS PH200 looks really nice
Thanks for sharing! There are some pretty cool watches on your list. Especially the Union Glashütte
Thanks for this. The Certina DS PH200 looks really nice
Yeah, somehow it gives the BP vibes but it's certainly its own beast.
I've got a Richard LeGrand Oceanfarer in green - I'm not so into dive watches so I consider my itch fully scratched with it, cheaper than a Blancpain Scuba too I'm pretty sure. The Bulova looks fun.
I've got a Richard LeGrand Oceanfarer in green - I'm not so into dive watches so I consider my itch fully scratched with it, cheaper than a Blancpain Scuba too I'm pretty sure. The Bulova looks fun.
Yea, the Bulova looks like a BlancPain wearing a String Tanga 🤭. Many here regret it after purchase, but Bulova rebuild it one to one as it was in the past. Anyway I wish they would had changed tge kug width.
Very nice, thanks for putting this together. I think the Helson is the most lovely of the bunch, I like it so much I've added one to my collection.
Helm Miyako has some FF vibes too.
Thanks for the hint. I just added to the list.
Great list, kudos for putting this together. That said - I don’t believe in the concept of “an alternative” watch. If you like the watch and you can afford it - buy it. If it’s outside of your budget or you’re simply not willing to spent whatever they ask for it - dig deeper until you find what you like for what it is.
Thanks.
I think it depends on what a collector or buyer is looking for.
If he/she is for the Watch model but for from this specific brand with it's image, the history, the status....then an alternative will never make someone happy. You can't just don't have another alternative to certain brand image.
But if someone is searching for a certain design, if she/he doens't care about the brand image and if the price differenc of the original and the homage are huge, than a "alternative" can bring joy and satisfaction.
The BlancPain costs around 13,000 Euro.
That's a price level even those who could afford are getting to the point to say: "It's just a damn watch" ;-)
Just the saved money will make people satisfyed to wear the homage.
But if the price point is on a reachable level....yea...people will always think about the original and I would recommend to save up to the watch.
Thanks for sharing! There are some pretty cool watches on your list. Especially the Union Glashütte
Yes, Union Glashütte is unfortunatly often overlooked by it's Glashütte neighbors.
But they are offering some awesome pieces in high quality for quite reasonable prices.
Thanks.
I think it depends on what a collector or buyer is looking for.
If he/she is for the Watch model but for from this specific brand with it's image, the history, the status....then an alternative will never make someone happy. You can't just don't have another alternative to certain brand image.
But if someone is searching for a certain design, if she/he doens't care about the brand image and if the price differenc of the original and the homage are huge, than a "alternative" can bring joy and satisfaction.
The BlancPain costs around 13,000 Euro.
That's a price level even those who could afford are getting to the point to say: "It's just a damn watch" ;-)
Just the saved money will make people satisfyed to wear the homage.
But if the price point is on a reachable level....yea...people will always think about the original and I would recommend to save up to the watch.
Agreed, if one is after a certain style of a watch - all make sense and that is exactly why I like the list above. Say you want a 38mm diver - here are your options, pick your favorite.
Vostok Komandirskie 030787
Interesting list, they are all great watches in their own way, not to mention the Tissot seastar