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Zach Blass
The yr 2023 marked just a few issues inside the world of watches. It was the seventieth anniversary celebration yr of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, and it additionally marked the start of peak MoonSwatch fatigue. For this reason, maybe, the arrival of the Swatch x Blancpain Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms in September of that yr was a brand new sizzling collaboration arriving on the scene simply in time. Some felt it was too late, that the concept of an in-Swatch-group collab had misplaced its steam and momentum – or, merely using the ragged coattails of the MoonSwatch momentum. Nevertheless, in the end, the numbers don’t lie, and with every article or social publish surrounding the collaboration, it was clear that Swatch x Blancpain there was loads of curiosity. That being mentioned, curiosity and buy intent are two various things, so whether or not the collaboration just isn’t your cup of tea or your favoured configuration eludes you at retail, I’ve compiled a listing of the very best Swatch x Blancpain Fifty Fathoms options that will pique your curiosity.
Earlier than we dive in, you will need to set up what precisely the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms affords. 9 variations of the watch have been offered to date, in all kinds of typically daring color schemes with some extra tame aesthetics. All the watches are cast in Swatch’s Bioceramic, with 90 metres water resistant instances that measure 42.3mm in diameter, 14.4mm thick, and 48mm lug-to-lug. They’re pushed by a Sistem 51 computerized motion that’s intriguingly fully machine assembled, motif-decorated, and has a powerful endurance of 90 hours.
Spoiler alert: the Swatch x Blancpain Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms apparently boasts the longest energy reserve out of all of the watches that will likely be talked about, and it’s cheaper than the entire watches talked about under at US$400, nevertheless it additionally has the bottom depth ranking.
Lorier Neptune Collection IV
Professionals: Extra sturdy and compact, supplied on a chrome steel bracelet, fan-favourite vintage-driven look.
Cons: Shorter energy reserve, just one color choice, US$99 extra costly.
Since its inception in 2017, Lorier has been well-received by watch fans for its higher-quality-for-a-lower-price designs. Remixing acquainted aesthetics sufficient to have a level of distinction and model identification, Lorier serves up crowdpleasers with every of its new evolutions and iterations. Certainly one of its most well-known designs is the Neptune, at the moment supplied in its Collection IV technology.
A screw-down-crown-secured 200 metres water resistant chrome steel watch, it comfortably clocks in at 39mm in diameter, 10.3mm thick (excluding its 2.4mm domed Hesalite crystal), and 46mm lug-to-lug. Its acrylic bezel has a bakelite aesthetic that introduces a classic really feel, and, just like the three central fingers and hour indices, utilises SuperLuminova for its timing scale. Inside, it’s pushed by a cheap 42-hour computerized Miyota 90S5 motion. That is definitely the value-driven various to the Swatch x Blancpain Fifty Fathoms for individuals who desire a extra vintage-driven dive watch staple aesthetic and a full chrome steel construct. Value: US$499
Timex Deepwater Reef 200 Titanium Automated 41mm Artificial Rubber Strap Watch
Professionals: Slimmer case, introduces grade 2 titanium at a lower cost, over 2x extra water resistant.
Cons: Shorter energy reserve, may very well be construed as homage-y, US$149 extra costly.
Timex has been levelling up its providing in recent times, introducing extra design selection and extra mechanical watches into its catalogue. Additionally it is discovering methods to do extra attention-grabbing watches with out climbing into larger value brackets. One such instance is the Deepwater Reef 200 Titanium Automated 41mm, which notably affords a 200 metres water resistant case in grade 2 titanium regardless of being lower than US$600. The case can be offered in a snug trendy measurement, measuring 41mm in diameter and 13mm thick.
Good or unhealthy, relying in your choice, the Deepwater continues the perceivable Timex development of leveraging and tributing design components popularised by different manufacturers. On this occasion, I don’t assume it’s a far stretch to say its designer blended components of a Rolex Submariner and Seiko 62MAS diver to try to ship some extra inexpensive fan service.
The squared-off lugs definitely carry a Seiko diver flavour to them, and the lume plot form, bezel font, and sapphire crystal with a cyclops-magnified date undoubtedly have a Submariner-esque really feel, however that doesn’t essentially detract from the admirable-for-the-price 200-metre water resistant titanium case. I additionally significantly benefit from the absolutely lumed bezel scale, and, additional driving dwelling the worth proposition, the truth that it’s powered by an computerized Miyota 8215 motion with 42 hours of energy reserve when Timex may have simply opted for some off-the-shelf quartz (no quartz snobbery meant). Value: US$549
Seiko Prospex SRPL53 PADI Particular Version
Professionals: Totally in-house, “trying up beneath the ocean” gradient dial, over 2x extra water resistant.
Cons: Shorter energy reserve, doubtlessly prolonged lug-to-lug, US$220 extra costly.
You’ll be able to nearly assure a Seiko in any and each options shopping for information, a testomony to the depth of its manufacturing prowess, price-points, and catalogue range – although we must always not low cost Seiko as at all times the bridesmaid, by no means the bride. The Seiko Prospex SRPL53 certainly doesn’t want the Swatch x Blancpain Fifty Fathoms as a catalyst to look in your radar, the most recent PADI Particular Version to debut from the model.
Whereas the Lorier and Timex have safer, tamer color expressions, the SRPL53 brings a extra playful, creative expression of color. Much like how the Swatch X Blancpain seems to the ocean for inspiration, the SRPL53’s dial has been stamped and colored to create the impact of trying up on the blue/inexperienced floor of the ocean from the depths of the water under. The wavy sample simulates the ripples of the water, whereas the gradient introduces additional depth and dimension. It additionally works out for dial nitpickers that the gradient permits the white-on-black date disc to seamlessly mix in – although, controversially positioned on the 4:30 place.
The 200-metre water resistant chrome steel case measures 41.7mm in diameter, 12.3mm thick, and 49.5mm lug-to-lug. This nets a case that could be a comparable diameter to the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms and a case noticeably thinner, but in addition a case that can have a bigger presence on the wrist resulting from its lug-to-lug. The truth that Seiko is delivering a metal watch on a metal bracelet with an in-house motion of its personal for under US$220 extra is kind of a flex although. Value: US$620
Baltic Aquascaphe Bronze Brown
Professionals: Introduces bronze, extra sturdy sapphire insert bezel, over 2x extra water resistant.
Cons: Shorter energy reserve, case patination-prone (if not desired), ~ US$318.75 extra costly.
There are a variety of Baltic Aquascaphe configurations to discover, because it has been various years since its first introduction. My private favorite is the tropically-styled Bronze Brown. Classic lovers will possible adore its smoky brown dial, and patination lovers will respect the journey and evolution of the bronze case’s look because it worn over time. This form of character is interesting to some, whereas not a lot for others. So, I depart it as much as you after all.
The 200-metre water resistant and screw-down-crown-secured case measures a Goldilocks-proportioned 39mm in diameter, 13mm thick, together with its double-domed sapphire crystal, and 47mm lug-to-lug throughout the wrist. Its dial is framed by a strong sapphire insert timing bezel that won’t scratch, and inside ticking away is a trusted 42-hour computerized Miyota 9039 calibre. Value: ~ US$718.75
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto
Professionals: A number of color configurations, a better-regulated 80-hour computerized motion, 20mm lug-width strap monster.
Cons: 4:30 date (if it offends), solely 10 metres extra water resistant (100m), US$445 extra costly.
The primary name-brand Swiss watchmaker of the record, the Swatch Group’s Hamilton, just isn’t going to let Swatch personal the extra inexpensive and dive-inspired class. The Khaki Navy Scuba Auto has almost double the facility reserve supplied by all of the Miyota and Seiko-driven propositions now we have run by means of to date, its H-10 computerized motion providing 80 hours of energy reserve and a superior pledged accuracy ranking of inside 15 seconds per day in comparison with the broader ranges listed for Seiko/Miyota. That being mentioned, it’s price calling out that the Sistem 51 is alleged to run inside 7 seconds per day and is surprisingly probably the most correct motion out of any watch on this record (at the very least in accordance with pledged rules).
The Khaki Navy Scuba Auto has a chrome steel case that’s 40mm in diameter and 12.95mm thick, nevertheless it notably solely has a depth ranking of 100 metres in comparison with the 200 metres supplied up till now. So, the tradeoff it’s a must to sort out is a extra correct motion or a extra water resistant case. Apart from that issue, the Khaki Navy Scuba does are available a number of color configurations and has bracelet choices as properly. Additionally, it has a 20mm lug-width so you possibly can play strap monster to your coronary heart’s delight. Value: US$845
Bulova MIL-SHIPS-W-2181
Professionals: Historic provenance, safe press-down bezel rotation system, over 2x extra water resistant.
Cons: Shorter energy reserve, aftermarket-strap-limiting 16mm lug-width, US$450 extra costly.
For a lot of, a Swatch x Blancpain Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms is a way to deliver themselves a step nearer to the Fifty Fathoms. Wanting on the Bulova MIL-SHIPS, some would possibly assume it’s Bulova borrowing closely from the Fifty Fathoms design, however that is completely not the case. Bulova, like Blancpain, was certainly one of a choose group of manufacturers vying for its watch to be chosen by america Navy as its official diver’s watch within the early ’50s. This meant that a number of manufacturers had been all placing forth designs that wanted to hit sure design specs, leading to numerous parallels. The Navy in the end chosen the Fifty Fathoms, and Bulova’s prototype was by no means launched commercially. So, when the MIL-SHIPS above that was based mostly on Bulova’s prototype was launched in 2021, it was a serious deal for dive watch fanatics well-versed and invested within the lore.
It’s a 200-metre water resistant chrome steel watch that measures 41mm in diameter, 14.5mm thick, and 50mm lug-to-lug. Its matte black dial leans into vintage-appeal with lume plots executed with simulated ageing (a.okay.a faux-tina), and it has a functioning moisture indicator on the dial on the 6 o’clock place that may divulge to the wearer if moisture has entered the case. Inside, a 42-hour computerized Miyota 8210 ticks away. Its smaller lug width will stop you from having broader strap exploration, however for individuals who desire a sturdy historic tribute that occurs to supply an aesthetic just like the unique 1953 Fifty Fathoms, that is your greatest wager if in case you have the finances to spend over twice as a lot cash because the Swatch x Blancpain. That being mentioned US$950 is way, far cheaper than what a classic ’50s Fifty Fathoms would set you again.
Value: US$950
