Blancpain entered the watchmaking industry in 1735 making it the oldest manufacturer in the world. Jehan-Jacques Blancpain located the workshop on the 2nd floor of his home in Villeret. His successors include Frederic Louis Blancpain, his great-grandson, who made a great difference to the way the company operated. He combined modern production methods with the traditional mechanism introduced by his great grandfather. The cylinder escapement was another product of his great mind which was way better than the typical crown-wheel commonly used before. For more than two centuries, the company remained family-owned but eventually became a part of the Swatch Group. Below are the top 5 models from the brand which you can buy in the market today.
Fifty Fathoms 5000-110-B52A
The Blancpain price ranges from a few thousand to more than a hundred dollars. This Fifty Fathoms 5000-110-B52A is just some of the most affordable watch models with a price tag of $8 159. Several collectors consider it as an investment watch because it is capable of holding or even increasing its value in the long run. It means that you can sell this at a higher price point after a few years of purchasing it. One of the many reasons why this happens is because there are a lot of people in the secondary market who are willing to pay a premium price just to get their hands on this model.
It comes with an analog dial with hands and indexes coated in luminescent allowing the wearer to know the time regardless of the light condition. To ensure that it will last for a lifetime, the company used durable materials for the case, such as stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The case diameter is 43 mm with a height of 13.40 mm, which is the right size to fit men’s and women’s wrists. If you are particular with the technical features of watches, you will love this watch because its transparent back will let you examine the automatic movement and caliber 1315. The movement accurately tells the time for two days straight once you completely wind it. You can use it as a dive watch because it has a water resistance of up to 300 m.
Fifty Fathoms 5200-0130-B52A
The Fifty Fathoms 5200-0130-B52A has a higher price tag than the previous model because of its more detailed design and unique materials. Its all-black appearance allows it to exude unmatched elegance and class. Despite that, it is still casual enough to look great with just a pair of white shirts and pants. The company generated high sales for this watch model because its attractive dial and fabric strap caught the attention of the market. The analog dial features luminous hands and dotted indexes that permit wearers to check the time in an instant without facing any readability issues.
In terms of the case, the company used ceramic materials instead of using typical stainless steel. It allows the watch to have a different kind of aesthetic and durability. This round case measures 4.60 mm in height and 23.00 mm in lug width containing a sapphire crystal that is resistant to scratches, so you don’t have to worry about any damages once you accidentally drop it. For the movement, it has a diameter of 30 mm and comes with 37 jewels. Just like the previous model, it is resistant to water up to 300 m. The undesirable feature of this watch is its low power reserve which allows you to use the wristwatch for only 50 hours once you fully wind it.
Fifty Fathoms 501512B30-B52A
The Fifty Fathoms 501512B30-B52A is a watch made for both men and women. You can have it for $18 042. It has a neutral design meaning not too feminine nor too masculine to make it easier to fit in the taste of both genders. It features a black dial with Arabic numbers and silver-tone hands, which contributes to the appealing look of the watch. The manufacturer put the dial in a titanium case with a diameter of 45 mm to ensure that it will remain safe and secure even if you subject the watch to harsh conditions.
This timepiece features a bracelet made from canvas to complement how the dial and case look. You can see the automatic movement through the transparent back of the round case. It can last for up to 2 days after one complete winding. Its water resistance is the same as the two watch models mentioned earlier.
What happens when you bring your Blancpain watch for full service?
Blanpain encourages its customers to regularly service their watches to maintain their great condition and reduce the chances of malfunctions. When you bring your watch to any of the official retail stores of the brand, you may avail of the full service. It includes opening and disassembling the case, cleaning of the case, bracelet, and movement, and replacement of worn movement components among others. All of these activities will ensure that the watch will function as smoothly as possible even after years of use.
How regular should you bring your Blancpain watch for service?
There are many people who have a hard time thinking when is the best time to bring their Blancpain watch for servicing. For timepieces with water resistance, it is advisable to visit one of the brand’s official stores every year so that it can check if there is the presence of accidental drowning. However, if you have a casual or dress watch, then you have to regularly service it every four to five years.
Can you hand down your Blancpain watch to the next generation?
Blancpain watches have high durability which can withstand extreme conditions. But it does not automatically mean that you can pass it down to the next generation. It still depends on how you take care of it and maintain its good condition. The way you handle it will be one of the determining factors if it can serve as a precious heirloom with high precision and beauty.
In a Nutshell
Nowadays, Blancpain still has a great reputation for producing some of the most elegant and innovative timepieces in the history of horology. It never fails to produce complicated and luxurious mechanical watches made from extravagant materials. If you plan to buy one, make sure to order from WatchShopping for a lower retail price!
