ubiquitous Posted September 19, 2010 Report Share Posted September 19, 2010 I have been on an off and on hunt for a good vintage Fifty Fathoms rep for sometime now. I had one of DSN's FFs sometime back; a great watch, but somehow just not for me. My search had yielded very little result, and trying to find parts to build one has also been of very little success. Then, a few days ago, it seemed as tough my answer found me. alt.watch.obsessive had listed this fantastic little gem here on RWG and I just had to have it. Quick PM to him and it was bought, paid and on it's way. I received this watch yesterday, and upon opening the parcel, I soon discovered that my every expectation was not only met, but far exceeded. I really don't know much about this watch or it's origins aside from who the past two owners were. As I am a little more familiar with vintage Rolex than vintage Blancpain, I am not even certain how accurate this watch is to gen; seems there were any number of bezel, dial, hand, movement and case combinations with the Fifty Fathoms range, and so trying to determine what's what has been rather difficult at best. What I do know is that it's a beauty and wears nicely. This may possibly be one of those watches that I don't scrutinize; unlike the DSN FF, this watch just feels right. And for that reason, I don't feel the need to nitpick... The case measures at 37mm; perhaps a bit small by today's standards, but feels nicely balanced on the wrist. The case is rather thin profile as well- A little under 11mm measured from the top of the crystal to the bottom of the caseback. A mesh bracelet fills in the 20mm lugs rather nicely, and the NO RADIATIONS dial is framed by a beautifully patina'd bakelite bezel, lending much to this watch's overall character and charm. Nice thin profile case... Thick lugs. Signed caseback... I've no clue as to what the movement is, however; any ideas? Definitely a difficult watch to capture in the lens, thanks mostly to that domed crystal. But quite a charming little watch that I am more than happy to add to my collection Thanks for looking! //ubi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwatch Posted September 19, 2010 Report Share Posted September 19, 2010 Wow R! Nice find. Looks really great on the Mesh. I wish I knew more about these so I could comment on it compared to the gen, but upon first glance, it looks really good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted September 19, 2010 Report Share Posted September 19, 2010 Love this one Ubi; nice score! Looks right at home on the marble. A little vintage aqualung here too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqZmtq5LhFo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted September 19, 2010 Report Share Posted September 19, 2010 Looks good. Wear it well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted September 19, 2010 Report Share Posted September 19, 2010 I really enjoyed DSN's model on this perforated rubber strap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted September 19, 2010 Report Share Posted September 19, 2010 Spectacular! So YOU'RE the one that beat me to it... you dirty rat. Wear it well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSRep Posted September 19, 2010 Report Share Posted September 19, 2010 Ubi as always you have spectacular taste in watches, you always pick the best ones. I saw this one waaayyyyyyyy too late Definitely a beauty and a keeper. Enjoy in great health buddy. Rgds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiman12 Posted September 19, 2010 Report Share Posted September 19, 2010 Wow! She is a beaut R! Congrats! Vintage FF are one of my favorites... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted September 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 Thanks for the kind words, folks I love this watch, and it appears Mrs. Ubi does too. In fact, I've got the mesh bracelet sized to her wrist now; she is going to give it a test drive for a few days. I have to say, the size of the case is a good match for her At any rate, I thought I'd add a Ubi wrist shot to the thread as well as a size comparison. Maybe I'll get a Mrs. Ubi wristshot in tomorrow... Next to my 5514: It's been a long time since I've purchased an actual watch; my last few have been builds, so it's kind of nice to buy something that's ready to wear Cheers! //ubi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krpster Posted September 20, 2010 Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 Very cool! Nice pickup...I was wondering who was the lucky new owner. Congrats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted September 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 Just put 2 + 2 together and figured out that this watch is fitted with an AS1700 movement, which is correct and one of the movements Blancpain used in the FF line. Neat-O! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronin Posted September 20, 2010 Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 R, that is really cool! That combo of mesh bracelet and size will look great on Mrs. Ubi for sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lhooq Posted September 20, 2010 Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 I just don't wake up as early as I should... Hell of a pick-up at double, even triple, the price, but it couldn't have gone to a more deserving guy! Great catch! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxman Posted September 20, 2010 Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 Nice pick up,looks great on the mesh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff g Posted September 21, 2010 Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 As usual you have found another jewel. One of the few watches i still covet. Nice find. The Mrs. will love this piece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dluddy Posted September 21, 2010 Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 Love it. Love to discover the origins of the build The 1700 is a workhorse. .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eton Posted September 21, 2010 Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 Wow, that's fantastic...the dial rocks! Great pickup R! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coeuss Posted September 21, 2010 Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 Thanks for sharing. I love th FF models. I have one of the first DSN of the model 21. Yours is a beauty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossanti Posted September 21, 2010 Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 It look beautiful..so nobody know the origin of this watch ? I thought only DSN last time have the FF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiker01 Posted September 21, 2010 Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 That's a Classic you got there, R-! Handsome on your wrist! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lhooq Posted September 21, 2010 Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 It look beautiful..so nobody know the origin of this watch ? I thought only DSN last time have the FF Still trying to figure it out. I thought for sure that I saw a similar one on J&W a year ago (same skinny bezel, same blocky numerals on it), but pictures show that Phong was selling something more similar to the 'Polish Navy' fakes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted September 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 Indeed... Here's the last FF I saw offered in the December 09 specials ad (cut and pasted from the larger email flyer)... Same dial, but different case... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiman12 Posted September 21, 2010 Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 But I always thought that the Phong offering also had the two piece case back? Yes..no? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted September 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 That, I'm not sure. Wish he still listed them on his site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted September 22, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 My trio of un-dated vintage divers... From L - R: Fifty Fathoms, Rolex 5514, Omega 165.024 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.