Which Fifty Fathoms? Vintage or new?

[Pannyman04]

I was about to pull the trigger on the new FF, but searches kept throwing up the various DSN vintage models, as well as a bunch of hommage models.

 

I definitely want 3-6-9-12 numerals so that rules out the dot and marker dials. However I'm utterly split between the various DSN models. The Phong one is interesting but relatively expensive and probably more hassle.

 

None of the vintage models are close to 100% accurate - the bezel is really too thick, stap too wide and there are small details. But somehow I feel I can carry off a vintage model better than the new one. (I think they look better for a start).What they seem to be is homage watches with a Blancpain dial.

 

So the choice is between the FF95;

:

 

And the FF16:

 

 

Really not sure which way to go. There's a version of the 95 with a curved bezel insert that looks the business, but might be a bit fussy/flash on a vintage piece.

 

Then there's the new one of course, according to Toro due in 2-3 weeks (pic from Angus's site who is also selling it)

 

 

Genuinely stuck here! Any opinions?

[Pannyman04]

An original .... not a million miles away it has to be said

 

[lhooq]

New vs. old is apples and oranges, as far as I'm concerned.  That said, I'd love to have the new rep, but the laws of supply and demand say otherwise!

 

I would go (and did go) for the FF95.  To quote myself from 2012:

 

The DSN is more of a "composite" replication of the Fifty Fathoms from the 1950s to the mid-1970s. It generally tries to copy styling cues from FFs with thick/tall bezels, and small dials. In my opinion, the model the DSN case most closely resembles is the Tornek-Rayville TR-900. The early "No-Radiations" dial and the '53 LIP-Blancpain dial are good choices for DSN.

 

[whoever]

Vintage 95!!

There isn't anything more sexy in the world!

[martijnp]

A while back I liked all vintage watches but now I must say when I look at the new Fifty Fathoms I quite like the new one..

But like lhooq said, it's apples and oranges 

[Yawn]

DIY your own

[Pannyman04]

Just pulled the trigger on the 95.

 

Still pondering the new one but we'll see, hard to justify both.

[tmg]

Lord knows I love vintage but the Davidsen FF cases are way off -too thick.

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[Pannyman04]

Lord knows I love vintage but the Davidsen FF cases are way off -too thick.

 

 

From what I've seen depends on the era you are comparing them to. Some were quite thick.

[horace derwent]

I reup this thread 'cause i'm in progress of buying a FF95, i'm contacting DSN....very good pieces,but....only Phong has these kind of details ?

 

Or also DSN ?

 

 

 

[lhooq]

Davidsen has a one-piece screwback and no Blancpain or Rayville engravings inside.

[Zeal]

BOTH?