Alternate choices to the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms

Nina Scally

Pleasing and fairly priced are two concepts that seldom collide with one another inside the watch sport, nevertheless new to Swatch, they are not. The Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch was a worldwide phenomenon, and the Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms collaboration arguably bought right here an in depth second. Though perhaps to not the similar stage of hype as a result of the Speedy, it really made for a nice completely different to the Fifty Fathoms US$16,000 ticket, and a further wearable (42.5mm) case dimension as compared with Blancpain’s 45mm behemoths (though there’s now a smaller, 42.3mm dimension).

In reality, it wasn’t prolonged sooner than sceptics began tempering the fervour. Would the watch’s Bioceramic case keep up beneath water? And what to make of Swatch’s sealed Sistem51 movement, which clearly wasn’t designed for restore? Lovers had been moreover quick to stage out the watch’s scratchable bio-sourced glass. No matter these points, the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms Bioceramic did (and nonetheless does) have tons going for it. The case is lightweight, it ensures 91 metres of water resistance, glows like a torch at nighttime, and boasts some pretty neat choices that nod to Blancpain’s heritage and its work inside the self-discipline of ocean conservation. Take, as an illustration, its little nudibranch reference (a form of vibrant sea slug) on the movement’s rotor, and the hex screws on the drilled lugs. Or the “Scuba” circle on the dial of the Antarctic mannequin that doubles up as a moisture indicator? Nonetheless, in case you’re curious to know what else is within the market for the same worth bracket, you’ve got bought selections. Listed below are half a dozen of what we count on are the proper alternate choices to the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms. Likelihood is you may uncover none of these watches worth decrease than the Swatch, which matches to point the great value that piece nonetheless offers, nevertheless in case you’re ready to stretch your value vary, we have some further selections.

Le Forban Malouine

Making modern watches that appear as if mid-century dive devices is Le Forban’s forte, so regarding Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms alternate choices, you probably can guess there’s one factor acceptable inside the mannequin’s catalogue. The Malouine is an efficient occasion, as a result of it has that all-important neo-vintage attract, backed by a extraordinarily sturdy, smart design for frequently placed on. Measuring in at 38.4mm in diameter, the watch doesn’t take up an extreme quantity of room, however its black sector dial is for certain to command somewhat little bit of consideration. The silicone Tropic-style strap is a nice choice, too, when as compared with the stiff material that Swatch offers. You’ll really take pleasure in a dip inside the water with out prepared an age for the strap to dry. In its place, the band is supple, sturdy, and compliments a superb 150-metre waterproof steel case. A pleasing contact of component is the engraved caseback, depicting an image of a diving helmet, which conceals a Miyota 8215 movement behind its decoration. Price US$445

Spinnaker Fleuss 40 Automated 145th Restricted Model

The seventh launch of the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms differ is the blue-hued Blue Lagoon, with a Bioceramic case that evokes the placing lagoon-dwelling nudibranch – the Tambja Mullineri. So, if colour is a element that appeals most to you, then a watch from Spinnaker may be value some consideration. Further notably, you need to take a look at the 145th Restricted Model automatics, launched in honour of diving engineer Henry Fleuss’ rebreather verify. The microbrand would possibly have not taken direct inspiration from the Fifty Fathoms notably, nevertheless the large, utilized, luminous markers Fleuss along with a lume-treated bezel and curved mineral glass do bear a placing resemblance to the Swatch x Blancpain collaboration.

Although the bezel is the element that every fashions share so much in widespread with, it’s the Spinnaker Fleuss the place you’ll see the upper specs. Take a water-proof rating of 150 meters, as an illustration, or its Seiko movement, along with a further sturdy sapphire crystal glass excessive. The perfect issue regarding the Fleuss differ, nonetheless, must be its playful colour palette. You’ll take pleasure in these 40mm dive watches in dial-and-bezel combos of orange and purple, deep blue and traditional rose, and coral and muted stone. Price: US$450

Baltic Aquascaphe Baltic Blue Gilt

French microbrand Baltic has been preserving its ear to the underside inside the dive watch realm since 2018 when it launched the Aquascaphe – the mannequin’s flagship diver. Its title subtly hints on the Blancpain Bathyscaphe model, and the more-than-manageable proportions of the 39mm Aquascaphe Primary Blue Gilt model are true to sort as correctly. Reminiscent of the Bakelite bezels utilized in early dive watches, the Baltic Aquascaphe upholds the appears to be like of a dive watch from yesteryear nevertheless it is, really, produced from sapphire to match the extra defending double domed sapphire crystal entrance. As a nice, no-frills completely different to the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms watch, this model supersedes the waterproof performance of the Swatch collab, in its place promising 200 meters of water resistance. The beads-of-rice bracelet is one different primary diver-inspired contact, nevertheless with these developments comes the following worth stage. This luxurious bracelet was first developed by Swiss producer Gay Frères, naturally moulding to the wrist and pretty aptly captures the looks of the instrument watch interval. Price: starting from A$1,000 (T+T Retailer AU), £590 (T+T Retailer UK)

Héron Marinor Caribbean Blue

The hardened stainless-steel case of the Caribbean Blue Héron Marinor, with a formidable 1200HV rating, acquired’t can help you down, whether or not or not you resolve to swim with it or not. For many who’re considering the earlier, you’re better than safe to take motion. The watch ensures a water-proof rating of 300 meters, making it one of many important spectacular alternate choices on this document. The dial has a fragile fumé influence finish, which does a grand job of reflecting the inviting colours of the ocean. There are diver-friendly modifications on the clasp too, plus the blue Super-LumiNova particulars assure good visibility underwater. Price: US$620

Bulova Mil Ships

Very like how Blancpain nods to its Fifties French Navy devices with further modern interpretations, Bulova offers a recent recreation of its 1957 US Navy prototype with the Mil Ships. Sharing associated roots with the Fifty Fathoms, the Mil Ships oozes some important mid-century military diver aesthetics, and even encompasses a moisture indicator on its dial, identical to the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms Antarctic. What I actually really feel makes the Mil Ships rather more of an fascinating proposition is the reality that this isn’t your widespread traditional re-issue. In precise reality, not just like the mannequin’s 2015 re-issue of the Lunar Pilot (which initially assisted astronaut David Scott in his NASA mission to the moon), the 1957 Mil Ships watch – a prototype for the Bureau of Ships – in no way even bought right here to fruition. Definitely, the design was shelved, nevertheless the reality that there’s not a spot of sharpening on this up to date interpretation instils the notion that this watch is constructed for pure goal. Price: US$895