Alternate choices to the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms

Nina Scally

Satisfying and fairly priced are two concepts that seldom collide with one another throughout the watch recreation, nonetheless new to Swatch, they aren’t. The Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch was a worldwide phenomenon, and the Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms collaboration arguably acquired right here an in depth second. Though perhaps to not the equivalent diploma of hype as a result of the Speedy, it undoubtedly made for a pleasing numerous to the Fifty Fathoms US$16,000 ticket, and a further wearable (42.5mm) case dimension compared with Blancpain’s 45mm behemoths (though there’s now a smaller, 42.3mm dimension).

In any case, 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? Followers have 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 fairly rather a lot 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 throughout the space of ocean conservation. Take, as an illustration, its little nudibranch reference (a kind 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? Nevertheless, once you’re curious to know what else is within the market for the same worth bracket, you have gotten selections. Listed beneath are half a dozen of what we anticipate are the simplest choices to the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms. Chances are high you will uncover none of these watches worth decrease than the Swatch, which matches to level out the great price that piece nonetheless presents, nonetheless once you’re eager to stretch your funds, we have some further selections.

Le Forban Malouine

Making modern watches that look like mid-century dive devices is Le Forban’s forte, so in relation to Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms choices, you’ll guess there’s one factor acceptable throughout the mannequin’s catalogue. The Malouine is an outstanding occasion, as a result of it has that all-important neo-vintage attract, backed by a extraordinarily robust, 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 definite to command a little bit little bit of consideration. The silicone Tropic-style strap is a pleasing choice, too, when compared with the stiff materials that Swatch presents. You could undoubtedly take pleasure in a dip throughout the water with out prepared an age for the strap to dry. Instead, the band is supple, sturdy, and compliments a very good 150-metre water-proof steel case. A nice contact of ingredient is the engraved caseback, depicting an image of a diving helmet, which conceals a Miyota 8215 movement behind its decoration. Worth US$445

Spinnaker Fleuss 40 Automated 145th Restricted Model

The seventh launch of the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms fluctuate is the blue-hued Blue Lagoon, with a Bioceramic case that evokes the placing lagoon-dwelling nudibranch – the Tambja Mullineri. So, if coloration is a part that appeals most to you, then a watch from Spinnaker may be worth some consideration. Additional notably, it’s best to take a look at the 145th Restricted Model automatics, launched in honour of diving engineer Henry Fleuss’ rebreather test. The microbrand may have not taken direct inspiration from the Fifty Fathoms notably, nonetheless 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 ingredient that every fashions share rather a lot in frequent 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 fluctuate, nonetheless, should be its playful coloration palette. You could take pleasure in these 40mm dive watches in dial-and-bezel combos of orange and purple, deep blue and basic rose, and coral and muted stone. Worth: US$450

Baltic Aquascaphe Baltic Blue Gilt

French microbrand Baltic has been sustaining its ear to the underside throughout the dive watch realm since 2018 when it launched the Aquascaphe – the mannequin’s flagship diver. Its establish subtly hints on the Blancpain Bathyscaphe model, and the more-than-manageable proportions of the 39mm Aquascaphe Conventional Blue Gilt model are true to sort as correctly. Paying homage to the Bakelite bezels utilized in early dive watches, the Baltic Aquascaphe upholds the seems to be of a dive watch from yesteryear nonetheless it is, in fact, created from sapphire to match the extra defending double domed sapphire crystal entrance. As a pleasing, no-frills numerous to the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms watch, this model supersedes the waterproof performance of the Swatch collab, instead promising 200 meters of water resistance. The beads-of-rice bracelet is one different conventional diver-inspired contact, nonetheless with these developments comes a greater 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 gadget watch interval. Worth: 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 robust 1200HV rating, gained’t permit you to 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 protected to take motion. The watch ensures a water-proof rating of 300 meters, making it one of many essential spectacular choices on this document. The dial has a refined 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 Large-LumiNova particulars assure good visibility underwater. Worth: US$620

Bulova Mil Ships

Very similar to how Blancpain nods to its Nineteen Fifties French Navy devices with further modern interpretations, Bulova presents a recent recreation of its 1957 US Navy prototype with the Mil Ships. Sharing comparable roots with the Fifty Fathoms, the Mil Ships oozes some extreme mid-century navy diver aesthetics, and even encompasses a moisture indicator on its dial, very similar to the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms Antarctic. What I actually really feel makes the Mil Ships rather more of an attention-grabbing proposition is the reality that this isn’t your frequent basic re-issue. In fact, in distinction to 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 – under no circumstances even acquired right here to fruition. Definitely, the design was shelved, nonetheless 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. Worth: US$895