Each marker on the ring is one counted review, coloured by its verdict.

Blancpain

Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42

5010 12B30 B64B42.3mmautomatic$18,400 list priceAnnounced March 2024

A 42.3mm version of Blancpain's 300m Fifty Fathoms dive watch, made in grade 23 titanium or red gold, with a sapphire-insert unidirectional bezel and a date at 4:30. It uses the in-house calibre 1315 with a five-day power reserve, the same movement as the 45mm model.

Blancpain product page

Creator Consensus

Positive

6 reviews: 5 positive, 1 mixed, 0 negative. 4 of 6 recommend it.

Every reviewer finds the reduced case wears much better, and all rate the movement highly. Most single out its long power reserve and finishing well above typical production calibres. The dial's lume and refinement also earn praise. The recurring reservations are that it is steep against rival divers and that the odd fractional lug width limits strap choice.

Where they differ. Value divides opinion: most find the price hard to justify against competing divers, while several feel the quality and finishing earn the cost. Bezel action is also contested, with some calling it excellent and one reviewer finding it only average.

Most praised

Reduced case size wears far better6 of 6
- aBlogtoWatch Feels the smaller case suits most wrists better, except when worn over a wetsuit.the smaller case is a better fit for most wristsRead it in context
- Time+Tide Calls the 42mm size a game-changer for wearability on smaller wrists like the reviewer's.huge development and game-changer for the wearability of the modelRead it in context
- Monochrome Feels the 3mm diameter reduction transforms how the watch sits on the wrist.the reduction of 3mm makes a drastic difference on the wristRead it in context
- Teddy Baldassarre Says it wears closer to a traditional 40mm case despite the box sapphire height.the watch wears closer to a traditional 40 mm diameter caseWatch from 3:48
- Bruce Williams Finds the 42mm fits well, being neither too tall nor too chunky.It's not too tall. It's not too chunky, but it's also not too diminutive.Watch from 6:12
- Bruce Williams Enjoys the fit and presence, saying 42mm feels right despite being able to wear 45mm.but this 42 just feels rightWatch from 6:12
- Harrison Elmore Welcomes the 42mm size as the first genuinely wearable Fifty Fathoms.so finally we have a wearable 50 FathomsWatch from 0:27
- Teddy Baldassarre Calls it one of the most widely wearable dive watch cases available today.this is one of the most widely wearable cases for a dive watch in the industry todayWatch from 3:20
Long power reserve impresses5 of 6
- Time+Tide Highlights the power reserve as the longest among the three dive icons.has by far the longest power reserveRead it in context
- Monochrome Regards the five-day power reserve as solid.resulting in a solid 120-hour or 5-day power reserveRead it in context
- Teddy Baldassarre Calls the 120-hour power reserve outstanding.the power Reserve is nothing short of outstandingWatch from 7:38
- Bruce Williams Considers the 120-hour power reserve impressive.It has 120 hours of power reserve which is pretty awesome.Watch from 1:26
- Harrison Elmore Praises smooth winding and the impressive 120-hour power reserve.the feeling of winding it is smooth easy to operateWatch from 4:45
Calibre finished well above typical production movements5 of 6
- Time+Tide Finds the calibre handsome, with snailing and polished chamfered bridges.the movement is also very handsome as well with snailing and glistening chamfersRead it in context
- Monochrome Finds the movement seen through the sapphire back attractively decorated.The sapphire back reveals a nicely decorated movementRead it in context
- Teddy Baldassarre Praises the movement's spiral-textured bridges, polished screws and bevelling.the finishing is excellent with a spiral texture on all the bridgesWatch from 7:38
- Bruce Williams Believes the anglage is hand-finished, comparable to high-end brands like Vacheron Constantin.it appears this anglage is done or finished by hand, which is so awesome to seeWatch from 1:56
- Bruce Williams Enjoys the black polished screws, spiral brushing and pearling.I enjoy this gorgeous spiral brushing, the hint of pearling beyond.Watch from 2:24
- Harrison Elmore Notes fine finishing details beyond typical sub-$10k production movements.it's also very well finished you can notice little details on hereWatch from 4:17
High-performing, robust calibre4 of 6
- aBlogtoWatch Considers the movement nicely made, performance-oriented and exclusive, despite not being new.it is very nicely made, focused on performance, and exclusiveRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Sees clear performance advantages over mass-produced movements.clear performance benefits over many more mass-produced mechanismsRead it in context
- Monochrome Describes the calibre as high-performance.the high-performance calibre 1315Read it in context
- Teddy Baldassarre Finds the calibre technically impressive for a 4Hz movement.the caliber is technically impressiveWatch from 9:35
- Teddy Baldassarre Reports it ran within chronometer spec in their testing.this one is performing within chronometer spec in our testWatch from 7:38
- Harrison Elmore Considers the calibre 1315 rugged and durable.the caliber 1315 by Blanc Pon which is ruggedWatch from 3:47
Generous lume on dial and bezel4 of 6
- aBlogtoWatch Recalls the lume being very generously applied.The luminous material is also very generously appliedRead it in context
- Monochrome Appreciates the generous luminous coating on hands and markers.all the elements have been generously coated with Super-LumiNovaRead it in context
- Teddy Baldassarre Praises the fully lumed dial and bezel in low light.making for an exceptional showing when the lights are lowWatch from 5:43
- Bruce Williams Likes the fully lumed bezel and its bright, lasting green lume.The loom is bright. It's green. It's satisfying and it lasts for a long time.Watch from 3:49
Refined dial with polished applied markers4 of 6
- aBlogtoWatch Praises the pretty, polished applied hour markers and hands.really pretty and polished applied hour markers and handsRead it in context
- Bruce Williams Likes the sunburst dial, polished applied markers, beveled hands and minimal text.I kind of like having fewer text or fewer lines of text on a watch faceWatch from 4:47
- Teddy Baldassarre Describes the dial execution as superbly refined while retaining its purpose.the end result of the dials execution is something that is superbly refinedWatch from 6:12
- Harrison Elmore Finds the sunburst blue dial attractive.the Sunburst blue dial on here is attractiveWatch from 6:09
- aBlogtoWatch Finds the watch's face very attractive and hard to resist.it is hard to resist the comeliness of this faceRead it in context

Show 16 more

Light titanium adds real comfort3 of 6
- Monochrome Finds the light titanium and reduced size deliver real comfort on the wrist.combined with the reduced size brings sheer comfort on the wristRead it in context
- Teddy Baldassarre Loves how it wears, with titanium making it even easier to wear.I really love how this watch wears it leads to an even easier wearing experienceWatch from 9:35
- Harrison Elmore Titanium's lightness makes the watch hug the wrist more.the titanium makes it light and that makes it feel like it hugs your wristWatch from 3:18
- Harrison Elmore Finds it light, compact and solid, wearing a bit tall but nothing problematic.it's light It's relatively compact it feels solid it feels nice it wears a bit tall but nothing terribleWatch from 3:18
Titanium case suits a modern diver3 of 6
- aBlogtoWatch Finds the titanium case material beautifully executed.The titanium case material is rendered beautifullyRead it in context
- Harrison Elmore Appreciates titanium over steel for a modern diver.titanium package as opposed to Steel for modern diver I think this is very much appreciatedWatch from 0:27
- Monochrome Considers the fully brushed titanium and gold cases more attractive and purposeful.making these new generations watches more appealing and also more purposefulRead it in context
Case finishing is meticulous3 of 6
- aBlogtoWatch Considers the fit and finishing of the case and dial beautifully done.as is the overall fit and finishing of the case and dialRead it in context
- Teddy Baldassarre Describes the case finishing, including bezel and crown edges, as meticulous.the finishing on the case is meticulousWatch from 9:35
- Harrison Elmore Finds the case finishing nice and even.the finishing on the case is also niceWatch from 4:45
Quality and finishing justify the cost3 of 6
- aBlogtoWatch Feels the quality of the result justifies the cost.but the results speak highly for themselvesRead it in context
- Time+Tide Feels the power reserve, finishing and gold rotor make the pricing understandable.it is easier to understand this tieringRead it in context
- Teddy Baldassarre Feels its finishing sets it apart from similarly priced rivals.elevate this to more of a bespoke conversation over some of the similar suspectsWatch from 10:05
Compact lug-to-lug span2 of 6
- Time+Tide Finds the 47mm lug-to-lug the most compact among the three iconic divers.Its 47mm lug-to-lug, though, does make it the most compact across the wrist.Read it in context
- Harrison Elmore Considers the 47mm lug-to-lug very wearable.it's 47 mm lug to Lug so it's very wearableWatch from 1:25
Full calibre retained in the smaller case2 of 6
- Time+Tide Pleased the smaller size brings no compromise to the movement.In its smaller size there is no sacrifice to the movement.Read it in context
- Bruce Williams Appreciates that the wide calibre fills the 42mm case appropriately.It's wide. It fills this 42 mm case so well.Watch from 2:24
Display caseback shows off the calibre2 of 6
- Bruce Williams Appreciates being able to view the movement through the display caseback.I also love the fact that you can see it through a display style case backWatch from 2:53
- Teddy Baldassarre Feels the calibre is too beautiful to hide behind a closed caseback.this caliber is just too beautiful to be left to the imaginationWatch from 8:07
Colour-matched date blends in discreetly2 of 6
- Teddy Baldassarre Notes the dial-matched date window minimises disruption.the interruption is going to be relatively minimizedWatch from 5:43
- Bruce Williams Accepts the colour-matched 4:30 date as blending in and preferable to cutting a numeral.I don't mind the date here at the 4:30 position.Watch from 5:45
Excellent bezel action2 of 6
- Teddy Baldassarre Considers the unidirectional bezel action among the best experienced.the unidirectional action is among the best I have come acrossWatch from 4:46
- Bruce Williams Finds the bezel action quiet, firm and easy to grip, with no back play.It's very quiet. It's very firm. It's easy to grip.Watch from 3:22
Sapphire bezel insert feels premium and legible2 of 6
- aBlogtoWatch Welcomes the curved sapphire crystal over the bezel insert as a premium touch.a curved sapphire crystal over the bezel insert, an expensive and welcome featureRead it in context
- Time+Tide Describes the sapphire timing bezel as large and legible.a large and legible sapphire-capped timing bezel with a luminous timing scaleRead it in context
Crown grips well with positive action2 of 6
- Teddy Baldassarre Finds the signed crown easy to grip with superb threading.is easy to grip and has superb threadingWatch from 4:46
- Harrison Elmore Crown has solid, positive action between positions.there's solid action between each step of the three positions of the crownWatch from 4:45
Broad range of factory straps1 of 6
- Time+Tide Welcomes the many factory strap options given the awkward 21.5mm lug width.which is good considering its awkward-for-aftermarket-options 21.5mm lug widthRead it in context
- Time+Tide Would choose the sail-canvas strap, while noting the Tropic is most faithful to the original.Between these three I would probably go for the sail-canvasRead it in context
Heavy gold rotor winds efficiently1 of 6
- Time+Tide Values the heavy solid-gold rotor for more efficient winding.the rotor has a greater mass, and, in turn, more efficient winding.Read it in context
Still unmistakably a Fifty Fathoms1 of 6
- Monochrome Values that the smaller model is still instantly identifiable as a Fifty Fathoms.immediately recognizable as part of the FF familyRead it in context
Luxurious yet tough enough for daily wear1 of 6
- Bruce Williams Feels luxurious but tough enough for everyday wear.It still feels tough enough to wear day in and day outWatch from 7:37
A legendary dive watch1 of 6
- Teddy Baldassarre Considers it a legendary dive watch.a watch that is clearly legendary when it comes to the world of dive watchesWatch from 10:34

Most criticised

Price is steep against rival divers5 of 6
- aBlogtoWatch Acknowledges the price is high.Blancpain charges a pretty penny for thisRead it in context
- Time+Tide Notes it is the most expensive of the three iconic divers.It also happens to be the most expensive of the threeRead it in context
- Teddy Baldassarre Flags the price as high for a dive watch and versus competition.that is a significant chunk of change and compared to the competitionWatch from 8:36
- Bruce Williams Finds $19,000 retail, or $22,000 on bracelet, a lot for stainless steel.that's a lot for a stainless steel watchWatch from 8:36
- Harrison Elmore Considers the price somewhat excessive versus the modern titanium watch market.18,000 might be a bit much for a watch like thisWatch from 11:59
Odd fractional lug width limits strap choice4 of 6
- aBlogtoWatch Notes the unusual 21.5mm strap width as a drawback.which are also a very uncommon size of 21.5mm wideRead it in context
- Monochrome Warns the odd lug width makes finding alternative straps difficult.The 21.5mm lug width will make it rather difficult to find an alternative strapRead it in context
- Teddy Baldassarre Finds the 21.5mm lug width odd and limiting for strap changes.now lug width is also very weird 212 mmWatch from 8:36
- Harrison Elmore Objects to a 21.5mm lug width, if accurate, and wants it rounded to a whole millimetre.if it is there I think that's a crimeWatch from 1:52
Screwed bars make strap swaps awkward2 of 6
- aBlogtoWatch Sees the lack of quick-release spring bars as old-fashioned.lack of quick-release spring bars for the strapsRead it in context
- Harrison Elmore Recommends the titanium bracelet partly because straps are screwed in and awkward to swap.the strap is held in by screws also which is the other reason why I recommend the braceletWatch from 0:56
Bracelet and strap options cost extra2 of 6
- aBlogtoWatch Finds it baffling that all three strap/bracelet options aren't included for one price.not included in the kit for one price is a mystery to meRead it in context
- Bruce Williams Notes that bracelet versions are less common and $3,000 more at retail.the bracelet versions are less common and they're quite a bit more expensiveWatch from 7:37
Brand engraving on case flank is unwelcome2 of 6
- Bruce Williams Dislikes the Blancpain engraving on the case side, though it is not a deal breaker.I don't really love the Blancpain engraving on the case side.Watch from 8:06
- Bruce Williams Thinks the engraving may be a little excessive.maybe just a little bit over the topWatch from 8:36
- Harrison Elmore Finds the Blancpain name on the case side pointless and ugly.the Blan Pond written on the side I think is hideousWatch from 6:09
Not the slimmest among its peers1 of 6
- Time+Tide Acknowledges the 14.3mm thickness is not the slimmest among its peers.by no means places it as the thinnest among the current modelsRead it in context

Show 6 more

Butterfly clasp lets down the bracelet1 of 6
- Bruce Williams Sees the butterfly-style clasp as a letdown on an otherwise perfect-looking bracelet.outside of a butterfly style clasp, which is definitely a bit of a downerWatch from 8:06
Rotor looks industrial beside the bridges1 of 6
- Harrison Elmore Finds the rotor somewhat industrial next to the rest of the movement.it's a bit industrial for the rest of theWatch from 3:47
No-date dial would be preferable1 of 6
- Monochrome Would rather have a no-date dial, though the colour-matched date isn't very intrusive.still opt for a no-date display, but at least itRead it in context
Bezel action only average1 of 6
- Harrison Elmore Finds the 60-click bezel action only average.it feels honestly a little average to meWatch from 2:21
- Harrison Elmore Bezel feel falls short of the Submariner's.bezel action not necessarily my favorite at least especially compared to something like SubmarinerWatch from 2:50
All-brushed case looks too plain for the price1 of 6
- Harrison Elmore Notes the case lacks polishing, chamfers or bevels, looking very standard.it's a very standard looking case from the outsideWatch from 5:14
- Harrison Elmore Accepts the all-brushed tool approach but judges it harshly at the price.add to that the fact that it's all brushed which is fine I get itWatch from 6:09
Submariner is the more attractive watch1 of 6
- Harrison Elmore Judges the Submariner the more attractive watch on aesthetics alone.for strictly Aesthetics I think the Submariner is a more attractive watchWatch from 5:42
- Harrison Elmore Would choose the Submariner even if the Blancpain were cheaper.I still would pick the Submariner every single timeWatch from 6:38

Open a point to see who said it and jump to that moment in their review.

By aspect

PositiveMixedNegative

How reviewers judged each aspect; one square per reviewer who discussed it
Case & proportions		Praised
Wearability		Praised
Bracelet & strap		Mixed
Movement		Praised
Dial		Praised
Finishing & build		Praised
Value		Criticised
Functionality		Praised
Design		Divided
Originality		Praised
Versatility		Few mentions

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The reviews

6 counted

Remontoir summarises; the reviewers did the work. Watch and read the originals for the full picture.

Bruce Williams

Sell my Rolex for this? Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 42

Video, 10 minHands-on reviewMay 2026

PositiveRecommends, with caveats

Very impressed by the 42mm Fifty Fathoms. The movement, hand finishing, bezel action, dial and fit are highlights, and the reviewer is considering selling a Sea-Dweller for one. Retail pricing is steep for steel, the case-side engraving is over the top, and the butterfly clasp disappoints.

Suits: Daily wearers wanting an understated luxury diver that flies under the radar

Disclosure: Retailer stock

What they said, point by point

Movementpositive: Counts the movement as the biggest reason the watch is so appealing. 0:59
Appreciates that the wide calibre fills the 42mm case appropriately. 2:24
Considers the 120-hour power reserve impressive. 1:26
Unsure whether the hairspring is anti-magnetic, but doesn't see it as a deal breaker. 3:22
Finishing & buildpositive: Believes the anglage is hand-finished, comparable to high-end brands like Vacheron Constantin. 1:56
Enjoys the black polished screws, spiral brushing and pearling. 2:24
Functionalitypositive: Finds the bezel action quiet, firm and easy to grip, with no back play. 3:22
Likes the fully lumed bezel and its bright, lasting green lume. 3:49
Dialpositive: Praises the anti-reflective coating on the crystal for improving legibility. 4:18
Likes the sunburst dial, polished applied markers, beveled hands and minimal text. 4:47
Accepts the colour-matched 4:30 date as blending in and preferable to cutting a numeral. 5:45
Case & proportionsmixed: Appreciates being able to view the movement through the display caseback. 2:53
Dislikes the Blancpain engraving on the case side, though it is not a deal breaker. 8:06
Thinks the engraving may be a little excessive. 8:36
Wearabilitypositive: Finds the 42mm fits well, being neither too tall nor too chunky. 6:12
Enjoys the fit and presence, saying 42mm feels right despite being able to wear 45mm. 6:12
Bracelet & strapmixed: Would buy it on the bracelet, which appears excellent in photos, though not handled. 7:37
Sees the butterfly-style clasp as a letdown on an otherwise perfect-looking bracelet. 8:06
Notes that bracelet versions are less common and $3,000 more at retail. 7:37
Versatilitypositive: Feels luxurious but tough enough for everyday wear. 7:37
Values that it goes unrecognised by most people, unlike a Rolex. 6:40
Originalitypositive: Likes that it descends from the first dive watch, but history matters less than other qualities. 7:09
Valuenegative: Finds $19,000 retail, or $22,000 on bracelet, a lot for stainless steel. 8:36
Notes that used prices are thousands lower, making buying used or keeping long-term advisable. 8:36
Compared with: Rolex Sea-Dweller 43: Blancpain bezel is quieter with no give; its dial has less text.
Rolex Sea-Dweller 43: Blancpain flies under the radar, whereas the Rolex draws attention and judgment.
Blancpain x Swatch Fifty Fathoms: Similarly sized but very different in quality and colour.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 38mm: The 38mm feels diminutive and wears very small; 42mm feels right.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 45mm: The reviewer can wear the 45mm, but the 42mm feels just right.

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aBlogtoWatch

Hands-On: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5010 Titanium Blue Watch

ArticleHands-on reviewMar 2025Ariel Adams

Very positiveRecommends

Calls the Fifty Fathoms Automatique the most beautiful watch in its category, with excellent case finishing and a strong in-house movement. Criticises the old-school strap setup and notes the high price, though the results justify it.

Suits: Buyers with the means who want a beautiful, genuinely dive-capable luxury watch

What the review says, point by point

Designpositive: Regards the Fifty Fathoms Automatique as the most beautiful watch in its category.
Notes the design and construction feel retro-oriented and the platform is ageing.
Finds the watch's face very attractive and hard to resist.
Dialpositive: Praises the pretty, polished applied hour markers and hands.
Notes the dial is a little flatter than on the 45mm 5015.
Recalls the lume being very generously applied.
Case & proportionspositive: Finds the titanium case material beautifully executed.
Welcomes the curved sapphire crystal over the bezel insert as a premium touch.
Finishing & buildpositive: Considers the fit and finishing of the case and dial beautifully done.
Wearabilitypositive: Feels the smaller case suits most wrists better, except when worn over a wetsuit.
Bracelet & strapnegative: Finds it baffling that all three strap/bracelet options aren't included for one price.
Sees the lack of quick-release spring bars as old-fashioned.
Notes the unusual 21.5mm strap width as a drawback.
Movementpositive: Considers the movement nicely made, performance-oriented and exclusive, despite not being new.
Sees clear performance advantages over mass-produced movements.
Functionalitypositive: Values that it is still built for real diving, though that isn't why buyers pay for it.
Valuemixed: Acknowledges the price is high.
Feels the quality of the result justifies the cost.
Finds it ironic the 42mm costs more than the older 45mm version.
Compared with: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5015 (45mm): 42mm fits most wrists better; slightly flatter dial and costs more.

Read on ablogtowatch.com

Teddy Baldassarre

A World-Class Luxury Dive Watch Now with A Smaller Case - Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5010 Titanium

Video, 12 minHands-on reviewFeb 2025

Very positiveRecommends

A big fan of the 42.3mm titanium Fifty Fathoms, praising its compact wearing size, superb bezel and crown, refined dial, excellent in-house calibre and finishing, and haute horlogerie credentials. Reservations are the high price, the odd 21.5mm lug width, and no steel option at this size.

Suits: Buyers wanting a legendary dive watch with haute horlogerie-level finishing

Disclosure: Retailer stock

What they said, point by point

Case & proportionspositive: Calls it one of the most widely wearable dive watch cases available today. 3:20
Finds the signed crown easy to grip with superb threading. 4:46
Wearabilitypositive: Says it wears closer to a traditional 40mm case despite the box sapphire height. 3:48
Loves how it wears, with titanium making it even easier to wear. 9:35
Functionalitypositive: Considers the unidirectional bezel action among the best experienced. 4:46
Praises the fully lumed dial and bezel in low light. 5:43
Dialpositive: Describes the dial execution as superbly refined while retaining its purpose. 6:12
Notes the dial-matched date window minimises disruption. 5:43
Movementpositive: Calls the 120-hour power reserve outstanding. 7:38
Reports it ran within chronometer spec in their testing. 7:38
Finds the calibre technically impressive for a 4Hz movement. 9:35
Finishing & buildpositive: Praises the movement's spiral-textured bridges, polished screws and bevelling. 7:38
Feels the calibre is too beautiful to hide behind a closed caseback. 8:07
Describes the case finishing, including bezel and crown edges, as meticulous. 9:35
Bracelet & strapmixed: Notes hex screw bars add security over spring bars. 4:46
Finds the 21.5mm lug width odd and limiting for strap changes. 8:36
Valuemixed: Flags the price as high for a dive watch and versus competition. 8:36
Feels its finishing sets it apart from similarly priced rivals. 10:05
Originalitypositive: Considers it a legendary dive watch. 10:34
Sees it as the entry point to Blancpain's haute horlogerie world. 11:03
Compared with: Rolex Submariner 124060: Nearly identical lug-to-lug and similar wrist presence, slightly taller case.
Rolex Sea-Dweller / Deepsea / Submariner: Blancpain offers a finer, more bespoke level of finishing.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5015 (45mm): Long-requested smaller version; dial lacks the 5015's circular step.

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Harrison Elmore

A Blancpain Fifty Fathoms in Titanium

Video, 13 minHands-on reviewAug 2024

Mixed

Praises the lighter, more compact titanium case and the robust, well-finished three-barrel movement. Finds the bezel action average, the aesthetics less appealing than a Submariner and the side branding ugly. Considers $18k a bit much and questions the brand's heritage claims.

Disclosure: Retailer stock

What they said, point by point

Wearabilitypositive: Welcomes the 42mm size as the first genuinely wearable Fifty Fathoms. 0:27
Finds it light, compact and solid, wearing a bit tall but nothing problematic. 3:18
Titanium's lightness makes the watch hug the wrist more. 3:18
May not fit under the tightest dress shirt cuff but works under a jacket. 3:47
Case & proportionsmixed: Appreciates titanium over steel for a modern diver. 0:27
Considers the 47mm lug-to-lug very wearable. 1:25
Objects to a 21.5mm lug width, if accurate, and wants it rounded to a whole millimetre. 1:52
Finds the Blancpain name on the case side pointless and ugly. 6:09
Functionalitymixed: Finds the 60-click bezel action only average. 2:21
Bezel feel falls short of the Submariner's. 2:50
Crown has solid, positive action between positions. 4:45
Movementpositive: Considers the calibre 1315 rugged and durable. 3:47
Notes fine finishing details beyond typical sub-$10k production movements. 4:17
Finds the rotor somewhat industrial next to the rest of the movement. 3:47
Praises smooth winding and the impressive 120-hour power reserve. 4:45
Finishing & buildmixed: Finds the case finishing nice and even. 4:45
Notes the case lacks polishing, chamfers or bevels, looking very standard. 5:14
Accepts the all-brushed tool approach but judges it harshly at the price. 6:09
Designnegative: Judges the Submariner the more attractive watch on aesthetics alone. 5:42
Feels the sapphire-capped bezel resembles a micro-brand piece. 6:09
Dialpositive: Finds the sunburst blue dial attractive. 6:09
Bracelet & strapmixed: Rubber strap keeps the case from shifting on the wrist. 3:47
Recommends the titanium bracelet partly because straps are screwed in and awkward to swap. 0:56
Valuenegative: Considers the price somewhat excessive versus the modern titanium watch market. 11:59
Would choose the Submariner even if the Blancpain were cheaper. 6:38
Originalitymixed: Sees it as more modernised than the Submariner in several respects. 0:00
Believes the 'first modern dive watch' heritage claim is possibly misleading marketing. 11:01
Compared with: Rolex Submariner: Prefers the Sub's aesthetics and bezel action and would pick it every time.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M No Time To Die: Bezel action feels very similar.
Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms: Bezel feel similar to the plastic Swatch version costing a fraction.

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Time+Tide

The new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42mm is a more wearable take on the icon

ArticleHands-on reviewApr 2024Zach Blass

PositiveRecommends

The reviewer sees the non-limited 42mm Fifty Fathoms as a wearability breakthrough for smaller wrists. The shorter lug-to-lug is the highlight, and the handsome, long-reserve movement is praised. The high price is judged understandable given the movement.

Suits: Enthusiasts with smaller wrists who found the 45mm Fifty Fathoms too large

What the review says, point by point

Case & proportionspositive: Finds the 47mm lug-to-lug the most compact among the three iconic divers.
Acknowledges the 14.3mm thickness is not the slimmest among its peers.
Describes the sapphire timing bezel as large and legible.
Wearabilitypositive: Calls the 42mm size a game-changer for wearability on smaller wrists like the reviewer's.
Bracelet & strapmixed: Welcomes the many factory strap options given the awkward 21.5mm lug width.
Notes hex-bolt attachment discourages strap swapping but keeps straps secure, fitting a true dive watch.
Would choose the sail-canvas strap, while noting the Tropic is most faithful to the original.
Likes the NATO option least because it adds thickness and hides the movement.
Movementpositive: Pleased the smaller size brings no compromise to the movement.
Finds the calibre handsome, with snailing and polished chamfered bridges.
Values the heavy solid-gold rotor for more efficient winding.
Highlights the power reserve as the longest among the three dive icons.
Valuemixed: Notes it is the most expensive of the three iconic divers.
Feels the power reserve, finishing and gold rotor make the pricing understandable.
Suggests choosing a pin buckle over a deployant to save money.
Compared with: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 45mm: 45mm's 50.8mm lug-to-lug was too intimidating for the reviewer's smaller wrist.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe: Bathyscaphe is more compact but lacks the original icon's exact design.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act I: Earlier 42mm was limited; this one is regular production.

Read on timeandtidewatches.com

Monochrome

The New, More Compact Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 42mm Collection

ArticleHands-on reviewMar 2024Brice Goulard

Positive

The reviewer welcomes the downsized Fifty Fathoms as more compact and wearable while keeping the family's design and the strong calibre 1315. Titanium brings comfort. Minor reservations cover the date window, the side engraving and the unusual 21.5mm lug width.

What the review says, point by point

Case & proportionspositive: Feels the 3mm diameter reduction transforms how the watch sits on the wrist.
Notes it is still a fairly large watch despite the downsizing.
Acknowledges the side case engraving remains and may divide opinion.
Wearabilitypositive: Finds the light titanium and reduced size deliver real comfort on the wrist.
Designpositive: Values that the smaller model is still instantly identifiable as a Fifty Fathoms.
Considers the fully brushed titanium and gold cases more attractive and purposeful.
Sees the red gold version as less tool-like but a pleasing luxurious alternative.
Dialmixed: Appreciates the generous luminous coating on hands and markers.
Would rather have a no-date dial, though the colour-matched date isn't very intrusive.
Movementpositive: Describes the calibre as high-performance.
Regards the five-day power reserve as solid.
Finishing & buildpositive: Finds the movement seen through the sapphire back attractively decorated.
Bracelet & strapmixed: Notes the broad choice of colour-matched strap options.
Warns the odd lug width makes finding alternative straps difficult.
Compared with: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 45mm (ref. 5015): New model is smaller and thinner, wearing much better on the wrist.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1: Differs in dial design and materials despite sharing the 42mm size.

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Specifications

Reference: 5010 12B30 B64B
Case: 42.3mm, grade 23 titanium (18k red gold variants)
Thickness: 14.3mm
Lug to lug: 47mm
Movement: Blancpain calibre 1315 (three barrels, silicon balance spring) (automatic)
Power reserve: 120 hours
Water resistance: 300m
Crystal: domed sapphire with AR coating; sapphire bezel insert; sapphire display caseback
Bracelet or strap: tropic-style rubber strap with folding clasp; also sail-canvas, NATO or titanium bracelet; 21.5mm lug width
Announced: March 2024
List price (US): $18,400US launch prices (Time+Tide, 2024): titanium $16,600 on NATO or rubber/canvas with pin buckle, $18,400 on rubber/canvas with folding clasp, $19,300 on titanium bracelet

Creator Consensus is built only from what reviewers said. Prices, retailers and any commercial relationship never affect it. How consensus works