Blancpain Leman Grande Date Flyback Chronograph Review

  The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms dive watch is considered by many to be the ultimate dive watch to acquire and for good reason. The watch is steeped in history and is executed flawlessly. This Fifty Fathoms is stainless steel and features a black dial, luminous hour markers, sweeping seconds hand, date display at the 4:30 position. The seconds hand is accented with a red tip and adds a subtle touch of contrast to the overall appearance. Blancpain uses a black 60-minute unidirectional bezel on a 45mm case, strapped to the wrist by a black sail cloth strap. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms divers watch also features an automatic in-house caliber 1315 movement, this engine has a 120 hour power reserve! The sapphire crystal bezel is stunning and best seen in person to appreciate. This watch is water resistant to 300 meters.

  If you want a true classic dive watch, with amazing attention to detail and an in-house movement, you will have to pay the price of admission as this watch is not inexpensive. It is a Blancpain after all!

Pros - In-house movement, 120 power reserve, rich history, fit/finish

Consideration - When would you have time to wear your other watches?

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 40mm

Bezel: Fixed

Crystal: Sapphire

Strap: Black Alligator

Movement: 69F8

Power Reserve: 38 hrs

Water Resistant: 100m

Lug Width: 22mm

  The Blancpain Leman Grande Date Flyback Chronograph ref 2885F-11B30B-53B is a new favorite for W&R. A cleaned up and more simplistic layout compared to it’s direct variant, the Flyback Chronograph ref # 2885F-1130-53B. First, let's review what a flyback function, since often there is some confusion on what a flyback complication actually does. Flyback is in reference to using the chronograph function, specifically the pushers. With a standard chronograph function the two pushers are pushed 4 total separate times to start, stop, reset, and start again. A flyback function differs in that the pusher can be pressed to start and with another single push the chronograph stops, resets, and begins again. This effectively eliminates 2 additional pushes with the common chronograph. Very cool. Originally geared for pilots to quickly stop timing and immediately reset without loss of time. For the die hard chronograph fans, a flyback complication is a grail watch.

  The brilliant black dial is set into a brushed stainless steel case, further complimented by a rubber lined alligator strap. As the name suggest, a grande date is located at the 6 o’clock position. Blancpain’s use of only two subdials was great choice, adding to the overall clean, uncluttered dial. Keeping the Grande Date Flyback Chronograph Powered is Blancpain's automatic 69F8 movement. An exhibition sapphire case back exposes the 69F8 that is made up of 382 components, including 42 jewels. A classic for years to come.

Pros - Flyback, in-house movement, exhibition case back, beautifully crafted

Consideration - A little on the small side now a days, 42mm might be the sweet spot

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 45mm

Bezel: Unidirectional

Crystal: Sapphire

Strap: Black Synthetic

Movmt: Automatic

Power Reserve: 120 hrs

Water Resistant: 300m

Lug Width: 23mm

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Review