Blancpain most underrated high end brand?

GoBroncos58 · Jan 19, 2021

Still extremely happy with this Blancpain Villeret.
Pure craftmanship and excellence. I have seen so many good stuff from Blancpain, the FF and Flyback are also amazing watches. In my eyes Blancpain is one of the most underrated high end swiss brands.
Do you agree with me?
Cheers!
GoBroncos

cicindela · Jan 19, 2021

I do kind of like this one .

cvalue13 · Jan 19, 2021

cicindela
I do kind of like this one .

Even though it’s 92mm wide by 35mm deep, I also rather like it.

MtnMarine · Jan 19, 2021

I’ve always wondered about this myself. Especially with the fifty fathoms....

Evitzee · Jan 19, 2021

Blancpain makes some interesting watches, and you can't fault their workmanship. I wouldn't call them the most underrated high end brand, there is a lot of competition in that space.

3nicewatches · Jan 19, 2021

Love mine, but I wouldn’t call Blancpain an underrated brand. Not as well known in the real world as the big boys such as Rolex and Omega, but certainly well appreciated by many that know their watches.

amcclell · Jan 19, 2021

The Villeret triple calendar moonphase is on my wish list.

cvalue13 · Jan 19, 2021

Given it’s “vintage proportions,” I’m drawn to the FF Barakuta:

Problem is, I’d really need to see that lume in person.

Then there’s the price...

cicindela · Jan 20, 2021

cvalue13
Even though it’s 92mm wide by 35mm deep, I also rather like it.

Yeah the size can be a bit of a problem, but if you wear it around your ankle.... 🙄

abrod520 · Jan 20, 2021

cvalue13
Problem is, I’d really need to see that lume in person.

I would say there are two problems - the price and the fact that the only truly interesting FF models are super crazy limited. Even if one were able to afford it, you can find many many more interesting watches with most of the same style cues for far far less effort

cvalue13 · Jan 20, 2021

abrod520
the only truly interesting FF models are super crazy limited. Even if one were able to afford it, you can find many many more interesting watches with most of the same style cues for far far less effort

I’d add/perhaps expand to your point the intersection of, on the one hand, due to the rarity of the watch the resulting inability to see one in metal, with on the other hand, the points you raise about value and alternatives.

Using again the FF barakuda as an example, in photos the watch has the potential to be something I’d purchase but also the screaming need to see it in metal first at that price/alternatives. But examples are anywhere on the planet but Texas.

Really I should be thanking Blancpain for keeping them so far out of my hands...

amcclell · Jan 20, 2021

cicindela
Yeah the size can be a bit of a problem, but if you wear it around your ankle.... 🙄

If you already own a Speedmaster 125, it makes a nice companion piece for the opposite wrist, making it easier to stand and walk straight up.

cvalue13 · Jan 20, 2021

amcclell
it makes a nice companion piece for the opposite wrist,

oh the wriiiiissssst... I’ve been doing it wrong

Archer · Jan 20, 2021

Solid 18k gold Tourbillon dive watch? Yes!

Okay, not really...

But many models are good value on the secondary market.

CaptainWinsor · Feb 4, 2021

I don’t understand why people consider Blancpain a high end brand.

Borosilikat · Feb 5, 2021

CaptainWinsor
I don’t understand why people consider Blancpain a high end brand.

The level of movement finishing is certainly high-end

cvalue13 · Feb 5, 2021

CaptainWinsor
I don’t understand why people consider Blancpain a high end brand.

maybe you would elaborate on why you wouldnt? (Not a loaded question, instead a genuine interests - as I don't have a dog in this fight.)

Ness · Feb 5, 2021

Vladimir Putin is a big fan of the brand.

Archer · Feb 5, 2021

CaptainWinsor
I don’t understand why people consider Blancpain a high end brand.

Well, if a company can produce this, in my eyes they are a high end brand...

Blancpain 1735...it includes a perpetual calendar (date, day, month, year, leap year indicator), moon phase, rattrapante chrono, tourbillon, minute repeater, and quarter repeater. I've held the one shown in my hands, and it is a masterpiece of watchmaking...

Of course the original incarnation of Blancpain was very pedestrian, but the current version is certainly a high end brand to me.

Cheers, Al

amcclell · Feb 5, 2021

I don't collect high end watches but at some point, I would like to get one "luxury brand" watch. I used to think it would be a vintage, 2-hand Patek or VC. Lately, I have shifted my thinking a bit, and have developed an appreciation for Blancpain's Villeret complete calendar moonphase, instead. I don't consider BP to be equal to VC or Patek by any means but they are a nice brand that represents good value on the resale market.