Sandoz "Fifty Fathoms"?

Renton
Posts
296
Likes
1,081
Hi gents, need some help on this. Appreciate any thoughts or comments!

Came across this vintage Sandoz military diver. It has the exact same look as a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, especially the oversized bakelite bezel. Case measures 40mm without crown. Nice patina on the dial.

I've seen similar Fifty Fathoms look-alike from Waltham and LIP, but have never come across this. Anyone has any thoughts? Cheers!

hq11sU
miE4CU
gtpbRp
eJMUe9
 
Sandoz1.jpg Sandoz2.jpg Sandoz3.jpg Sandoz4.jpg
pIoNeErOfThEnILe
Posts
1,099
Likes
1,083
there are quite a few of those bezels making the rounds in ebay italy. not all are disclosed as custom, or better yet not original to the watch
 
Renton
Posts
296
Likes
1,081
thanks both for the comments. does seem like we all to be extra wary of these aftermarket bezels!
 
Renton
Posts
296
Likes
1,081
pIoNeErOfThEnILe pIoNeErOfThEnILe
here's another one i believe

https://www.ebay.fr/itm/VETTA-MILITARY-DIVER-42mm-BEZEL-BLANCPAIN-STYLE-CALYPSOMATIC-CASE-VINTAGE-60/202455280182?_trkparms=aid=777003&algo=DISCL.MBE&ao=1&asc=20140620091512&meid=c5b3de39b24045c8a147003ca9e59046&pid=100009&rk=3&rkt=10&sd=382579302983&itm=202455280182&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982

Wow too many popping up. Dial and overall configuration seems uncannily similar to the Sandoz one. So it seems like the watch is original but they fitted on a FF bezel to upsell these?
 
This website may earn commission from Ebay sales.
pIoNeErOfThEnILe
Posts
1,099
Likes
1,083
Renton Renton
Wow too many popping up. Dial and overall configuration seems uncannily similar to the Sandoz one. So it seems like the watch is original but they fitted on a FF bezel to upsell these?

i don't know. and i could be wrong. but it just doesn't look right imo
 
bristnj
Posts
2,237
Likes
32,562
As stated above - Franken. The seller(s) in Italy are fitting these re-production/custom bezels to about anything they will fit. There is generally a new listing as soon as the current sells. If you're buying because you LOVE the look, and don't mind dropping $1K or more, go for it. Obviously, also understanding what it is your buying. That being said, you likely won't re-coup your investment when you try and re-sell. Most serious collectors would not be interested.
 
pIoNeErOfThEnILe
Posts
1,099
Likes
1,083
bristnj bristnj
As stated above - Franken. The seller(s) in Italy are fitting these re-production/custom bezels to about anything they will fit. There is generally a new listing as soon as the current sells. If you're buying because you LOVE the look, and don't mind dropping $1K or more, go for it. Obviously, also understanding what it is your buying. That being said, you likely won't re-coup your investment when you try and re-sell. Most serious collectors would not be interested.


sadly,...the stink smells awful from so many ebay italy sellers. from their high % of shilling/relist to flat out frank watches
 
pIoNeErOfThEnILe
Posts
1,099
Likes
1,083
there's even guys that can reproduce those bakelite bezels. if i had to guess most of these might be new, or built up from a not that damaged vintage one
 
cvalue13
Posts
3,998
Likes
9,015
kpaxsg kpaxsg
tempting

yeah that looks good (as in, aesthetically pleasing - not speaking to its authenticity)

Would this be the original setup:

E0BE11C1-A6E5-4D94-AF49-C5477124AD05.png
Edited:
 
kpaxsg
Posts
670
Likes
675
cvalue13 cvalue13
yeah that looks good (as in, aesthetically pleasing - not speaking to its authenticity)
indeed, that aside, how much would you have offer for it?
 
cvalue13
Posts
3,998
Likes
9,015
kpaxsg kpaxsg
indeed, that aside, how much would you have offer for it?

well, the trouble is, I would want to see photos of the watch from the side, tops, back, etc. I suspect that misplaced bezel is overhanging the case by several mm in all directions. Even in a photo from the front, you can barely see the crown - I suspect you have to wind the watch with a single finger rolling over the crown from behind, because the bezel makes it impossible to “pinch” the crown between two fingers. That being the case, I suspect this bezel may not look good or natural from the side, too, behind, etc.
 
NGO1
Posts
1,480
Likes
8,090
I’d take it for $500-700. It’s a good looking piece.
As cvslue13 pointed out, winding it may be a challenge.

just saw asking price. A bit steep for what it is.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...