... a real life comparison.
Is it appropriate to compare those two watches? Let´s have a look together.
Both have a long history, but different approach.
SEIKO 5 - it all started with a Seiko Sportsmatic 5, back in 1963. The idea was to set a new standard in accessibly priced mechanical watches with its innovative combination of an automatic movement. The 5 Sports series started in 1968.
Why 5?
The watch had five key
attributes :
1. Automatic winding
2. Day/date displayed in a single window
3. Water resistance
4. Recessed crown at the 4 o’clock position
5. Durable case and bracelet
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms - the “Fifty Fathoms collection embodies Blancpain’s passion for the underwater world that was originally expressed in 1953 with the creation of the first modern diver’s watch. Blancpain is using innovative materials and new technical solutions in order to push the limits of its timepieces and to fulfill the most sophisticated demands.” The text is an extract from their (current) official webpage and it was not always like this, because back in the early 50s underwater operations required rugged, water-resistant and reliable equipment capable of withstanding the testing conditions and environment of sub-sea missions. The vintage pieces are known for being sporty and very robust, launched for military purposes but also for civil use – nothing more, nothing less. It was like this until the 80s and only changed in 1999/2000 with the “Trilogy” when it got sophisticated.
Why Fifty Fathoms?
50 fathoms=91,4 meters and that was the maximum depth an autonomous diver could reach then with normal compressed air at 200 bars, back at that time.
Data for comparison :
|
Seiko Ref. SNZH55K1 |
Blancpain Ref. 5015-1130-71 |
Specifities |
|
|
|
Day and Date |
Date |
|
Seconds |
Seconds |
|
- |
Antimagnetic cage |
|
One-way rotating bezel |
One-way rotating bezel |
Case |
|
|
|
Steel |
Steel |
Diameter |
41mm |
45mm |
Height |
13mm (approx.) |
14,5mm |
Between horns |
22mm |
23mm |
Water resistance |
100m |
300m |
Movement |
7S36 (in-house)* |
1315 (in-house) |
Power reserve |
36h (approx.) |
100h |
Weight with bracelet |
153g |
203g |
* Note: To initially start your watch, swing it from side to side in a horizontal arc for about 30 seconds
One of the reasons why people may say you can´t compare them is probably the price. The Fifty Fathoms is about sixty times more expensive – no kidding. For me this argument is not valid or let´s say kind of “snobby” and therefore I gave it a try.
What came to my mind here is the comparison between a Mercedes G and a Suzuki LJ, as the price difference is almost the same. Both are great for what they are and they can do similar jobs, like to bring the family and their stuff up to their mountain shelter – even in winter. Still both are not perfect for everything that comes to your/my mind
Back to watches.
A watch from a true manufacture , this is correct in both cases – more or less, without splitting hairs.
“Because we make every component, we understand that real quality comes only from engagement in the every step of the entire manufacturing process. Seiko’s strength in manufacturing lies in its commitment to integrate every process from the ideas to the in-house production. A design with originality is not a watch. Only when it is finally crafted, manufactured and assembled in the manufacturing department does it deserve the name Seiko 5 Sports. We will always take pride in the words “Japanese manufacture,” which indicates Seiko’s sincere determination to manufacture truly practical watches for each customer. It’s not the easy way. It’s the best way.“ (Hiroshi Nakahara; Senior Vice President and Director, Seiko Instruments Inc.)
Let´s have a look at some pictures, together:
The difference in diameter is 4mm. Depending on your taste or what you are used to it is good or bad or just fine like in my case. When I got the FF back in 2007 I always thought it should be a few millimeters smaller, but today I realized that I thought the Seiko 5 could be a few millimeters bigger … - things change
On the wrist they are both comfortable, but one has to get used to the extra weight the FF comes with. The latter feels more solid, for a reason.
More pictures from different angles, just for comparison.
Both can catch the light very nice, but the Seiko is more easy to shoot because it is less curvy.
A nice finishing is shown on both models, but with obvious differences.
The only things the bracelets share are that they are made out of steel and both are comfy on the wrist. Both can do the job properly, but I could imagine something more professional for serious diving or convenience in both cases.
If you want a proper/sporty watch, what is needed at the end? We have one with almost reduced to the max approach and one for those with special attention to details.
Luminance is different as you can see.
One
could say: “You get what you pay for.”
Well, I would say both watches offer great value for the money – even when they have differences.
The Seiko is a fun watch (only), you say? Let me disagree here.
Both are tool watches, aren´t they?
If you think different, it could be a paradigm – your paradigm.
Of course the steel used might be different and so are the thicknesses and the refinement. We also have Hardlex (type of hardened mineral crystal from Seiko) versus sapphire crystal, not to speak about the sapphire bezel of the FF. Only one has a screwed crown, noted. Without testing in extreme situations I would still say both are appropriate as a “tool” for most of the cases used by people like you and me – none professional divers or that kind.
During my summer holiday at, above and in the lake I was happy to have both. Just for the pleasure of choice.
By the way, did I mention that I like the red details of both – even when the Seiko shows it only on Sunday …
Conclusion :
Both watches are fun to wear - especially for casual and sporty occasions.
Both watches work with simple and/or sophisticated accessories.
Which one do I prefer? To me it all depends on the given situation and the circumstances.
Best is to have both!
Was it appropriate to compare those two watches? I still think: Yes.
Both watches fit just right to their defined approach:
· Seiko – “standard in accessibly priced mechanical watches”
· Blancpain – “to fulfill the most sophisticated demands”
Are both the benchmarks in their class? Well, therefore we would have to look at some more watches and brands for direct comparison. Maybe one day we can do something like this …
Oliver
PS: I am aware that there is something like a (Franken) FiftyFive Fathoms (based on the Seiko) available, but I was not interested in this.