Horological Meandering

* 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.

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.