If you’ve followed this website even a little, you’ve probably noticed we love watches here. 😊 When I was approaching my 40th birthday, it was obvious I wanted to mark the occasion with a new watch. Deciding to get one was easy; figuring out which one, however, was an adventure—a quest we watch enthusiasts live for.
There’s something thrilling about spending time (pun intended!) exploring which watch could be the one, only to buy it just a few months later. No endless dreaming of unattainable pieces here—this was about making a choice and seeing it through. And let me tell you, the satisfaction of owning a watch after such an intensive search is hard to beat.
Budget Talk: The Eternal Dilemma
Every watch quest begins with setting a budget, and this one was no exception. But let’s be honest, budgets are tricky. No matter the number, there’s always that temptation to stretch it “just a little more” for something better—or so we think. But I won’t dwell on money here; it’s personal, and frankly, not the most exciting part of the story.
Pre-Owned or Brand-New?
Another big question: pre-owned or brand-new? While I’m a huge fan of Chrono24.com (I spend hours scrolling through listings and have even sold watches there), I’ve never bought a pre-owned piece myself. Maybe next time! But for my 40th birthday, I wanted something brand-new, straight from a boutique—something special for this milestone.
Diving Watches: My Obsession
Choosing the type of watch was the easiest part: a diving watch. I’m obsessed with them. They’re versatile—great with a rolled-up shirt sleeve for casual looks, essential for swimming, and surprisingly useful in the kitchen. Yes, I use the timing bezel all the time while cooking, and I genuinely couldn’t live without it.
While I’ve owned a chronograph before (a Tudor Grantour Flyback), I found I rarely used it for timing. Instead, I relied on my diving bezels far more often. That Tudor, by the way, had an annoying movement (an ETA base with a flyback module that jumped three minutes and back, every time I pressed the chronograph). It drove me crazy, so I eventually sold it—but that’s a story for another time!
The Contenders
After much research, I narrowed it down to three watches—all beautifully crafted, with exceptional finishing and perfect proportions for my wrist.
1. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date
This watch, on a rubber strap and measuring 42mm, is a stunner. JLC is a legendary brand—the “watchmaker’s watchmaker.” The Polaris stood out with its vintage-inspired design, inner rotating bezel, and old-school charm.
However, the inner bezel wasn’t ideal for me—it’s not as intuitive as an external one. Plus, the mismatched date disc (a different color from the dial) was a small but noticeable downside. At the time, the new version had just launched with a see-through case back and screw-down crowns, leaving me to wonder what JLC had in mind for the previous version.
2. Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date
Although Glashütte Original isn’t usually my go-to brand, the SeaQ stands out as a notable exception. Both versions, including the smaller one with the regular date, are exceptional.
However, I’m particularly drawn to the larger Panorama version. Although the big date isn’t a must for me—I’ve never had trouble reading a standard date window—it’s undeniably fun and adds character. Unlike the Polaris, the SeaQ’s date disc seamlessly matches the dial color, a detail I truly appreciate.
3. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe
This one had been on my radar for years. I first discovered it in 2015, shortly after my watch obsession began. The design is timeless, and the size is perfect for my wrist—though I wouldn’t mind if it were 1–1.5mm thinner.
The history behind this watch resonates with me deeply. As one of the first diving watches in history, it was originally designed for French Combat Swimmers. As a Frenchman myself, this adds a special connection.
Blancpain’s ties to haute cuisine also caught my attention. Through their “Art of Living” initiative, they work closely with renowned chefs and are a partner of Relais & Châteaux—a must-know for anyone traveling to France for authentic culinary experiences.
When I see amazing chefs using their Blancpain Fifty Fathoms to time their cooking, just as I do in my kitchen, it inspires me to think about a possible future as a chef myself. (Hey, you never know!)
The Decision
In the end, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe won me over. It’s a watch I’ll cherish not only for its incredible design and craftsmanship but also for the journey it represents—a celebration of milestones, passions, and the joy of finding something truly special.
Here’s to the next chapter in my watch journey. Who knows what the future holds? But for now, this timepiece is the perfect companion.
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