Blancpain

hary.lim
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Part IV: Face-Off Legend Divers Blancpain FF vs. Omega PloProf

Part IV: Bracelet (Strap)

I would love to make an 'apple to apple' comparison between Omega's bracelet and Blancpain's bracelet. However unfortunately my Blancpain FF comes with the strap, while Omega Plorpof is fitted with mesh bracelet. But I am trying to give my subjective view about the quality of the strap and bracelet.

Blancpain FF

It is fitted with water-resistant sail cloth strap, also known as 'kevlar' type strap. The back of the strap is coated with rubber, that would prolong the shelf-life of the watch even in frequent contact with water or sweat. The quality of the stitching is great, thick and strong. I expect the strap to last long and it should be able to withstand daily wear.

Sail cloth strap with rugged stitching

Rubberlined at the back of the canvas

The lug has odd size, 23mm, wide enough to give right proportion to the 45mm dial.

Thinking of doing a quick strap change for Blancpain FF? Not so easy. Here is the reason:

Hexagonal lug hole requires Allen Key for strap changes

You need an allen key to do the strap change. Blancpain sells the strap change kit with a price tag of CHF 1200. Of course the kit doesn't contain only allen key, it also includes a watchholding stand and a rubber strap too. But I cannot justify myself to spend so much on this kit. Altough I am contended with the existing strap and do not foresee frequent change of straps, such hassle to change a strap is a turn down for me. Watch out Panerai fans, you will be dissapointed if you expect the same flexibility of strap changes like Panerai.

The strap comes with a tang buckle. You will find a trapeze-shaped marker on the buckle reflecting the design of the hour-markers.

Tang buckle with trapeze-shaped marker

+ Points:

rubberlined canvas strap
• rugged stitching
  

- Points:

need Allen Key or (expensive) tool kit to change the strap
• Odd lug-width 23mm size
  

I will rate 3 stars (5 maximum) for the strap, mainly due to the limited flexibility of straps changing.

Omega PloProf

My PloProf is fitted with mesh bracelet (a.k.a "Sharkproof"). The MSRP difference between mesh bracelet and rubber strap in Singapore is only SGD 300 (USD 200). Hence no brainer for me to pick the mesh bracelet. To me the PloProf looks the best with mesh bracelet, but I would also consider pairing it with rubber strap for a change.

Great looking and comfortable "Sharkproof" mesh bracelet

The quality of the bracelet is great. However changing the length of bracelet requires hammer to knock out the pin. I wish all bracelet could follow IWC concept, which requires just a tooth pick to resize the length. The buckle is huge and looks great , however due to its size, it is surely a scratch magnet. The bracelet, with its double extension system, is fitted with Omega’s new diving safety clasp whose pinned links allow precise adjustments. It also features an extra divers’ extension so that the watch can be worn comfortably over a diving suit.

Double extension and fine clasp adjustment

While the bracelet looks great and rugged, I find the clasp is a bit 'fragile'. The buckle doesn't fasten perfectly with one press, it requires second push to clip the two clasp end tightly. It could be fatal if they are not clipped properly.

Part 1 of the clasp end

Part 2 of the clasp end

Part 1 and part 2 clip together. In my case I need to push it twice to fasten it

Oversize buckle, prone to scratches

+ Points:

Rugged but very comfortable to wear Fine clasp adjustment
• Double extension system for diving suit
  

- Points:

Oversize buckle Resizing of bracelet could be made easier
• Fragile construction of the clasp.
  

If I judge the bracelet just from its look, no doubt it's a great bracelet, however I expect better quality of the clasp for the watch at this price level. It get's 3.5 stars (5 maximum) from me.

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