Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA vs Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial
| Specification | Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA | Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Blancpain | Rolex |
| Collection | Fifty Fathoms | Sea-Dweller |
| Reference | 5008-1130-NABA | 126660 |
| Category | Dive | Dive |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Caliber | Caliber 1315 | Rolex 3235 |
| Power Reserve | 120h | 70h |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph | 28,800 vph |
| Case Diameter | 40.0mm | 44.0mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.2mm | 17.7mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel) |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating | Sapphire, 5.5mm thick |
| Water Resistance | 300m / 984ft | 3900m / 12795ft |
| Weight | 110g | 220g |
| MSRP | $14,200 | $14,350 |
| Market Price | $16,000 | $15,500 |
In-Depth Comparison
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA and the Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.
Heritage And Brand Prestige
Blancpain and Rolex are both highly respected names in watchmaking. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular Fifty Fathoms reference was introduced in 2017, while this Sea-Dweller reference debuted in 2018. The Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.
Movement And Mechanics
At the heart of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA beats the Caliber 1315 caliber offering a 120-hour power reserve running at 28,800 vph with 35 jewels. The Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial is powered by the Rolex 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 31 jewels. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA wins on power reserve with a 50-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.
Dimensions And Wearability
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA features a 40.0mm case at 13.2mm thick with a 47.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Stainless Steel. The Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial comes in at 44.0mm and 17.7mm thick with 52.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel). The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 110g, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA is the lighter of the two.
Materials And Construction
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA uses a Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal paired with a Unidirectional rotating, ceramic insert bezel, while the Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial features Sapphire, 5.5mm thick crystal with a Unidirectional rotating, Cerachrom ceramic insert bezel. On the wrist, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA comes on a Black NATO-style sail canvas strap with Stainless steel pin buckle, while the Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial is fitted with Oyster bracelet featuring Oysterlock folding clasp with Fliplock extension and Glidelock.
Water Resistance And Capability
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA is rated to 300m / 984ft and the Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial to 3900m / 12795ft. For water sports and diving, the Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial provides superior depth capability.
Pricing And Value
At retail, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA lists for $14,200 compared to $14,350 for the Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial. On the secondary market, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA trades around $16,000 while the Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial commands approximately $15,500. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA trades at a 13% premium over retail, indicating strong demand and investment potential. The Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial carries a 8% market premium.
The Verdict
Choosing between the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA and the Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For diving and water sports, the Rolex Deepsea 126660 D-Blue Dial is the stronger choice. for dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC 5008-1130-NABA is more versatile. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.