Blancpain Fifty Fathoms - Noob v1 vs ZF v1

[JackJ1980]

I don't really like to do much subjectivity in my reviews. Just post side by sides. A couple things I couldn't really capture was the noob had a different rise angle than the ZF for the xtal. It looks nicer imo and gives same gen affect with less distortion. Also, the noob is slightly thicker than the ZF. Both of these are obvious super reps. ZF gets the nod for gen thickness of the straps however noob gets it's for feel of the calfskin. The tools for the ZF hex screws are a very nice and welcomed addition to these models of BPFF. Personally nod goes to v1, but by less than I thought it would. I'd be happy with either.

 

[JackJ1980]

 

[JackJ1980]

 

[JackJ1980]

 

[JackJ1980]

 

[JackJ1980]

 

[JackJ1980]

First is noob and second is ZF

 

[JackJ1980]

Sorry probably crashing your phone with all the pics

 

[cleebeauregard]

Cool thread and great photo comparison.Thanks! These comparisons are a lot of work.

Although the new ZF is an outstanding piece, I've got to cast my vote for the NOOB V1--- the shape of the bezel and crystal, greater three dimensionality of the hands and markers, and better finishing on the bezel teeth are things I noticed in favor of the V1. But ZF has certainly come a long, long way as a maker, and demonstrated their commitment to continuous improvement. I'm sure there will be even greater things to come from them. Keep in mind too, that despite a slightly unusual recent spate of listings, the NOOB V1s aren't exactly easy to find these days.

 

[maxracingshox]

Thanks for the comparison, we really needed that!
I'll receive my ZF tomorrow and I am super excited.
I think it is the first time in rep history, that we have two super reps from two different factories and both are V1's.
Is the bezel click really that different?

 

[jamsie]

Curious about the DARK engraving on the ZF? I already asked Jack..curious what the rest of you are seeing as the ZF appears to have an incorrect engraving on the case side and the B in BlancpaiN looks incorrect to that of GEN. Might just be angle, lighting of the pics.

 

[JackJ1980]

Thanks for the comparison, we really needed that!
I'll receive my ZF tomorrow and I am super excited.
I think it is the first time in rep history, that we have two super reps from two different factories and both are V1's.
Is the bezel click really that different?

Yes. As is crown turning. Smoother and more solid feeling ok v1. Especially crown. Bezel the ZF clicks louder but sounds less luxury

 

[maxracingshox]

Okay, thanks.

 

[jamsie]

I have a Blancpain Ocean blue which like all REPS have tells (thanks again Jack) which has really close to Swiss smoothness with crown action e.g. unscrewing, setting date and hand adjustment and screwing back down. My BFF V2 NOOB same deal, and both bezels have no rock and click nicely. With this said, I owned a GEN Breitling Avenger GMT which over time had bezel rock. My Colt's, EVO, and Super Ocean never did.

I think ZF did a great job with lug shape, and the dial markers with the correct amount of LUME placement close to GEN. The straps from ZF do look great as Jack noted. As already mentioned you may have better crystal shape with the V1 NOOB, yet case size is closer to GEN on the ZF. I wish ZF would have better marker application however.

 

[maxracingshox]

I think ZF did particularly good with the 12 marker vs Noob...


Gen:

ZF:

 

[jamsie]

I think ZF did particularly good with the 12 marker vs Noob...


Gen:

ZF:

Yes & no...look at Jack's review pics above, the ZF 12 marker has the numeral one sitting too high and not even, not the case with NOOB. Though this can be a watch to watch REP issue and just needs to get caught in QC. I still think I would thoroughly enjoy wearing either one day to day as the BFF is just a great watch.

 

[ryuhell]

Cool thread and great photo comparison.Thanks! These comparisons are a lot of work.

Although the new ZF is an outstanding piece, I've got to cast my vote for the NOOB V1--- the shape of the bezel and crystal, greater three dimensionality of the hands and markers, and better finishing on the bezel teeth are things I noticed in favor of the V1. But ZF has certainly come a long, long way as a maker, and demonstrated their commitment to continuous improvement. I'm sure there will be even greater things to come from them. Keep in mind too, that despite a slightly unusual recent spate of listings, the NOOB V1s aren't exactly easy to find these days.

I don't have the noob 's version to compare, but I can affirm that for zf's, the upper part of the bezel teeth is slightly sharp probably due to finishing

Sent from the RWI App

 

[Omagad]

Don't you think ZF is superior ?

Have to switch them back in my list then ?

 

[ryuhell]

Yes & no...look at Jack's review pics above, the ZF 12 marker has the numeral one sitting too high and not even, not the case with NOOB. Though this can be a watch to watch REP issue and just needs to get caught in QC. I still think I would thoroughly enjoy wearing either one day to day as the BFF is just a great watch.

I have that crooked 12 too

Sent from the RWI App

 

[Lagunax]

How is the AR on the ZF?
Is the AR better on the Noob or ZF?