Blancpain US Navy… now within reach

[Fizzzz]

@madasboot
Simple friction bezel? Then why need to push down?

S., S., S…
If you dont press it doesn’t rotate.
These damn things are friction but tight…

M., M, M...
I've found that Blancpain has patented this mechanism in 1954:
Leaf springs to lock the bezel rotation: you need to press down to unlock.

[madasboot]

@madasboot
Simple friction bezel? Then why need to push down?

S., S., S…
If you dont press it doesn’t rotate.
These damn things are friction but tight…

M., M, M...
I've found that Blancpain has patented this mechanism in 1954:
Leaf springs to lock the bezel rotation: you need to press down to unlock.

Ouch…
Damn, I didn’t know that. you have any idea on how it worked?
“European” FFs had friction bezels.

Look at this one:

24092462-32C6-491E-B902-4666D7658865.jpeg

Best
M.

[Fizzzz]

@madasboot
No more precision about this "leaf spring lock",
a picture of the bezel back may help...
Maybe this retaining ring was wavy to press vertically.

First BFF was introduced in 1953,
back then, Blancpain was not known in FR, so they have entrusted LIP company for FR market (1954-1957)
Ironic anecdote:
Just a few years earlier, Robert Maloubier ("nageurs de combat" founder) has first introduced his diver watch concept to LIP,
but LIP said -no future for a diver watch-" !
then only, Bob Maloubier went to Blancpain ...

[madasboot]

@Fizzzz

This must be the leaf spring you refer:
(17)

8A149101-6121-4D85-A75B-E8DB1667E1CC.jpeg

[Fizzzz]

@Madasboot
Yep, makes sense with friction on (7)
Amazing document, would you share the source please?

[madasboot]

@Madasboot
Yep, makes sense with friction on (7)
Amazing document, would you share the source please?

Let me check in the computer.

[Ace0nBase]

I believe the older Rolex's bezel work the same way. I know at least the 1675 GMT did.

But this is good news for someone like me who wants to potentially reduce the height of the bezel of this case. Hopefully will be able to remove the click mechanism and rig up some kind of friction ring to reinstall the bezel with. Just ordered one of these off of Ali so we shall see.

[jrlmsla]

[mention]Madasboot[/mention]
Yep, makes sense with friction on (7)
Amazing document, would you share the source please?

Here is the patent paperwork that includes the illustration and description of the case filed by the CEO of Blancpain Jean Jacques Fiechter in 1955

[Fizzzz]

@jrlmsla

Thank you for this interesting document

[Thrasher]

I received a fantastic BLANCPAIN US NAVY Rdunae diver today from Madasboot but of course Pixelsbin is down so I can't post a picture!