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WOTW: Nick Faldo’s Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 500 Fathoms Titanium at The 150th Open Championship

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The 150th Open Championship this week was one that we will never forget. Cam Smith played an unbelievable final round but decided to keep his wrist bare while accepting the Claret Jug. Thankfully Sir Nick Faldo was on location and wearing a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 500 Fathoms dive watch on his wrist.

WOTW Specs

Name: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 500 Fathoms Titanium
Reference: 50015-12B30-52B
Limited: Yes, 500 Pieces
Date: 2009
Case: Titanium
Bezel: Titanium Saphire Crystal
Dial: Black
Size: 48mm
Movement: Blancpain Calibre 1315, 35 Jewels
Power Reserve: 120 Hours
Glass: Saphire Crystal
Waterproof: 10,000 Feet
Bracelet: Sail-Canvas Strap
Price: $24,700 (~$15,000)

Blancpain is not the most common name when it comes to watches but they have been making timepieces for over 280 years. Jehan-Jacques Blancpain started the company in 1735 in Villeret, Switzerland. Introduced in 1953, the Fifty Fathoms line is one of the most popular lines in the Blancpain lineup. Sir Nick’s 500 Fathoms was a limited edition of just 500 pieces for the entire world. It is a larger dive watch, clocking in at 48mm, but built from titanium so it is still lightweight. The titanium case has the traditional screw-down crown at 3 o’clock and then a decompression valve at the 10 o’clock location. The 500 Fathoms is waterproof rated to a wild 10,000 feet and the decompression valve helps to ensure no damage to the watch when diving to extreme depths. The back of the case screws down and contains a very large display back window to view the beautiful automatic movement. On top of the case is a large uni-directional bezel that features an easy to read diving scale. The bezel is crafted out of lightweight titanium and contains a diving scale that is covered in luminescent material. The bezel is then covered with sapphire crystal that is domed for a special look that also is extremely scratch resistant.

The dial on the 500 Fathoms is black and grey but as you look closely textured in a unique pattern. The base of the dial is a dark grey and then black sections are actually raised to contain the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock Arabic numerals. Those numerals are very large and filled with luminescent material for very easy reading in low light or dark water during dives. The hands on the watch are finished in matte black and the date window sits at the 4 o’clock position. Inside the titanium armor is a Blancpain self-winding automatic movement, the Calibre 1315. The 1315 features a beautiful winding rotor that is styled after a ship’s propeller. A triple balance wheel design gives the wearer almost 120 hours of power reserve while running smoothly on 35 jewels. A glucydur free sprung balance is made from beryllium bronze for added precision since it does not expand or contract much with temperature change.

The fabric strap is made from woven sail canvas that is extremely durable and contains a rubber backing for comfort on the wrist. At 24mm wide and held to the lugs on the case with hex screws, the strap is extremely durable. A double deployant clasp cannot be accidentally released, you have to press down the twin triggers in order to release the clasp. The market for Blancpain watches is not near as strong as some of the bigger brands so you are able to get this watch at a good discount. The retail price for one of these 500 pieces was $24,700, but you are now able to get one on your wrist for around $15,000 on the secondary market.

I have been an employee at GolfWRX since 2016. In that time I have been helping create content on GolfWRX Radio, GolfWRX YouTube, as well as writing for the front page. Self-proclaimed gear junkie who loves all sorts of golf equipment as well as building golf clubs!

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Ken

    Jul 22, 2022 at 10:19 am

    48mm? Wow, a dinner plate. Won’t age well.

  2. Baker

    Jul 19, 2022 at 10:18 am

    Blancpain = whitebread.

    Wow.

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Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.

They wrote:

“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”

Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
  • jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
  • jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
  • Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”

Entire Thread: “Most Birdies Without Breaking Par.”

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Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.

@DTorres asked:

The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?

Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.

We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.

Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
  • bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
  • CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”

Entire Thread: “Best current stock shaft 2026.”

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GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)

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A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.

As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.

Let’s get to the gifts.

Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo

We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.

Buy here.

STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover

If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.

Buy here.

Why Golf: Putting Thing

When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.

Buy here.

OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes

Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!

Buy here.

Therabody Theragun Relief

A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down. 

Buy here.

World Cup golf apparel

Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.

Buy here.

FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes

Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.

Buy here.

Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker

Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.

Buy here.

Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!

Buy here.

 

  • GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

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