Blancpain directs the first act of Fifty Fathoms anniversary
In 1953, Blancpain introduced the first modern diver’s watch, the Fifty Fathoms. Now, 70 years after the release of the first Fifty Fathoms and 20 years after the launch of the contemporary anniversary timepiece, Blancpain is starting a year of celebrations with a dedicated new model that features an exclusive 42 mm diameter and is composed of three 70-piece limited series
In 2003, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms, Blancpain launched the first contemporary version, a limited edition comprising three series of 50 watches. The black dial, bearing extra-large numerals and markings affirmed the character of the original watch, but was resolutely anchored in the 2000s: its case was no longer water-resistant to 50 fathoms, or nearly 91 metres, but instead to around 300 metres. Its self-winding movement was equipped with a twin barrel endowing it with a four-day power reserve. The epoxy bezel inlay of the 1950s was replaced by a domed, scratchproof sapphire insert.
To kick off year-long celebrations highlighting the 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms – whose arrival set the benchmark for diving watches – the Manufacture is unveiling a brand-new timepiece that is also a nod to the 2003 “renaissance” model. Three series are once again being produced, this time each comprising 70 watches. Each series is dedicated to a region of the world – EMEA, Asia-Pacific, the Americas – and bears a number from I to III on the dial.
The dial is black with a sunburst motif and features vintage-look luminescent hands and block-type hour markers. The watch case, topped by the famous unidirectional bezel with a domed sapphire inlay, is made of polished steel and measures an exclusive 42 mm – regular models measure 45 mm, while the usual limited-edition Fifty Fathoms has a 40 mm case.
The new 42 mm pays tribute to the 1953 model while at the same time enables the use of the peerless Calibre 1315 in a concentrated format. Renowned for its extreme robustness, this self-winding movement has been a staple since its 2007 launch. Based on a three-barrel architecture, it provides a five-day power reserve. Its silicon balance spring guarantees resistance to magnetism – essential in the world of diving.
This anniversary edition’s oscillating weight bearing the “Fifty Fathoms 70” logo is of platinum – a material associated with 70th wedding anniversaries in Switzerland. As a further tribute, the oscillating weight features an opening, a technical trick used in the 1950s to increase the suppleness of the rotor and thus improve its shock resistance. The watch is fitted with a black NATO YTT+ strap – made from 100% recycled and entirely recyclable thread.
