Blancpain Celebrates 70 Years Of Legendary Fifty Fathoms Dive Watch
The special-edition diver is an update of a true horological icon.
The idea that a watch could go off-land into extreme conditions and the depths of the ocean was once a novel concept, unlocked by a rare few watchmakers–like Blancpain, which launched the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70 years ago.
This year, that milestone has come to pass, and Blancpain is celebrating with the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act I. The iconic timepiece has been revamped and retooled in an homage to the first watch featuring a unidirectional rotating bezel with a diving scale, a horological achievement in its own right.
It’s but the first installment in the watchmaker’s anniversary plans, which will also include nods to 20 years of the contemporary Fifty Fathoms and 10 years of Blancpain’s deep-ocean Gombessa Expedition.
The modern edition of the Fifty Fathoms hits the right notes down to the 42mm case and dive-ready specs, of course.
The patented caseback seal and double-sealed crown were pioneering efforts in the first edition of the Fifty Fathoms seven decades ago, and for good measure, the 2023 edition also retains its oversized numerals for added visibility.
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 also boasts 300 meters of water resistance, and note the unique placement of the date window between 4 and 5’o-clock.
As with all great timepieces, it’s also what’s inside that counts, and the Blancpain Calibre 1315 movement offers up a five-day power reserve through a three-barrel design.
A special engraving on the platinum oscillating weight nods to the significance of the occasion, and as if its legacy wasn’t apparent enough, only 70 watches will be offered to dedicated collectors.
Suffice to say, Blancpain’s ongoing Fifty Fathoms tribute is one to keep a coveted eye on this year.
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