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Hands-on with the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barakuda

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barakuda was received enthusiastically when introduced on May 17th. Now that delivery through the Blancpain Boutiques has started, let's take a closer look at it. 


 

Inspired by the 1968 vintage timepiece that got its name from the German military equipment distributor Barakuda, the Fifty Fathoms Barakuda reference 5008B-1130-B52A is standing faithful to its iconic predecessor, particularly when you look at the dial, the date window and the hands. 


 

 

 


The bezel has obviously been changed to the modern day sapphire version. The indications on the bezel are consistent with the Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MilSpec from 2017, and they are a compromise between the two known versions of the 1968 Barakuda which had either a calibration for 60 minutes or only a diamond at the 12 o'clock position. 


 

 


To stay close to the original the shape of the bezel is different than the MilSpec or the OC III: with a coin edge design it is reminiscent to the original Barakuda. This little detail creates a significantly different look, together with the Barakuda dial layout the timepiece looks a bit larger than the previous 40mm Fifty Fathoms timepieces. 


 

 


When I encountered the Barakuda for the first time in May, I had no opportunity to see it on the Tropic strap, which was created as a reminiscence to the straps that were so popular with dive watches from the 1950s and 1960s. This new one however is not the shiny plastic strap in those years, it's made from a slightly elastic rubber that feels very comfortable and looks just fantastic. 


 

 


The beautifully curved 40.3mm is well known, and when you turn the watch over you will find calibre 1151 with the usual beautiful decoration, albeit with a new rotor design that can also be found in the other 2019 Fifty Fathoms novelties. 


 

 


Now, let the photos tell the story of the new Fifty Fathoms Barakuda in various settings and under different light conditions, with a focus on a number of wrist shots that hopefully transport the excellent feel once you strap it on ;-) 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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