Blancpain

One out of three versions offered for the 60^th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms is the one above in ceramised titanium. But before we look to the novelties we should have a quick look back.

1953 – The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms the first modern diver’s watch

It is truly amazing to note that the entire set of characteristics established by Blancpain in 1953 is virtually identical to the NIHS 92-11 (ISO 6425) norm introduced for diver’s watches in 1996, almost 40 years later:

- SAFETY: a lockable bezel bearing markings in order to check the dive time and the remaining air reserve: first patent for the FIFTY FATHOMS.

- RELIABILITY: substantial water resistance to almost 100 meters. In order to enhance the water tightness of the case, Blancpain developed a double O-ring seal on the crown: a second Blancpain patent for its diver’s watch.

- STURDINESS: automatic winding to reduce the number of times the crown would need to be unscrewed and thus in turn reduce the significant risk of wear on the crown’s water-resistance system.

- READABILITY: a black dial with clearly visible luminescent indications, housed within a broad case.

- ANTI-MAGNETISM: an indispensable form of protection for a diver’s watch.

Since its creation, this fascinating diver’s model has been interpreted in countless different ways – not only in the past: with or without a date, featuring variously shaped hands, different bezels and dials, as well as in a range of case surface treatments. Also we have seen different members in the Fifty Fathoms family and the most important ones are: Fifty Fathoms, Aqua Lung and Bathyscaphe.

The latter – two examples from the past :

2007 - Blancpain introduced THE modern Fifty Fathoms, which is probably the best selling watch in their recent collection.

The movement inside is the Caliber 1315, known for its outstanding robustness and reliability.

Strengths & weaknesses of the Ref. 5015 :

-         Strenghts : beauty, robustness and reliability

-         Weaknesses : size and maybe the prize (for some)

“If somebody asked me what I think is missing in the Fifty Fathoms family:

Well, I could imagine a FF Bathyscaphe with a “simpler” caliber 1315, case diameter 42mm and a price tag about € 7K. From my point of view, those should sell very well. Some nice vintage Bathyscaphe designs have been done in the past and could be used for inspiration …”

(Oliver, 2010)

"So what I would like to see is a 'budget' 50 Fathoms with a less elaborate bezel, a more basic case and less expensive finishing but built to withstand the elements as the current one - this does not really fit into Blancpain's haute horlogerie philosophie, doesn't it?

WAIT – there was once a watch called 'Bathyscaphe'...? We almost pray in unison: Hope, is there hope?”

(Magnus, 2011)

(Ref. 5000-1110-B52 A and 5100-1127-NAW A; just two examples)

The contours are as sharply defined as those of their predecessors. The hands feature the traditional look of the vintage watches and the date appears through a dedicated aperture. Loyal to the original Bathyscaphe version, the luminescent dot on the bezel serves to ensure the permanent readability of diving times.

Before we look in detail I would like to mention the thoughts/wishes from above. Did someone listen? More on this later.

FF Bathyscaphe, date and seconds, satin-brushed steel case, meteor grey dial, unidirectional ceramic bezel and self-winding cal. 1315 with 120 hours power-reserve.

The diameter is 43mm, the thickness is 13,40mm, the water-resistance is 300m, it comes with a sapphire crystal back and the interhorn space is 23mm – like the Ref. 5015 and therefore we finally have a fitting Nato strap …

Live pictures :

On the wrist :

But, there is more and some of you may already have detected it.

Yes, indeed there are two different “men” versions. The one on the left you already know, but the one on the right is the Ref. 5000-12C30.

The latter is FF Bathyscaphe with almost the same specifics except a black dial and a ceramised titanium case.

Live pictures :

On the wrist :

For comparison (and because of beauty) …

… on a lady´s wrist.

(Note for the wrist model: Thanks! Still think the steel version looks even better on you )

So far I showed you the two “men” versions, if we can call it like this today, and now we come to the white “ladies” version.

FF Bathyscaphe, date seconds, satin-brushed steel case, white dial, unidirectional ceramic bezel and self-winding caliber 1150. The latter is well-known from the Blancpain collection and approved. This time it comes with a silicon balance-spring.

The diameter of the “white” is 38mm, the thickness is 10.77mm, the water-resistance is 300m, it comes with sapphire crystal back and the interhorn space is 20mm.

Live pictures :

Pictures on female wrist :

Comparison – “old” versus new :

Final conclusion & more :

The 60th anniversary was a great opportunity to add something new to the Fifty Fathoms family. For some it probably was a big surprise to see the resurrection of the Bathyscaphe.

For me it was more than welcome, especially when I think about some nice details of both Ref. 5000. It is 2mm smaller (compared to Ref. 5015), comes with the same movement (which is a big surprise and a very good move), shows strong FF Bathyscaphe DNA and the price is competitive – Ref. 5000-12C30 is below € 10k and Ref. 5000-1110 is below € 9k.

Did someone listen? Yes, I think they did and for me it is a winner. Instead of replacing something really good, they have chosen to add.

The Ref. 5100 is nice as well and probably slightly better fitting to ladies wrists, even when it can be super sexy to see a 45 or 43mm watch on a female wrist

Lucky owners of the Ref. 5015 have now the option to add a black or green Nato strap, because 23mm was almost impossible to get.

Additional I would like to mention some new cuff-links for the Fifty Fathoms family:

They are available in white or red gold, the diameter is 20mm and the oscillating weight is moving.

That is all for today and from the Fifty Fathoms family.

Oliver