Blancpain launches a new classic diving watch

 

    The Fifty Fathoms diving watch originated from a meeting between Blancpain and two distinguished naval officers. In 1952, French Navy combat diver captain Bob Maloubier and his lieutenant Claude Riffaud were tasked with organising a special diving unit. Unable to find a watch on the market that met the extreme requirements of deep-sea missions, the two officers approached Blancpain. They collaborated to create a military diving watch tailored to specific technical needs, which is when the unidirectional rotating bezel was first conceived. Drawing on their respective expertise and vision, Blancpain's watchmakers and engineers developed this exceptional mechanical masterpiece, which is considered the prototype of the modern diving watch.

 

    The original diving watch created by Blancpain in 1953 was water-resistant to 50 fathoms (approximately 91.45 metres), hence the name "Fifty Fathoms". Following its release, the Fifty Fathoms' reliable quality and robust performance earned it acclaim from various militaries and made it a favourite among professional marine exploration teams. The famous marine exploration team of Jacques Cousteau and Louis Malle wore Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watches during the filming of the ocean documentary "The Silent World". In 1997, Blancpain increased the water resistance of the Fifty Fathoms to 300 metres, and in 2003, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Fifty Fathoms, the brand released a special limited edition featuring a new black, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal bezel design.

50 Fathoms

    Brand new completeFifty Fathomscollection of watches

    Today, Blancpain has expanded this iconic legendary diving watch into a complete collection, including original self-winding models, flyback chronographs, and stunning flying tourbillon versions. The new Fifty Fathoms diving watch collection fully expresses Blancpain's watchmaking expertise, with each unique design demonstrating the brand's authority in the field of fine mechanical watchmaking. The available rose gold and white gold models offer even greater prestige and luxury, without compromising the watch's superior water resistance and high-quality performance.

    An unyielding spirit of resilience

    The three new Fifty Fathoms diving watches inherit the classic features of the original while continuing all its superior performance, utilising Blancpain's extensive technical experience to create the impeccable professional performance of the new Fifty Fathoms collection. With water resistance up to 300 metres, large indices, and hands designed for excellent legibility, the models retain the black dial and bezel colour scheme, with luminescent treatments providing high-contrast readability. The watches also retain the classic Fifty Fathoms rotating bezel, featuring a grooved edge for easy operation, with a unidirectional mechanism to prevent accidental errors during diving. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is one of the hardest materials in the world (second only to diamond), and its slight curvature reduces the risk of impact damage, while the meticulous finishing of the bezel highlights its top-tier status.

50 Fathoms

    BlancpainThe perfect mark of Blancpain's fine tradition

    Blancpain has always followed the combination of watchmaking tradition and innovative technology. In order to create a more superior and legible design, every manufacturing detail has been re-examined to build an even more perfect Fifty Fathoms dive watch. To enhance the exceptional readability of the watch in any environment, Blancpain uses a brand-new luminescent treatment on the bezel and hands. The sunburst black dial paired with swing-trapezoidal hour markers, along with the special marking design for the final fifteen minutes on the bezel, are all meticulously crafted features of the Fifty Fathoms dive watch designed for ease of use. Additionally, the crown protection design on the side of the case ensures the waterproof performance of the crown.