The iconic modern diver's watch, Fifty Fathoms, is finally available in titanium | BLANCPAIN

BLANCPAIN

Inheriting the Original DNA
A More Robust Appearance with a Titanium Case

Launched in 1953 as the world's first modern diver's watch, the "Fifty Fathoms" quickly captured the hearts of professional divers. It soon became an icon of dive watches with the subsequent release of a model for general use, and for approximately 60 years, Blancpain has continuously refined its technical and aesthetic aspects. In 2019, a new "Fifty Fathoms Automatic" was unveiled, featuring a titanium case while preserving the original DNA.

Text by Sayaka Ozaki

45mm Titanium Case Achieves Both Robustness and Lightness

The "Fifty Fathoms," introduced in 1953 as a professional-only diver's watch, is a significant collection in watchmaking history that became the archetype for dive watches. Key factors contributing to its widespread recognition include its black dial, a rotating bezel with a contrast to the luminous hour markers and hands, and a special construction using a soft iron inner case to protect the movement from magnetism.

While various technical and aesthetic refinements have been applied to the original over time, this new version, the "Fifty Fathoms Automatic," combines these elements with a titanium case. This new release is based on the model introduced in 2007, which featured a date display between the 4 and 5 o'clock positions to ensure high legibility. Its distinctive feature is the combination of an ebony black dial and a satin-finished titanium case.

Titanium is known for its high strength, as well as its excellent shock and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, its low density makes it exceptionally lightweight. Blancpain has leveraged these material advantages to create a watch that offers all the essential diving functionalities without feeling heavy on the wrist.

The new "Fifty Fathoms Automatic" also features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a scratch-resistant domed sapphire crystal. The indices, dial hour markers, and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova®, ensuring high legibility in any environment while creating a striking contrast with the sunburst black dial.

The sapphire crystal case back offers a view of the in-house Caliber 1315 movement, which delivers a 5-day power reserve thanks to its triple-barrel system.

The movement is meticulously finished, adhering to watchmaking traditions with techniques such as chamfering and circular satin brushing. Additionally, the use of a silicon balance spring enhances its magnetic resistance.

Robust, lightweight, and highly accurate, the "Fifty Fathoms Automatic" offers a unique and irreplaceable allure, appealing to divers who require substantial equipment for their expeditions, as well as to those seeking a large yet wearable and lightweight timepiece for daily use.