Blancpain is releasing the "Fifty Fathoms "Frogman"" as a new model for 2019, with a limited production of 300 pieces, as a tribute to the French Navy's special diving unit.

Blancpain is also known as a pioneer in the development of dive watches. The impetus for this came from Jean-Jacques Fiechter, who managed Blancpain in the 1950s and was himself an accomplished diver.

He began working on a watch to wear during his underwater explorations. This was a significant challenge, as there were no precedents to follow at the time. Based on his experience, the basic specifications were defined and developed. The features he deemed necessary—a dark dial for contrast with luminous hands and indices, a rotating bezel with assured safety performance, an automatic movement, and a water-resistant and antimagnetic case—were developed.

In parallel, in early 1952, Captain Robert "Bob" Maloubier and Lieutenant Claude Riffaud, who were establishing the French Navy's new diving unit, began their search for a watch suitable for underwater missions. However, no watch met their criteria. Upon hearing that the CEO of a Swiss watch brand was testing a new watch model while diving in the South of France, they contacted Jean-Jacques Fiechter.

In 1953, Blancpain delivered dive watches to this French Navy unit. The watch that perfectly met the French Navy's standards was the "Fifty Fathoms."

This latest release, limited to 300 pieces, is born as a tribute to the close collaboration with the founder of the French Navy's special diving unit. The caseback is engraved with the special diving unit's insignia, subtly revealing a second emblem: the number seven. Oxygen becomes toxic at a pressure of 1.7 bar, and the maximum depth the diving unit can reach using pure oxygen is 7 meters, making it a number of significant importance in the world of divers.

The watch is powered by the Caliber 1315 movement. The date is displayed in a small window, and the silicon balance spring serves as an antimagnetic shield. Its geometric form evokes the military diver watches of Blancpain from the 1950s, and like those from that era, the hands are colored white. Following the vintage style, the traditional triangle mark is set at the 12 o'clock position, just like on the first Fifty Fathoms.

Fifty Fathoms "Frogman"

Movement | Automatic
Power Reserve | Approx. 120 hours
Case Material | SS
Case Diameter | 45mm
Strap Material | Sail canvas
Water Resistance | 300m
Price | ¥1,520,000 (excluding tax)
Limited Edition | World limited to 300 pieces

EVENT NEWS BLANCPAIN "Fifty Fathoms"
First introduced in 1953 as the world's first modern dive watch, Blancpain's "Fifty Fathoms" is said to have established the definition of a dive watch. We invite you to enjoy the world of the legendary "Fifty Fathoms," including its latest creation.

Visitors will receive an original Blancpain novelty gift.
*Quantities are limited. Gifts will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please understand that distribution will end once supplies are exhausted.

Date | Saturday, September 14, 2019, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Venue | Ginza Tsutaya Books GINZA ATRIUM
Address | GINZA SIX 6F, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone | 03-3575-7755
Inquiries regarding the event | Blancpain Boutique Ginza Tel. 03-6254-7233