Renowned for its excellence in haute horlogerie, Blancpain recently announced the expansion of its historic Fifty Fathoms collection with new Automatique models with a reduced diameter of 42 mm, offering a wider choice for fans of finely designed dive watches.
Following the success of last year's limited edition Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1, which marked the first time the manufacture featured a 42 mm case, Blancpain decided to introduce this size in red gold and titanium variants as well, thus enriching the current collection with new style and material options.
The Fifty Fathoms, the first true diver's watch launched in 1953, set the standard for watches of this type, combining strength, water resistance, legibility and anti-magnetism - features still adopted by the entire watch industry today. In 2003, under the leadership of Marc A. Hayek, Blancpain's president and CEO and a diving enthusiast, the Fifty Fathoms was revisited and updated, maintaining its pioneering spirit and introducing innovations that have strengthened its position in the world of diving watches.
The new 42 mm Automatique models are equipped with Caliber 1315, an automatic movement developed in-house that guarantees excellent chronometric precision and a five-day power reserve, thanks to three barrels mounted in series. This technical choice underscores Blancpain's commitment to haute horlogerie and the pursuit of mechanical perfection.
Available in red gold and grade 23 titanium, these watches combine elegance and sturdiness. Titanium, known for its light weight and resistance to scratches and corrosion, also offers hypoallergenic properties, making it ideal for everyday use and sports activities. The sapphire bezel, a distinctive feature of the collection, ensures impeccable readability and adds a touch of sophistication to the design.
Blancpain has also thought about aesthetic customization, offering dials in blue or black and a wide range of straps, including models in sailcloth, NATO style, and "tropic" rubber inspired by the original 1953 model. This variety allows watch enthusiasts to find the perfect combination for their style, whether elegant or sporty.
With these new updates, the Fifty Fathoms collection continues to set a benchmark in the world of diving watchmaking, celebrating more than 70 years of innovation and passion for ocean exploration. These new models, not limited to special editions, promise to carry on the legacy of the Fifty Fathoms, joining Blancpain's commitment to ocean conservation through the Blancpain Ocean Commitment initiative.
At a time when watchmaking is confronted with technical and stylistic challenges, Blancpain continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability by carrying on the legendary story of the Fifty Fathoms and strengthening its connection with the oceanic community and watch enthusiasts around the world.
BLANCPAIN Fifty Fathoms Automatique
About Fifty Fathoms
Launched in 1953, the Fifty Fathoms is the first true dive watch. Created by a diver to meet the demands of underwater exploration, it was chosen by diving pioneers and elite naval corps around the world as the professio- nal instrument for measuring time. With state-of-the-art water resistance, a secure and sturdy crown, a self-winding movement, a dark dial with contrasting luminescent indicators, a lockable rotating bezel, and anti-magnetic protection, the Fifty Fathoms is the inseparable travel companion of elite divers.
These characteristics, which made the Fifty Fathoms the archetypal dive watch, still define the identity of models of this type for the entire watch industry. Faithful to the past, but at the same time looking toward the future, contemporary Fifty Fathoms models inte- grat modern movements prized for their robustness and reliability. In addition, they boast numerous technical innovations, the result of Blancpain's long experience in diving and in-depth knowledge of their risks and imperatives.
The Fifty Fathoms has played an essential role in the development of underwater diving and the discovery of the ocean's secrets. It has also enabled Blancpain to establish strong ties with the ocean community, which, for more than 70 years, have never ceased to strengthen. The Fifty Fathoms is the catalyst for the Manufacture's commitment to ocean protection, called the Blancpain Ocean Commitment.
