Following last year's titanium and red gold case versions, Blancpain presents a new Fifty Fathoms with a 42 mm case in polished steel.
Presented in 1953, Fifty Fathoms by Blancpain is now a classic in diving watchmaking and beyond. The House, following the success of the limited edition Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 in 2023 (with a steel case) and the grade 23 titanium and brushed red gold versions launched last year (all three with 42 mm cases), introduces this new model with a 42 mm polished steel case joins the current collection and pays homage to the legendary Fifty Fathoms of 1953.
Blancpain's 1953 Fifty Fathoms can be considered the first modern diver's watch. It was in fact the first real watch designed for professional divers, and was adopted by both diving pioneers and elite marine corps around the world. Designed to withstand the most extreme conditions, it was equipped with technical features such as a crown with a safety system, an automatic movement, a contrasting dial with luminescent indices for maximum legibility, a lockable rotating bezel, anti-magnetic protection and guaranteed water resistance to 50 fathoms, equivalent to 300 feet (91.44 metres).
Fifty Fathoms 42 mm with steel case: back to basics
The new model with polished steel case is available with a bracelet in the same metal or a Tropic rubber strap.
Launched last year, the 42 mm Fifty Fathoms was offered in a grade 23 titanium or red gold case, both with a brushed finish. Now the 42 mm Fifty Fathoms is also available in polished steel, a material that creates striking light reflections. The black sunburst-effect dial, with oversized luminescent hour markers, luminescent gladius hands and a date display between 4 and 5 o'clock, offers optimal legibility. The black unidirectional rotating bezel with domed sapphire insert completes the aesthetics. The glass is an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
At the heart of this Fifty Fathoms is the calibre 1315, mechanical automatic, 28,800 vibrations per hour. Launched in 2007, this IWC-manufactured calibre is equipped with three barrels coupled in series, guaranteeing a power reserve of no less than five days. Also noteworthy is the use of the silicon helix, which ensures protection against magnetism and optimal precision, even under the most extreme conditions. Visible through the sapphire back, the movement, with its NAC-treated 18-carat red gold oscillating weight, echoes the characteristic rotor design of the 1953 model. The watch is offered with steel bracelet or Tropic rubber strap, the latter available with a pin buckle or folding clasp. Water resistance is guaranteed up to 30 atmospheres of pressure (300 metres).
Prices19,850 euros (with steel bracelet); 18,550 euros (with Tropic rubber strap).
