2023 still starting, but it is already full of watchmaking news. Blancpain celebrates the 70-year history of its iconic Diver by introducing the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary.
Created in 1953 as an indispensable tool for divers of the time who went out to explore the deep, now the Fifty Fathoms is given a modern makeover in terms of its construction and technical aspects by winking at the design of the original model.
Let’s explore what is, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating modern Diver’s in the world of watchmaking and trace what was the history leading up to the creation of the new celebratory model.
A brief history of Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
Fifty Fathom, or 50 times the unit of measurement in the imperial system that is sometimes still used to measure the depths of the sea and corresponding to the maximum span of a man’s arms (1.828 meters). That’s what the iconic diver from Blancpain is named after.
Corresponding to about 91 meters, this was the resistance to the deep sea that characterized the first Blancpain Fifty Fathoms produced in 1953.
Known for being the first modern dive watch of its time, the Fifty Fathoms was created by Jean-Jacques Fiechter, CEO of Blancpain from 1950 to 1980 and a pioneer in recreational diving. Created for the purpose of being an indispensable instrument for underwater exploration, the Fifty Fathoms was also chosen as the watch of choice by various special naval corps around the world.
Despite the importance and relevant history of this watch that marked a chapter within the watchmaking world, the Fifty Fathoms for a few years remained forgotten until the arrival of Marc A. Hayek, the current CEO of the Maison.
In fact, Hayek, who came to manage Blancpain in 2002, decided to bring back the by-then-forgotten Fifty Fathoms following research in the brand’s archives. Similarly to the creator of the Fifty Fathoms, Hayek was also moved to this endeavor by his passion for underwater diving.
So it was that 2003, the model’s 50th anniversary year, saw the revival of the Fifty Fathoms with a limited edition version of three sets of 50.
Inspired by the original 1953 model, the Fifty Fathoms 50th anniversary takes up the stylistic codes of its ancestor but with an updated caliber inside and, most importantly, with the adoption of technical and construction solutions that ensured it a water resistance of 300 meters.
Due to the enormous success of this anniversary model, the Maison decided to incorporate the Fifty Fathoms in its watch collections in its own right.
The next step in the history of this fantastic Diver occurs in the present day with the 70th anniversary of the model, which falls precisely in 2023. To celebrate this milestone and, above all, celebrate the history of this iconic watch, Blancpain has decided to pay tribute to it by creating an unprecedented limited edition version.
In addition to this celebration, 2023 will be accompanied by two more anniversaries for the Maison: the 20th anniversary since the creation of the modern Fifty Fathoms in 2003 and the 10th anniversary of Gombessa Expeditions.
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary
Inspired by the 2003 model that witnessed the rebirth of the Fifty Fathoms, this new 300-meter water resistance celebratory Diver encapsulates all the technical and stylistic elements that have characterized the line since 1953.
At first glance, I would dare to call the new Fifty Fathoms a vintage-modern watch due to the many elements in common (including the vintage-looking luminescent block hour markers) with the first Fifty Fathoms in history. Especially that true “Tool Watch” vibes that only vintage divers can boast.
Looking at the first model produced in 1953 and the new 70th Anniversary model, we can see many common elements, including the dial and bezel, but revamped with a modern twist.
In the new model, reading the dial and unidirectional diving bezel, with a domed sapphire crystal insert, are easier due to the larger size of the luminescent numerals and the watch surface, made possible by the new 42 mm diameter steel case.
While I greatly appreciate this new Fifty Fathoms as a whole, it is precisely when talking about the case that I must admit to finding a downside. The thickness of 14.30 mm is borderline at the wearable level. For goodness sake, there are also much thicker watches, but for personal taste a few millimeters less would have been appreciated.
Despite this, however, it must certainly be said that, in these cases, thickness is not a stylistic choice but is a necessity dictated by the construction itself of the watch and all the elements that must fit within it.
These include the automatic caliber 1315, a movement famous for its robustness that has become a Blancpain Manufacture must-have since its launch in 2007.
Characterized by a silicon spiral, this element ensures resistance to magnetism, an essential criterion in diving and one that in the 1953 model was guaranteed by a soft iron cage in which the movement was housed.
The movement observable through the sapphire crystal case back is complemented by a platinum oscillating weight personalized with the “Fifty Fathoms 70th” logo. Looking instead at the black dial with a soleil finish, we can see a perfectly integrated elegant inscription at 6 o’clock indicating the model’s anniversary.
Immediately below, you can see the inscription “Series I” as the new Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary will be produced in three series of 70 each. Each series also will be dedicated to a region of the world: EMEA, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas.Complementing the new Fifty Fathoms is the genuine “Tool Watch” NATO strap composed of recycled wire from fishermen’s nets recovered from the sea or oceans.
Our opinion
If you are a lover of diver watches and of watches with a story to tell, the new Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary is the watch for you.
Characterized by an iconic and instantly recognizable look, the new Fifty Fathoms is one of those watches that, as I usually say, represents modern vintage, that is, a watch with a retro impact but with the reliability of the best and most innovative modern solutions guaranteeing you “worry-free” watch use.
Price and availability
Limited to 70 pieces for each of the three series that will be produced, the new Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary will be available for purchase starting immediately on Blancpain’s website or in boutiques.
The list price of this watch is EUR 17,950.
To learn more about Blancpain visit their official website.
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