Introducing The New Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3

We're all familiar with the buzz generated by Swatch's collaboration with Blancpain. For many unfamiliar with Blancpain, this partnership served as an introduction. However, among watch enthusiasts and those well-versed in horology, Blancpain's name resonates deeply, especially because of the Fifty Fathoms watch. Its storied history with diving watches and its reputation in the realm of watches underline its significance. 

The Fifty Fathoms introduced in 1953, it stands as the inaugural genuine diver's timepiece. Conceived by a diver for the demands of underwater expeditions, its features include water resistance, a sturdy double-sealed crown, automatic movement, a dark dial with luminous markers, a secure rotating bezel, and anti-magnetic protection. Over the years, the Fifty Fathoms has established itself as an essential tool for divers during their submerged endeavors. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms model, and Blancpain is celebrating with the third edition of the watch today. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3.

When Jean-Jacques Fiechter introduced a moisture indicator as an additional safety feature to the Fifty Fathoms watch In the 1950s, it helped divers determine whether the watch had been compromised by water during a dive.

In 1957, this moisture indicator made its debut on the MIL-SPEC watches. These watches share its specifications with the US Navy, which considered them the only ones capable of fulfilling all the rigorous criteria for underwater missions.

The Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 pays homage to this historical watch. It carries forward the legacy of the moisture indicator, demonstrating Blancpain's commitment to both honoring its heritage and advancing the art of watchmaking.

Encased in a 41.30mm 9k bronze-gold case, this patented alloy comprises 37.5% gold and 50% copper, this unique bronze alloy not only boasts the advantage of being skin-friendly, a departure from conventional bronze, but also extends its lifespan by resisting oxidation to the verdigris color due to the inclusion of gold. The watch additionally boasts a 60-minute scale unidirectional satin-brushed 9ct bronze-gold bezel with a black ceramic insert coated with vintage style SuperLuminova, a screw-down crown positioned at 3 o'clock, and a sapphire crystal on top, with water resistance up to 300 meters. Unlike the original model, the screw-down caseback is now covered by a sapphire crystal.

Under the  top sapphire crystal lies the matte black dial with a moisture indicator, alongside triangle, rectangular, and spherical shaped indices with sword shaped hour and minute hands that is also coated with vintage style SuperLuminova.

The watch is powered by the in housed self winding 1154.P2 movement that operates at 21,600 vph (3Hz), boasting 100-hour power reserve thanks to its twin barrels, this movement now exhibits a magnetic resistance of up to 1,000 Gauss, achieved through the use of a silicon balance spring and exclusive alloys in the escapement. Adding a touch of vintage flair, the oscillating weight is inspired by historical rotors and adorned with a vintage logo of the brand.

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 is paired with a two-tone NATO strap with a bronze-gold pin buckle, crafted to mirror the original timepiece's color scheme, and is a testament to its profound connection to the past. What sets it apart is its eco-friendly origin, crafted from recycled fishing nets, salvaged from the world's oceans. The watch is limited to 555 pieces CHF 30,000 which is equivalent to AED 122,000.

For more information please visit Blancpain official website.