Blancpain Approaching the Public

Recently Blancpain held an event in Korea to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms. To mark the anniversary the brand exhibited three watches from the Act series released over the course of a year along with rare vintage pieces and key current catalog models. Through this event Blancpain took a step closer to the public. At the venue early Fifty Fathoms models produced in the 1950s and 1960s were displayed offering watch enthusiasts a meaningful experience.

Three rare vintage pieces from the 1950s and 1960s exhibited for the 70th anniversary event
(from left: Incabloc, Mil-Spec, No-Rad)

In September Blancpain also launched a collaborative collection called Blancpain X Swatch ‘Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms’ together with its parent company Swatch Group. Known for its conservative image Blancpain took this opportunity to introduce the Fifty Fathoms the first modern diver's watch to the public through an unprecedented large-scale marketing and promotional strategy.

Following the MoonSwatch Swatch Group presents the new
Blancpain X Swatch Fifty Fathoms / © Blancpain

The First Modern Diver's Watch
Fifty Fathoms

The Fifty Fathoms holds the title of the world's first modern diver's watch equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel and diving scale. The Fifty Fathoms was born from the ambition of Jean-Jacques Fiechter who was the company's CEO at the time.

Former CEO Fiechter enjoying diving © Lettresdubrassus

In 1950 Fiechter who enjoyed recreational diving nearly lost his life when his oxygen tank ran out. This incident inspired him to design a special-purpose watch that could ensure the safety of divers.

Early Fifty Fathoms model with NATO strap
© Lettresdubrassus

The Fifty Fathoms which incorporated insights from divers was released with patented features such as a double-sealed crown system to prevent external ingress and a unidirectional rotating bezel. Recognized for its technology the watch began to build its reputation by being supplied to French Navy combat divers. Officially launched in 1953 the Fifty Fathoms was also supplied to the German Navy and US Navy SEALs establishing itself as the top diver's watch.

The Meaning of Fifty Fathoms

© Blancpain

Fathoms was a unit of depth used by sailors at the time with one fathom being approximately 1.829 meters (6 feet). Therefore fifty fathoms intuitively expresses the water resistance of the watch which allows diving up to about 91 meters (300 feet).

Fifty Fathoms Today

Blancpain is a historic brand officially recorded as having started in 1735. However the brand has experienced many ups and downs with several interruptions in its history. The Fifty Fathoms was also actively used by professionals until the 1960s but was barely produced in the 1970s to 1990s. After being acquired by Swatch Group in 1992 Blancpain revived the Fifty Fathoms by releasing a special edition limited to 150 pieces in 2003. Since 2007 it has been distributed as a regular production model. The CEO of Blancpain stated that 2023 marks both the 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms and the 20th anniversary of its revival making it even more meaningful.

Fifty Fathoms Titanium / © Blancpain

Today the main models of the Fifty Fathoms are made of stainless steel and titanium maintaining their original appearance as much as possible. The sail-canvas strap and the domed sapphire crystal covering the bezel highlight the distinctive identity of the Fifty Fathoms. While there is a steel bracelet version loved by modern consumers the strap version remains one of the few diver's watches that is even more popular.

Fifty Fathoms Big Blue 45mm / © Ssongwatches

There is one element that is clearly different from the original and that is the size. The first Fifty Fathoms was 41mm while the current Fifty Fathoms is 45mm. As one of the larger diver's watches the Fifty Fathoms stands out thanks to its substantial size. Although it may seem intimidating it is designed for a compact fit with a lug-to-lug of 50.8mm. (Only 2mm longer than the Submariner No Date Ref. 124060).

Fifty Fathoms Act 3 exhibited at the 70th anniversary event,
actual watch case reminiscent of underwater filming equipment

Blancpain also regularly releases limited editions of the Fifty Fathoms. These limited models commemorate various achievements of the watch. The Act series presented at the 70th anniversary event also continues the heritage of the Fifty Fathoms and sometimes the watches are sold in unique ways.  

Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe

Even watch enthusiasts who cannot overcome the limitations of wrist circumference can enjoy Blancpain's diver's watch heritage. The Bathyscaphe first released in 2013 perfectly addresses this issue.

Blancpain Bathyscaphe / © Letrres du Brassus

The Bathyscaphe was created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms. Visibly featuring a smaller case a thinner bezel and applied indices that may seem small for a diver's watch the Bathyscaphe has simplified the original's large design in every aspect. With a classic dress watch feel and sporty touch the size options range from 38 to 43.5mm. In fact these sizes were inspired by the Fifty Fathoms models produced in small quantities for use inside submersibles in the 1960s. Unlike the original Fifty Fathoms the Bathyscaphe has become a popular collection that embraces the beauty of negative space. The Bathyscaphe models mainly feature ceramic inserts on the bezel instead of sapphire giving the overall tone a more restrained look.

Time to Commercialize Special Editions?

Comparison of Fifty Fathoms sizes 45, 42, 40mm
© Blancpainblog

The size of the Fifty Fathoms is likely a matter that Blancpain considers more carefully than anyone. Although there has been no official announcement rumors suggest that in 2024 a 42mm catalog model from the Act series will be released. Enthusiasts are also looking forward to the possibility that if a Fifty Fathoms of the same size as the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M enters the market it could change the landscape of the already saturated diver's watch market.