Blancpain
Blancpain 50 Fathoms 2019
Blancpain
Blancpain 50 Fathoms 2019
So revolutionary were these features, that the Fifty Fathoms was the only watch in 1953 to meet the requirements of specialised divers. It would go on to become the basis of countless designs, remaining virtually identical to the NIHS 92-11 (ISO 6425) standards introduced for all diver’s watches over 40 decades later in 1996. In fact, if you were to look at the first Fifty Fathoms, it is clear little has changed by way of design and intention; it remains to this day, one of Blancpain’s most undeniable models.
Military Muse
It should then come as no surprise that such an iconic, functional design would eventually make its way to the military; with various marine corps incorporating the Fifty Fathoms into their standard issue gear. The French were amongst the first to sport these pieces on their underwater missions, followed by others, such as the US Navy SEALs and UDT towards the end of 1950s and beginning of the 1960s, and then the German Bundesmarine after 1965, through a company named Barakuda, which was known for producing and marketing highly specialized diving equipment. However, these watches were not restricted to the military; Barakuda brought a civilian version to the German public; widely recognized by its two-tone hour markers featuring a rectangular shape, white fluorescent hands and date display at 3 o’clock. It proved a great hit within the German market and divers alike, with some pieces in the series paired with a tropical-type rubber strap for a unique aesthetic, comfort and increased durability.
It is this particular iteration that Blancpain chose to pay tribute to this year. The new Fifty Fathoms Barakuda embraces the original design codes from the 1960s. Its black dial is peppered with contrasting red and white hour markers layered under “old radium” type Superluminova that gives the originally white markers an off-white appearance. White lacquered pencil-shaped hands sweep the dial, while a date window finds itself perched at the 3 o’clock position, just like the original.
Circling back to the original collaboration with the French Navy, Blancpain has also unveiled a 300-piece limited edition of Fifty Fathoms featuring the symbol of French commando frogmen. The “Nageurs de combat” 2019 edition does not stray too far from its predecessor and guarantees the high levels of reliability and strength required underwater. The 45mm satin-brushed steel case is water resistant to 300 meters and features a locking system that correctly aligns all inscriptions on the caseback. Flip the “Nageurs de combat” over and you will see a Combat Diver Qualification badge featuring a central anchor and a winged seahorse on either side of the screw-down caseback.
A New Era
For a final reinterpretation of the 1953 Fifty Fathoms this year, Blancpain brings a touch of sophistication and refinement to this classic sporty model. Seen for the very first time, the Fifty Fathoms Automatique turns to blue ceramic to represent the dial. Cleverly paired with a satin-brushed red gold case, we bear witness to the birth of a new icon. This is not the first time Blancpain has experimented with the benefits of ceramic; its strength is six times greater than steel, allowing for great durability. Its ability to produce a striking sense of depth is exactly why it was chosen for the dial; a sunburst dial center is a stark contrast to a matte chapter ring.