Blancpain
Introducing the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa, Act 2 in the 70th Anniversary Celebration
Blancpain
Introducing the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa, Act 2 in the 70th Anniversary Celebration
The Low-Down
The Tech Gombessa is easily recognizable as a Fifty Fathoms, but it is entirely new in terms of design, construction, and functionality. A dive watch for the modern era. The Tech Gombessa is a worthy successor to the original Fifty Fathoms from 1953, a pioneering dive watch and a historically significant wristwatch.
In addition to the new function, the Tech Gombessa also boasts upgraded materials. It is Blancpain’s most contemporary dive watch to date, featuring a ceramic bezel instead of the standard sapphire bezel, and hour markers made of solid, luminescent resin without metal framing. While the aesthetic might be super contemporary, the proportions of the bezel relative to the case are actually in line with the proportions of the 1953 original. The hour markers are especially striking in orange, giving the watch a modern look that is fitting for a Fifty Fathoms made for the the modern era.
Inside the watch beats the cal. 13P8, which, based on the layout on the back, appears to be a variation of the cal. 1315 that powers current Fifty Fathoms watches, with the added feature of a three-hour hand. Just like the standard cal. 1315, the cal. 13P8 has attractive movement finishing, including a rounded, polished bevel that had to be executed manually. This feature is unusual for both “tool” watches as well as watches at the Fifty Fathoms price point. The winding rotor also bears the Gombessa logo — a nice touch.
IMHO
While Act 1 boasted a compact case size that will appeal to many, it is a relatively simple interpretation of a previously existing watch. The Tech Gombessa, on the other hand, displays a thoroughly novel design, making it an exciting anniversary edition. I’m a fan of its new, tech-savvy appearance, particularly because it doesn’t have a date window. Blancpain has done an excellent job in respecting the traditional style of the Fifty Fathoms while infusing it with creative, original elements, resulting in a timepiece that is easily recognizable yet still innovative.
The only potential drawback for some is its extra-large case size, but that is only from a daily wear perspective. This watch was designed with professional divers in mind and was even developed by professional divers, so practicality takes precedence over all else – the dial proudly displays the word “Tech” for good reason. In that light, the ultra-large dive watch is quite impressive and will distinguish itself from other similar watches in the future.
Tech Specs
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 – Tech Gombessa
Movement: Cal. 13P8; automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph
Case: 47 mm; titanium; water resistant to 300 m
Strap: Rubber strap