Blancpain unveils Fifty Fathoms Automatique in black
It was nearly three centuries ago, in 1735, that Jehan-Jacques Blancpain registered himself as a watchmaker in the Villeret village records. He is the founder of the eponymous watch brand that was to remain family-owned, handed down to his descendants, for almost 200 years. Rooted in its storied history, Blancpain today upholds the great traditions and expertise of haute horlogerie, with its watchmaking engineers, master watchmakers, and artistic craftsmen – all located in the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland.
Respect for this heritage and the traditional crafts influences everything that the brand undertakes, but this does not mean that they are entrenched in the past. On the contrary, innovation is a tradition in Blancpain. Between 2006 and 2018, they succeeded in launching more than 43 calibres and movements integrating a number of watchmaking innovations, such as a Carrousel Volant Une Minute, a Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel, a Calendrier Perpétuel Phase de Lune with an eight-day power reserve, an Equation du Temps Marchante, a Tourbillon Volant Une Minute Automatique with an extraordinary power reserve of 12 days, and many more. Now, the maison is unveiling the Fifty Fathoms Automatique in 42 mm, with a black dial
Fifty Fathoms Automatique
The latest Fifty Fathoms Automatique from Blancpain is a horological masterpiece with a black dial, black bezel, and a 42 mm case that captures every glimmer of light. Born from an icon that has shaped the history of watchmaking, the Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42mm in stainless steel joins Blancpain’s permanent collection. Following the success of the 2023 limited edition, the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1, and the brushed grade 23 titanium and red gold versions launched last year, this new model pays homage to the legendary Fifty Fathoms of 1953. A return to the roots, with a striking touch of modernity. The timepiece is housed in a new 42 mm model, featuring a polished stainless steel case, with a breathtaking shine, sunburst black dial, and unidirectional black bezel with domed sapphire insert. It is powered by a high-performance automatic movement, the calibre 1315, with 5-day power reserve. A non-limited edition model, the Fifty Fathoms Automatique is now part of Blancpain’s permanent collection.
In 1953, Blancpain presented the first modern diving watch, the Fifty Fathoms. As the first true watch designed for professional divers, it was immediately adopted by pioneers of underwater diving and elite marine corps worldwide. Designed to withstand the most extreme conditions, it was equipped with a secure crown system; an automatic movement; a contrasting dial with luminescent hour-markers for maximum readability; a lockable rotating bezel; anti-magnetic protection; and advanced water resistance (50 fathoms, equivalent to 300 feet or 91.44 meters). A true icon of performance meeting the vital requirements of underwater diving. Today, the Fifty Fathoms embodies the perfect union between timeless design and uncompromising technology.
Launched in 2024, the 42 mm version seduces with its perfect proportions and refined aesthetics. After the brushed grade 23 titanium and red gold editions, the Fifty Fathoms is now available in polished stainless steel, a material both ultra-resistant and brilliantly shiny, creating striking light reflections from every angle. The sunburst black dial, enhanced by XXL luminescent indexes, offers optimal readability, while the unidirectional black bezel with domed sapphire insert completes the glossy aesthetic of the piece. The model is offered on a stainless steel bracelet with impeccable finishes or a Tropic rubber strap with pin buckle or deployant clasp.
At the heart of this Fifty Fathoms is calibre 1315. First launched in 2007, it embodies horological precision. Thanks to its three series-coupled barrels, it guarantees a 5-day power reserve, while its silicon balance spring ensures protection against magnetism and optimal precision, even in the most extreme conditions. Visible through the sapphire case back, the movement, finished according to the purest watchmaking tradition, with its 18-carat red gold oscillating weight featuring NAC treatment, reprises the characteristic design of the rotor of the 1953 model. This new Fifty Fathoms in polished steel is not just a simple homage to an iconic watch. It is a diving watch that meets the demands of today’s collectors. Impeccable design, high-flying performance, and breathtaking finish: ready to conquer divers worldwide.
