Fifty Fathoms 'Tribute to Fifty Fathoms'

BLANCPAIN PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE FIFTY FATHOMS  

The flagship model of the watchmaking Manufacture in Le Brassus, the Fifty Fathoms was  created in 1953 in response to a special order from French Navy combat divers unit. From that  time onwards, the Fifty Fathoms firmly established itself as the archetypal modern diver’s watch  and has been interpreted since then in around twenty different versions, all distinguished by their  powerful identity and their tried and tested reliability.  

Today, in a vibrant tribute to the Fifty Fathoms, Blancpain makes time stand still by presenting the  “Tribute to Fifty Fathoms”, a 500-piece limited edition directly inspired by a 1960s model. Representing  an authentic exercise in style, the “Tribute” merges the timeless design of vintage Fifty Fathoms watches  with the latest technological innovations used by Blancpain in creating its modern models.  

The “Tribute” watch boasts the main signature characteristics that have earned the Fifty Fathoms its  formidable reputation: guaranteed water resistance to 30 ATM optimal readability thanks to oversized  hands and hour-markers, a black dial and bezel providing a strikingly contrasted backdrop for the  luminescent indications. The rotating bezel remains a key element of the watch, complete with its raised  notching that facilitates handling and its unidirectional rotation system that avoids any inadvertent  extension of the dive time. Crafted in scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, it features a slightly domed  curve that further enhances its shock resistance. The case is equipped with crown guards reinforcing the  security of this essential component. The “Tribute” is fitted with the Fifty Fathoms strap in black sail  canvas lined with rubber, making it sturdy, sporty and eminently waterproof. In a nod to the historical  model, the anti-radiation symbol appears on the dial. It used to mean that the type of coating applied to  the luminescent hour-markers did not contain any radioactive material.  

The case houses mechanical self-winding Calibre 1315, a movement entirely developed by Blancpain.  Stemming from a lengthy quest for simplicity, precision and performances, this calibre was designed  right from the start to equip watches with a resolutely sporting vocation. It boasts in particular a five-day  power reserve thanks to three series-coupled barrels and includes a calendar display enabling fast date-  change at midnight in either direction. To prevent any disturbances linked to magnetic fields, Calibre  1315 powering the “Tribute” is encased in a cage that protects it on all sides.