This year’s release of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe attempts to draw upon the vintage feel of a particular version with the same name that was introduced in the 1950’s. A Bathyscaphe, as diving history nerds will know, is an underwater submersible as called by Swiss adventurer Jacques Piccard, most famous for being one of the first to explore the Mariana Trench. In the late 1950’s, Blancpain introduced the Bathyscaphe diver’s watches for both men and women, and it is for that particular version of the Fifty Fathoms that this year’s presentation recalls.
Design-wise, the first thing you may notice from looking at pictures of the Bathyscaphe is that the case is much more angular than a “modern-style case.” Smaller fonts on the dial and the bezel and the overall proportions of the watch recall a slightly less masculine and more formal feel, very much in line with a vintage vibe.
The choice of a thinner bezel over the much more archetypal thicker bezel of the Fifty Fathoms might dissuade some on faithfulness to historical accuracy. However, it is true that this style of a thinner bezel did appear on some of the variations of this watch throughout the years. Lastly, the crown seems proportionally bigger than usual, perhaps helped by the lack of crown guards and the thinner bezel.
Despite the vintage look and feel, these Fifty Fathoms versions have been brought up-to-date with the latest technical innovations. Many watch companies have been making a fuss about silicon-balance springs used in their movements, and for Blancpain, it is no different, with the same upgrade in their Calibre 1315 (men’s version) and Calibre 1150 (women’s version). Another feature is the graduated scale in Liquidmetal, an amorphous metal alloy that avoids any deformation and ensures perfect bonding with the ceramic bezel insert, all to enhance the scratch resistance of the bezel.
Of course, 300m water resistance is to be expected and it is present here. I particularly like the 38mm women’s version of this watch in white as it allows a nice “his and her” duo of watches that can be purchased when a couple goes to do their diving qualifications together. I’m not so sure about underwater legibility for this one, but I’ll be sure to find out when I have a close look at the watch.
Lastly, each model is fitted with a triple-loop NATO strap in keeping with the rugged activities for which these watches were designed, and are also very much in style.
Despite the fact that today, when we think of the archetypal luxury diving watch, the Rolex Submariner usually comes to mind, there is something to be said for being the first to start it all. For without the Fifty Fathoms, the Rolex Submariner might well not exist today.
Keep a lookout for pricing and more info when they become available. blancpain.com