Blancpain is expanding its Fifty Fathoms collection with the introduction of five new variants, with 38 mm cases available in steel, grade 23 titanium or 18K red gold.
Blancpain enriches the iconic Fifty Fathoms collection by introducing a new 38 mm case size (for 12 mm thickness), thus completing a range that now includes three sizes: 38, 42 and 45 mm. This innovation represents much more than a simple reduction in size. It is in fact a careful reinterpretation of proportions to ensure balance and harmony on each wrist.
The Fifty Fathoms was founded in 1953 under the leadership of Blancpain's then CEO, Jean-Jacques Fiechter, a diving enthusiast and one of the first to engage in underwater exploration. First true professional diver's watch, introduced revolutionary features such as a lockable rotating bezel, improved water resistance and luminous indices, setting the standard for all subsequent diver's watches.
Water-resistant to 300 metres, the new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms in a 38 mm case use an automatic mechanical movement made by Manufacture visible through the porthole on the back. It is the 1150 calibre (21,600 vibrations per hour, 18-carat gold rotor with NAC finish, silicon balance spring), which guarantees a power reserve of 100 hours.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 38 mm: case available in three materials
18-carat red gold, grade 23 titanium or steel: these are the materials available for the case, which can be combined with a strap in tropical rubber, sailcloth or Nato, as well as titanium or steel bracelets.
The new Fifty Fathoms Automatique 38 mm includes five versions, namely: with a polished steel case and black dial and bezel, embodying an essential and timeless design, true to the spirit of the original Fifty Fathoms from 1953; with a grade 23 satin-finished titanium case combined with a blue dial and bezel; with a satin-finished 18-carat red gold case with a blue dial and bezel.
These three models are joined by two further versions, namely with a polished 18-carat red gold case combined with a dial dégradé mother-of-pearl and black bezel, or with a grade 23 brushed titanium case with dial dégradé in pink mother-of-pearl and matching pink bezel, which lend a refined and iridescent touch to the iconic diver's watch. All models feature dials with oversized luminescent hour markers and sunray finishes, framed by the characteristic Blancpain's unidirectional rotating bezel with domed sapphire insert.
Contrary to expectations, the new Fifty Fathoms with a 38 mm case is not specifically designed for a genre. While responding to the growing female demand for technical sports watches, it also appeals to men who prefer cases with a smaller diameter. The result is a truly universal watch that keeps the Fifty Fathoms identity intact.
"The Fifty Fathoms is much more than a dive watch: it is a symbol of exploration and innovation. With the addition of the new models, we are answering a clear question and reaffirming that this collection has always been designed for all wrists. It is a natural and important evolution for a watch born underwater, made to be worn everywhere, stated Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain.
Prices16,750 to 21,200 euros (steel case); 17,950 to 21,800 euros (grade 23 titanium case); 30,650 to 34,700 euros (18-carat red gold case).
