Introducing Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 42mm Collection

Blancpain introduced the “Fifty Fathoms” watch in 1953, and the watch marked a turning point in the history of watchmaking as it was one of the first actual diving watches, and this is a title that it competed for and continues to compete with the Rolex Submariner. The two watches laid the basic rules for this type of watches specifically for diving watch enthusiasts. The Fifty Fathoms collection was given a major refresh in 2003 by President and CEO Mark A. Hayek, who brought it into the 21st century. At the time it came in a large 45mm size.

Now Blancpain unveils its new 42mm Fifty Fathoms models. After the company had presented the first case of this size in the limited edition of the Fathoms Seventeenth Anniversary Act 1 watch last year, it now comes as a permanent edition in red gold and titanium.

Retaining their predecessor’s pleasing proportions, these new 42 mm Fifty Fathoms Automatique watches are available in red gold and Grade 23 titanium. The elegance and sophistication of gold makes them alluringly chic, while Grade 23 titanium endows them with a sporty look. The Grade 23 titanium alloy allows for reduced interstitial elements such as oxygen and iron, improving ductility.

The domed sapphire crystal is inserted over the unidirectional rotating bezel which boasts a 60-minute scale. The bezel matches the dial color, with a screw-down crown positioned at 3 o'clock, providing water resistance up to 300 meters. The screw-down caseback is covered by a sapphire crystal.

Regarding the dial, it comes in two colors: blue or black, both featuring a Sunray-brushed finish. The indices now comprise a combination of Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, along with triangular markers for the remaining hours. The sword-shaped hands remain unchanged, and all elements have been coated with Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility. The date is positioned at 4:30, with the disc matching the color of the dial.

The 42mm Fifty Fathoms watches are powered by the same movement found in the 45mm collection, the high-performance calibre 1315. This in-house movement features three series-coupled barrels, providing a robust 120-hour power reserve. Operating at 4Hz, it includes an antimagnetic silicon hairspring and a stop-seconds mechanism. The intricately decorated movement showcases snailed bridges, polished chamfers, and an 18k gold rotor coated with NAC, inspired by the rotor design of historical 1950s timepieces.

Whether selected in red gold or titanium, the Fifty Fathoms 42mm will come with a wide array of straps available in matching colors, ranging from sail canvas to NATO and Tropic textured rubber. Additionally, the titanium versions offer the option of a titanium bracelet with a triple folding clasp. 

The new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42mm collection includes 14 references, These models will be part of the permanent collection. Prices will range from CHF 15,300 which is equivalent to 63,000 AED for the titanium version on a strap, to CHF 28,500 which is equivalent to 116,700 AED for the red gold version on a strap.

For more information please visit Blancpain official website.