1953-2013: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 60th anniversary - Bathyscaphe

May 17, 2013,09:13 AM
 




One out of three versions offered for the 60th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms is the one above in ceramised titanium. But before we look to the novelties we should have a quick look back.





1953 – The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms the first modern diver’s watch

 

It is truly amazing to note that the entire set of characteristics established by Blancpain in 1953 is virtually identical to the NIHS 92-11 (ISO 6425) norm introduced for diver’s watches in 1996, almost 40 years later:

 

- SAFETY: a lockable bezel bearing markings in order to check the dive time and the remaining air reserve: first patent for the FIFTY FATHOMS.

- RELIABILITY: substantial water resistance to almost 100 meters. In order to enhance the water tightness of the case, Blancpain developed a double O-ring seal on the crown: a second Blancpain patent for its diver’s watch.

- STURDINESS: automatic winding to reduce the number of times the crown would need to be unscrewed and thus in turn reduce the significant risk of wear on the crown’s water-resistance system.

- READABILITY: a black dial with clearly visible luminescent indications, housed within a broad case.

- ANTI-MAGNETISM: an indispensable form of protection for a diver’s watch.

 

Since its creation, this fascinating diver’s model has been interpreted in countless different ways – not only in the past: with or without a date, featuring variously shaped hands, different bezels and dials, as well as in a range of case surface treatments. Also we have seen different members in the Fifty Fathoms family and the most important ones are: Fifty Fathoms, Aqua Lung and Bathyscaphe.

 

The latter – two examples from the past :









2007 - Blancpain introduced THE modern Fifty Fathoms, which is probably the best selling watch in their recent collection.




(Ref. 5015-1130-52 and 5015-1127-52; just two examples)

The movement inside is the Caliber 1315, known for its outstanding robustness and reliability.






Strengths & weaknesses of the Ref. 5015 :

 

-         Strenghts : beauty, robustness and reliability

-         Weaknesses : size and maybe the prize (for some)

 

 

“If somebody asked me what I think is missing in the Fifty Fathoms family:

 

Well, I could imagine a FF Bathyscaphe with a “simpler” caliber 1315, case diameter 42mm and a price tag about € 7K. From my point of view, those should sell very well. Some nice vintage Bathyscaphe designs have been done in the past and could be used for inspiration …”

(Oliver, 2010)

 

"So what I would like to see is a 'budget' 50 Fathoms with a less elaborate bezel, a more basic case and less expensive finishing but built to withstand the elements as the current one - this does not really fit into Blancpain's haute horlogerie philosophie, doesn't it?

WAIT – there was once a watch called 'Bathyscaphe'...? We almost pray in unison: Hope, is there hope?”

(Magnus, 2011)


 



More posts: Fifty Fathoms

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Comments: view entire thread

 

This one, by far ....

 
 By: nilomis : May 17th, 2013-09:29
Landed on the absolute top of my dream list. I dare to say that Blancpain will move,thanks to this watch, to the position that it deserves. As a side benefit, it will educate the watch designers that most of the persons don't feel good with a 45+mm watch ... 

Nilo, I like your ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : May 18th, 2013-03:07
dream list :-) Thanks! Oliver

2013 - Blancpain presents the Bathyscaphe version(s).

 
 By: small-luxury-world : May 17th, 2013-09:33
(Ref. 5000-1110-B52 A and 5100-1127-NAW A; just two examples) The contours are as sharply defined as those of their predecessors. The hands feature the traditional look of the vintage watches and the date appears through a dedicated aperture. Loyal to the...  

Fantastic report, Oliver!!!

 
 By: AlexSunrise : May 17th, 2013-14:33
You have showcased even the most minute details of the Bathyscaphe! Simply stunning! I can't wait to see one in the flesh! Thanks for sharing it with us, Alex

Alex, thanks for your kind reply!

 
 By: small-luxury-world : May 18th, 2013-03:08
Oliver

Nice post, Oliver.

 
 By: VMM : May 18th, 2013-02:54
The blackened one on the green strap looks nice from here, kinda like it. Thanks for taking the time to share it. vte

Vte, thanks and I could imagine ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : May 18th, 2013-03:09
one of those on your wrist ... :-) Oliver

Interesting addition - looking forward to see it in metal

 
 By: nitediver : May 18th, 2013-05:42
Wearing my FF when writing this comment. I am qurious how the Bathiscope compares to the FF 5015. And I am glad to hear that I soon can get a NATO strap that fits! Thanks for the report, Oliver Stefan

X-71?

 
 By: JohnPassaquar : May 20th, 2013-08:56
At 23mm between the horns will this take an X-71 as made for the FF? Thanks Olly

That would look strange and I doubt it...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : May 20th, 2013-09:13
as the end pieces are individually designed for each case shape (i.e. case diameter and thickness) so a 'natural fit' is highly unlikely. In addition, the shape of the lugs are totally different between the two. Magnus

I have my doubts ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : May 20th, 2013-09:31
because the shape of the case is totally different. Also I think it won´t look good.

This is a really nice minimalist

 
 By: Aless156 : May 20th, 2013-12:37
interpretation of a dive watch. I think Blancpain did a really good job. I have to admit, until I saw this watch, none of the current FF's appealed to me and I could not see myself buying a modern FF. They all seem too far removed from the many lovely vin... 

I saw this watch for the first time recently...

 
 By: patrick_y : March 3rd, 2014-14:14
I saw this watch for the first time recently at my local Blancpain dealer. And I really liked it! The design, the movement, even the movement finishing! This watch is great! And I'll take mine on the green nato strap thank you very much!

Great post, Oliver....

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : May 17th, 2013-10:28
Nice way of introducing the modern versions. I love looking back at how watch references evolve. Great article. Here is my contribution to the historical evolution...fitting....I think....to post the 50th anniversary ...  

Thanks a lot, Baron! The 50th Anniversary ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : May 18th, 2013-03:15
was addictive to me as well, but at the end I never got one. Why? First, I found the price (compared to the very similar FF Trilogy) quite prohibitive. Second, I got some very good offers, but the "simple/flat" dial couldn´t convince me at the end. Still ... 

The 60th is a nice watch

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : May 19th, 2013-02:33
If I looked at it in isolation, I would like it. I wouldn't buy it, but I would like it. However, having read what others have said in this thread, it strikes me that there is some common theme. Many people feel that Blancpain have missed a wonderful oppo... 

A nicely written article, Oliver. But I tend to disagree.

 
 By: amanico : May 17th, 2013-14:41
1/ Because the original Batyscaphe is, in my opinion, not the most interesting piece in the Vintage world, the big cases being THE FF to go for. ( 41 mm ). 2/ Because, for the 60th birthday of the Fifty Fathoms, there were more interesting watches to go f... 

Nicolas, thanks for your reply and your thoughts.

 
 By: small-luxury-world : May 18th, 2013-03:23
Infact we disagree, but that is ok for me. I guess when it comes to the theme Fifty Fathoms you have a kind of vintage paradigm in mind, which we don´t share. Best, Oliver

Well, the Vintage FFs allow me to appreciate some modern FFs, such as

 
 By: amanico : May 18th, 2013-05:24
Yours and the 50th anniversary model. But this one, I still wonder why... ;) *Best, Nicolas.

+1, my friend ...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : June 4th, 2013-06:36
... I have to admit that I was everything but impressed by the Bathyscaphe. Its highlight is certainly the movement, but I would rather spend the money on a completely different watch or continue saving for the "big" FF. Marcus

Thanks for the article Oliver.

 
 By: foversta : May 17th, 2013-15:04
The article is much better than the watch actually. I found it a bit uninspired. It is not ugly, I can wear it without problem... but it is so-so which is sometimes worse. I wonder why. And I think it is because there is a slight unbalance on the design. ...  

FX, thanks for your reply and your thoughts ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : May 18th, 2013-03:31
even when we don´t share our view this time. For me the regular FF is a beauty and the new Bathyscaphe is (like) a tool. The latter explains the design to me and the outstanding movement is just the cream on top. Best, Oliver

Great write up.

 
 By: Briandumais : May 18th, 2013-06:16
I have been scratching my head wondering whey they picked this model for such an important anniversary. i have owned a few of the original models and i found them very boring. I would never consider this a dive watch for a re-issuie. With such small amoun...  

Nice thread....

 
 By: Fricks : May 18th, 2013-12:03
... watch looks good but there is a real deal breaker here : The date. is it me or is it just not right on such a dial. The location also feels so wrong.