Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Watch Exhibition At La Cite Du Temps In Geneva

One of the world's most influential dive timepieces will have a fascinating showing in Geneva this month, as Blancpain holds a unique exhibition for its famous Fifty Fathoms watch at La Cite du Temps.  First presented at Basel in 1953, the original
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch came about as a result of professional and military requests for arduous underwater usage; championed by many notable divers over the years, including Jacques Cousteau who wore one during the filming of "World of Silence", the Fifty Fathoms watch has developed into a full-fledged luxury collection that contains such celebrated watchmaking complications as the flyback chronograph, and even the tourbillon.  As a whole, it represents one of the greatest and most enduring successes for the historic Swiss manufacture from Le Brassus.

Blancpain will hold its Fifty Fathoms watch exhibition from January 19 through February 28, 2009.  Amidst a backdrop of fascinating marine photographs from the "Editions Fifty Fathoms" book,  visitors will be able to experience the history timeline of the Fifty Fathoms watch through an exceptional presentation of models from the 1950's to the present day.  Gianluca Genoni, a record-holding Italian snorkeler and diver, will be present on Wednesday, January 21st, for the official presentation of a new, limited edition Blancpain Fifty Fathoms model.