Pre-Baselworld 2009: Blancpain 500 Fathoms Watch

Swiss watchmaker Blancpain has revealed a new addition to its legendary Fifty Fathoms timepiece collection, which takes the dive watch concept to new depths of performance.  Showcasing a helium release valve, a bold new size, and a particularly legible luminous dial, the Blancpain 500 Fathoms watch has the impressive ability to resist water pressure to the depth of 1,000 meters--a level suited to the needs of the most demanding professionals.

Possessing a design clearly inspired by the modern Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch, the new 500 Fathoms features a 48mm case manufactured from brushed titanium, a material which in addition to being lightweight offers the advantages of being hypoallergenic and possessing extreme resistance to corrosion.  The steely gray color of the titanium case is well suited to the two-tone black and silver color scheme of the dial; here, the silvered metal surface displays large Arabic numerals whose hollowed surfaces are coated with the same luminous material that adorns the hour, minute, and red-tipped second hand.  An added contribution to nighttime or poor light visibility comes from the black dial sections, which are also luminous.  Like the crystal itself, the upper element of the knurled titanium unidirectional rotating bezel is crafted from sapphire--this exceptionally hard and scratch-resistant material offers superb protection to the luminous graduated scale beneath it.  As is the situation with the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, the new Blancpain 500 Fathoms is equipped with a screw-down winding crown, which is protected from inadvertent shocks by lateral shoulders.

Despite its impressive 1000-meter water resistance rating, the Blancpain 500 Fathoms watch has been safely engineered to have a sapphire exhibition window in its screw-locked caseback.  This element allows the wearer a full view of the manufacture Calibre 1315, with its central winding mass shaped in the form of a boat propeller.  Technically, the Blancpain Calibre 1315 offers a variety exclusive technical elements, including a balance with regulating screws and three serially-coupled barrels which enable a 5-day power reserve and a constant flow of energy to the mechanism.  

The Blancpain 500 Fathoms watch is fitted with a strap in rubber-lined sail canvas that features a new triple-deployant clasp with twin security pushers.  Blancpain will supply each timepiece with a rugged presentation box that ideally matches the extreme capabilities of the 500 Fathoms.  Included in the box are an additional rubber dive strap, and a special tool that facilitates quick changes.