Blancpain Specialites Fifty Fathoms watch

The Blancpain Specialites Fifty Fathoms watch represents a true classic within the highly contested field of luxury mechanical dive watches, and to this day its blend of dedicated craftsmanship, technical sophistication, and rugged good looks remain unparalleled. Introduced in its original form in 1956, and championed by Jacques Cousteau during his diving exploits, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch quickly gained momentum as a dive timepiece of serious credentials. In its current interpretation, the Blancpain Specialites Fifty Fathoms watch offers exceedingly fine details, a refined ultra-slim selfwinding movement, and excellent utility as a dive instrument which is as attractive on dry land as it is comforting beneath the ocean waves.

The stainless steel case of the Blancpain Specialites Fifty-Fathoms watch measures 40.5 millimeters in diameter; its large fully insulated crown screws down against the case, and along with the screwed-in caseback assures a watertight seal that enables it to remain water resistant to a depth of 300 meters. As a true dive timepiece should, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch has a unidirectional rotating bezel, which allows a diver to safely measure decompression stops and the like, without any danger of mis-aligning the bezel and spending too long underwater.

The movement animating the Blancpain Specialites Fifty Fathoms watch is the selfwinding 1151 Calibre, which demonstrates reliable function, an exceptional power reserve, and extensive Swiss horological craft. Comprising 210 hand-finished pieces, each 1151 Calibre movement has a power reserve of 100 hours at full wind; its balance wheel beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, and its mechanism incorporates a quick-set date display. Every 1151 Calibre movement is hand assembled from start to finish in the traditional Blancpain manner, by a single dedicated watchmaker. Concealed safely behind the screwed-down steel caseback, the 1151 Calibre's winding rotor and bridges are extensively decorated with Cotes de Geneve and anglage finishes; screw heads are carefully polished, and the plate is adorned with a circular-grained perlage. Both functional and decorative, these traditional techniques demonstrate the pride of craftsmanship that these watchmakers take in their dedicated work.

The Blancpain Specialites Fifty Fathoms watch demonstrates an equal commitment to perfection in its external details. The case demonstrates a flawless polish, with the unique Blancpain signature engraved in full on the left side. The bezel does not feature an aluminum ring; instead, its markings are carved en relief into the steel itself, and then carefully polished. The black dial too, is impressive in its minuterie and lustrous finish; its white gold hour markers and hands are applied with generous amounts of Superluminova material, which assure excellent visibility in low light conditions.

The Blancpain Specialites Fifty Fathoms watch can be ordered on either the "Aqua Lung" rubber strap, complete with a signed stainless steel deployant buckle, or the intricate and flawlessly crafted X-71 bracelet.