Shrinking the Fifty Fathoms: Blancpain heeds fans’ call for smaller diving watch
FANS of diving watches have yet another option to look at.

The Fifty Fathoms Automatique with a 42mm case was introduced to enthusiasts in Malaysia in a modest do at the Blancpain boutique in Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur.

It is a departure from the 45mm-diameter commonly seen in past years.

They come in grade 23 titanium and 18k red gold, offering enthusiasts a choice between a chic look and premium vibe.

Both materials have their strength – while the grade 23 titanium ensures lightweight and durability, the red gold adds a touch of elegance to the wearer’s wrist.

Blancpain regional brand manager Carrie Poon tells StarChrono there is increasing demand from collectors for a smaller diving watch.

“And this is what Blancpain has delivered.

“But rest assured, that despite the reduction in diameter, the quality of workmanship remains top-notch,” she says.

Poon adds that the latest watches are targeted at Blancpain’s loyal customers and watch enthusiasts.

The Fifty Fathoms watch with 42mm case in grade 23 titanium and 18k red gold. — Photo: BLANCPAIN

Like the 45mm edition released last year, the latest watches are also equipped with calibre 1315, which ensures precise and reliable timing.

The calibre is visible through the sapphire back, which marks yet another difference between the latest edition and its predecessor.

It has red gold oscillating weight, which draws inspiration from the original 1953 Fifty Fathoms timepieces.

It is built and adjusted in-house, and come equipped with a stop seconds function to ensure precise time-setting.

As for the watch case, it has a fully brushed finish which provides an anti-glare feature, an important quality for a diver when in water.

Meanwhile, the dial comes in two options – blue and black – with straps of matching colours ranging from sail-canvas to tropic textured rubber.

The watches boast a substantial power reserve of five days, thanks to its three series-coupled barrels.

The Fifty Fathoms has had various changes and tweaks incorporated over the past seven decades.

It was first launched in 1953 by the then Blancpain chief executive officer Jean-Jacques Fiechter who drew upon his own experience as a diver, to develop what was later used by the French navy’s Combat Diving Corps.

The navy had tested countless watches previously, but none lived up to their standards and requirements.

The Fifty Fathoms’ sturdiness, water-resistance, secure rotating bezel system and anti-magnetic feature proved a reliable tool for the French divers even back then.
StarExtra
The Fifty Fathoms Automatique with a 42mm case was introduced to enthusiasts in Malaysia in a modest do at the Blancpain boutique in Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur.