Blancpain has unveiled a series of new Fifty Fathoms models that will mark an important milestone in the modern history of the legendary diver. If you remember, in 2007 the classic Fifty Fathoms Automatique watch with a 45 mm case appeared in the collection. Since then, this diameter has become a kind of standard for Blancpain diver models. The new watch offers a smaller and potentially more wearable 42mm.
Over the past 17 years, smaller watches have found a place in the Fifty Fathoms lineup. Suffice it to recall the same Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad or Barakuda Re-Edition with 40 mm cases. A departure from the standard also happened as recently as last year, when Blancpain released a special Fifty Fathoms Act I model for the 70th anniversary of the collection. The watch received a 42 mm case and became a kind of announcement of the new collection.
At the moment, new items are available only in cases made of 23-grade titanium and 18-karat red gold. There won't be a steel version yet. With a diameter of 42,3 mm, the case thickness is 14,2 mm, which is 1,3 mm less than that of 45 mm models.
Otherwise this watch has everything you would expect from a classic Fifty Fathoms. From the overall design and sapphire insert on the bezel to the engraving on the left side of the case and the water resistance of 300 meters. The glass on both sides of the case is sapphire. The crown and case back are screw-down.
I’ll tell you a little more about the dial. It retains the classic design of the hour scale with a combination of Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock and triangular hour markers. The arrows weren't touched either. All elements are coated with phosphor. The disc on the date display at 4 hours 30 minutes is designed to match the dial and does not look too intrusive. The dial is flat, with a noticeable sunray pattern.
The choice of material is interesting here. Titanium, instead of the usual steel, gives durability, lightness and exceptional comfort on the wrist. The 18k gold version is essentially the same model, just more luxurious and a little heavier on the wrist.
You can choose between models with black and blue dials. Each option comes with a wide selection of matching straps, from canvas to rubber. The titanium model is also available with a titanium bracelet. In total, the new collection features 14 models.
The automatic caliber 1315 is installed inside the case. The peculiarity of this mechanism is 3 series-connected winding barrels, which provide a solid power reserve of 5 days or 120 hours. Other features include a silicon (and therefore anti-magnetic) balance spring and a stop-seconds mechanism. The sapphire case back reveals some of the movement's finishing features and the NAC-coated rotor, a design inspired by the rotor on historic models from the 1950s.
The estimated cost of the models that will become part of the permanent collection ranges from CHF 15 to CHF 300.
