Watch Of The Week: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Day Date 70s
Vintage inspired watches usually go back to the mid-1900’s. For many iconic watches, this was the time they were first brought to the market. That also goes for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, which was launched in 1956, three years after the original Fifty Fathoms. While this was an exciting time with beautiful designs, another era is also known for its unique, and often bold, creations: the 1970’s.
With the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Day Date 70s Blancpain created a watch that unites modern day technology with the best design elements of the seventies. This is first and foremost evident from the graduated dial that goes from light at the centre of the dial to dark at the edges. Blancpain calls it grey, and although there are most certainly some grey tones present, the dial also seems to have a hint of brown. The result is quite spectacular and goes well with the hour markers and minute indication. The day and date window are for that matter the icing on the cake, as it was in the 1970’s a typical feature on many watches.
While the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Day Date 70s may look vintage, it is a Blancpain, and that means that the latest technology is deployed to make it. For instance, its unidirectional bezel has a ceramic insert and Liquidmetal hour-markers. It is powered by calibre 1315, which utilizes three mainspring barrels which together offer a power reserve of 120 hours. Although it doesn’t show it off the rotor is actually made from 18 karat gold.
With a diameter of 43mm is the watch generously sized, but not overly so. On the wrist is actually wears larger because of the gradient dial. Its stainless steel case has a brushed finish, and while the watch is limited to only 500 pieces, it is available with either a Barennia leather strap with rubber lining, a sailcloth strap or a NATO, but also with an excellent bracelet for those who prefer an ‘all-metal’ look and feel.
