Close Up: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe

In honor of the 60th anniversary of Blancpain’s iconic Fifty Fathoms, today we’re looking at the new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe.

Back in 1953, Blancpain was inspired by the underwater explorations of Swiss adventurer Jacques Piccard to create a watch which could travel to the depths of the ocean. The result was the Fifty Fathoms, and it has been the classic diver’s watch ever since.

Now, sixty years later, Blancpain has added the vintage-inspired Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe. Originally unveiled at BaselWorld 2013, the Bathyscaphe is a new classic for modern divers, with technical innovations like a silicon balance-spring.

The 43mm diameter case is made from ceramised titanium, with a ceramic bezel. Beneath the black dial is the self-winding Calibre 1315, a 227-component movement. A NATO strap with a pin buckle completes the look. And, of course, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe can withstand up to 30.00 bar underwater.

Photos courtesy Blancpain.