Blancpain unveils its new 42 mm-diameter Fifty Fathoms Automatique models. After presenting its first case of this size in steel on last year’s Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 limited edition, the Manufacture is now offering it in red gold and titanium, as well as including it in the current collection. Details, live photos and prices are below.
For Blancpain’s President & CEO, Marc A. Hayek, the Fifty Fathoms has always been regarded as a tool watch for diving. Perhaps this is why we didn’t see a smaller version of the watch, despite numerous requests over the years. The reality today is that diving watches are predominantly used in everyday life rather than for their intended purpose of diving. Consequently, a 45 mm diameter is often too large for casual wear. Better late than never, Blancpain has now introduced the 42 mm Fifty Fathoms Automatique, which, in my opinion, offers the perfect fit. Some might argue that 42 mm is also too large. However, this isn’t the case with the Fifty Fathoms. This watch features a large bezel and a smaller dial, which gives the impression of a smaller watch compared to your typical 42 mm watch.
The new 42 mm Fifty Fathoms Automatique watches are available in red gold and grade 5 titanium, with blue or black dials, and they come with a wide selection of straps. Below is the titanium version with a blue dial and rubber strap.
Red gold version with a black dial and rubber strap.
Or a more relaxed version of the red gold Fifty Fathoms, which comes with a blue dial and a rubber strap.
Manufacture calibre 1315
Beating at the heart of these new Fifty Fathoms Automatique watches is the in-house Calibre 1315. Equipped with a stop-seconds function, it enables extremely precise time-setting. This calibre entirely decorated in keeping with Haute Horlogerie traditions has an 18K red gold oscillating weight – also decorated and sporting an NAC coating – whose design is inspired by the rotor of the historical 1953 timepiece. Power reserve is 120 h, thanks to its three series-coupled barrels.
The new, non-limited Fifty Fathoms Automatique red gold or grade 23 titanium timepieces come with a wide choice of straps (in matching colours) ranging from sail-canvas to NATO and a Tropic textured rubber iteration inspired by the 1953 model, while the titanium bracelet rounds off the range dedicated to the case in the same material.
With the introduction of the 42 mm Fifty Fathoms Automatique, we now have a real competitor for the Rolex Submariner. Yes, I know, it’s almost double the retail price. However, considering the availability of the Submariner and its current market value, this new Fifty Fathoms is a very strong and compelling alternative to consider.
The titanium version is priced between €17,850 and €20,800 depending on the strap, while the red gold version is between €33,250 and €36,850 depending on the strap.
For additional details about Blancpain watches, visit www.blancpain.com.
Thank for this articles, the BP 50 Fathoms is a real graal watch, not too much articles about it, the real good things, BP has listen the customer, an important community requested this 42 mm and now it is realize !!