In 2003 (the watch celebrated its fiftieth anniversary that 12 months), the Fifty Fathoms was reinvigorated underneath the management of Blancpain’s newly appointed president and CEO Marc Hayek, who propelled the enduring timepiece into a brand new century of horological excellence. Fusing a classic spirit with an revolutionary mechanism, the collection of three restricted editions comprising 50 items every boasted a four-day energy reserve and a particular bombe sapphire unidirectional rotating bezel. As an ode to the unique 1953 design, Hayek retained the emblematic black dial adorned with outsized numerals and markings. Further updates included an enhanced self-winding motion, and a scratch-proof domed sapphire insert changing the epoxy bezel inlay of the Nineteen Fifties period. It was additionally water-proof for as much as 300 metres.
The success of Hayek’s endeavour paved the way in which for additional improvements, culminating within the introduction of the Fifty Fathoms Automatique in 2007. It noticed the debut of a brand new technology of the enduring watch that includes Blancpain’s specifically developed Calibre 1315 – a motion providing a 5-day energy reserve, together with enhanced precision and shock resistance. Paired with the manufacture’s signature sapphire bezel adorned with luminous indexes and scratch-resistant properties, the Fifty Fathoms Automatique set a brand new commonplace for diving watches. Then, in 2023, the Calibre 1315 was included into the Fifty Fathoms seventieth Anniversary Act 1. Celebrating seven a long time of the unique 1953 mannequin, the tribute timepiece featured an up to date case that was downsized from 45mm to 42mm.
A NEW CHAPTER
This 12 months, Blancpain continues to honour the Fifty Fathoms’ legacy with the introduction of two new Fifty Fathoms Automatique fashions. Retaining the enduring design parts of their predecessors, these watches are provided within the smaller 42mm case to cater to a wider vary of viewers.