Small but Mighty: Blancpain’s Legendary Fifty Fathoms Gets Pared Down Proportions

Is it just me, or is the summer watch game particularly strong this year? I keep thinking, “This has got to be it: THE watch of the summer!” Then, sometimes only a few days later, another one comes along that’s just as good. What’s a girl to do with so much great wrist candy at her disposal?!

So far, you’ve seen me wax poetic about Richard Mille, Norqain, Tudor, and now Blancpain has a couple of strong contenders in the mix for the ultimate watch of the season: the recently unveiled pair of positively fun Fifty Fathom models in two summer-ready colorways and all-new sweet-spot sizing.

For the first time ever, there is a pared-down 38mm version of this iconic model. Let’s dive in deeper (pun intended).

The year 1953 was a big one for the dive watch, as it saw the introduction of Rolex’s Submariner, Zodiac’s Sea Wolf, and Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms. However, just because these divers all came out the same year, it doesn’t mean they were created equal. There were a few features that distinguished the Fifty Fathoms from its competitors of the era.
 

The first was a unidirectional rotating bezel (as opposed to a bi-directional one). In addition, the original Fifty Fathoms was quite large for the time, measuring a whopping 42mm. Overall, it had a thick, robust build from the case to the bezel. It also offered a patented double-sealed crown and caseback to ensure its water resistance.

In short order, the Fifty Fathoms solidified its place in watchmaking history. Its initial development was in tandem with the French Navy, and over the years, it went on to be used by other military forces, including the U.S. Navy SEALs. In addition, the Fifty Fathoms received the ultimate seal of approval from the revolutionary French oceanographer, filmmaker, and conservationist Jacques Cousteau.
 

Then, this June, Blancpain gave us two newly reimagined editions of the legendary Fifty Fathoms – one in playful pink and the other in classic black.

Don’t get it twisted. These downsized 38mm versions aren’t yet another case of shrink it and pink it; the new proportions required a complete reconfiguration of the model we know and love.
 

The smokey black version comes with an 18-karat rose gold build, whereas the petal pink iteration offers a classic stainless steel construction. Both models sport a mother-of-pearl dial, adding the perfect touch of elegance. Powering both 38mm beauties is Blancpain’s calibre 1153 movement, which features a 100-hour power reserve.
 

While it comes as no surprise that a pink watch and its petite black counterpart are intended for the brand’s women’s lineup, I firmly believe these models to be unisex. The black version is, without question, gender-neutral. Meanwhile, who doesn’t enjoy a beach-bound guy who can rock a pop of pink? Summer is meant to be fun after all.

Both colorways of the new 38mm Blancpain Fifty Fathoms have been added to the brand’s permanent catalog and are available today.

Pricing for the black variant starts at $31,200 (with a tropic or NATO strap and gold pin buckle) and goes up to $34,600 (on a black rubber strap or a sail-canvas or tropic strap with gold folding clasp).

Alternatively, the pink iteration starts at $18,500 (on a pink and white fabric strap and titanium pin buckle) and goes up to $21,700 (on a titanium bracelet). For more information, visit Blancpain’s website.