Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique – 42mm

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.

Born in 1953, the Fifty Fathoms marked a turning point in watchmaking history. The first true diver’s watch, it established the fundamental technical and aesthetic codes for this type of tool- watch. Its sturdiness, water-resistance, secure rotating-bezel system, anti-magnetism and extreme legibility are all features designed specifically for scuba diving that were adopted by the entire industry at the time and have endured to this day. The Fifty Fathoms was given a new lease on life in 2003 by President & CEO Marc A. Hayek, who ushered it into the 21st century.

His gamble paid off, as this fervent diving enthusiast also made 2007 a year to remember with the launch of the 45 mm Fifty Fathoms Automatique. Equipped with specially developed Calibre 1315, this model marked the debut of a whole new Fifty Fathoms generation. This movement also went on to find its place in the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1, the first timepiece (issued in a limited edition) celebrating the 70th anniversary of the inaugural model in 2023 and featuring a 42 mm case. This year, however, watch enthusiasts wishing to own high-performance Calibre 1315 – a robust and accurate self-winding movement ensuring a substantial and reliable five-day power reserve thanks to its three series-coupled barrels – will be delighted to know that the Manufacture is now offering the 42 mm diameter in its current collection with the new Fifty Fathoms Automatique models.