Blancpain presents its latest Fifty Fathoms Automatique watches in a smaller 42mm size
In 2003 (the watch celebrated its 50th anniversary that year), the Fifty Fathoms was reinvigorated under the leadership of Blancpain’s newly appointed president and CEO Marc Hayek, who propelled the iconic timepiece into a new century of horological excellence. Fusing a vintage spirit with an innovative mechanism, the series of three limited editions comprising 50 pieces each boasted a four-day power reserve and a distinctive bombe sapphire unidirectional rotating bezel. As an ode to the original 1953 design, Hayek retained the emblematic black dial adorned with oversized numerals and markings. Additional updates included an enhanced self-winding movement, and a scratch-proof domed sapphire insert replacing the epoxy bezel inlay of the 1950s era. It was also water resistant for up to 300 metres.
The success of Hayek’s endeavour paved the way for further innovations, culminating in the introduction of the Fifty Fathoms Automatique in 2007. It saw the debut of a new generation of the iconic watch featuring Blancpain’s specially developed Calibre 1315 – a movement offering a five-day power reserve, along 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 new standard for diving watches. Then, in 2023, the Calibre 1315 was incorporated into the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1. Celebrating seven decades of the original 1953 model, the tribute timepiece featured an updated case that was downsized from 45mm to 42mm.
A NEW CHAPTER
This year, Blancpain continues to honour the Fifty Fathoms’ legacy with the introduction of two new Fifty Fathoms Automatique models. Retaining the iconic design elements of their predecessors, these watches are offered in the smaller 42mm case to cater to a wider range of audience.
