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Lot Essay
Launched in 1953, Blancpain's celebrated "Fifty Fathoms" model was introduced as the first true modern diving wristwatch. The idea behind the model arose when two captains of the French navy, Commander Maloubier and Lieutenant Riffand, requested a practical solution for a watch to be used by a new unit of military combat swimmers.
Upon finding no existing watch capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of underwater missions, the two officers approached Blancpain with a very specific set of technical specifications, including the revolutionary unidirectional bezel. The watch developed following their requests was named Fifty Fathoms, indicating the water resistance of the watch, equating to approximately 91.45 meters. Considered as the archetype of the diver’s wristwatch, the timepiece was later adopted by the French, Israeli, Spanish, German and U.S navies.
Launched in 2007, the present Fifty Fathoms model encompasses the passion and design that characterized the model for more than half a century. With a highly elaborate mechanism, including a tourbillon and eight days power reserve, the present wristwatch will satisfy the most sophisticated collectors.
Offered in “Like New” condition, the wristwatch is furthermore offered with its accessories.
Upon finding no existing watch capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of underwater missions, the two officers approached Blancpain with a very specific set of technical specifications, including the revolutionary unidirectional bezel. The watch developed following their requests was named Fifty Fathoms, indicating the water resistance of the watch, equating to approximately 91.45 meters. Considered as the archetype of the diver’s wristwatch, the timepiece was later adopted by the French, Israeli, Spanish, German and U.S navies.
Launched in 2007, the present Fifty Fathoms model encompasses the passion and design that characterized the model for more than half a century. With a highly elaborate mechanism, including a tourbillon and eight days power reserve, the present wristwatch will satisfy the most sophisticated collectors.
Offered in “Like New” condition, the wristwatch is furthermore offered with its accessories.