Lot Essay
This exclusive watch inspired by an iconic Blancpain historical timing instrument joins the ranks of the rare and highly prized "No Rad" collector's items, coveted by watch enthusiasts.
The Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad watch revisits a Blancpain diving instrument from the mid-60s, which was notably used by the German Navy's Combat Swimmers. The latter has the characteristic feature of a stamp on the dial with a "no radiations" logo indicating that Blancpain did not use luminescent materials composed of radium – a highly radioactive element declared harmful to health. This distinctive symbol has forged the success of this timepiece, which has become one of the most sought-after Fifty Fathoms watches among collectors.
The model created for Only Watch is characterised by a chapter ring, hands and a bezel time scale featuring orange-coloured Super-LumiNova®. Bespoke to this special piece, this acidulous shade refers to the colour representing the 2021 edition of Only Watch. The dominant element on the dial remains the "no radiations" logo, whose original yellow and red colours have been replaced by orange and yellow, respectively.
HISTORY OF THE BRAND
Founded in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain in the Swiss Jura, Blancpain is known as the world’s oldest watch brand. Loyal to its tradition of innovation and confirmed by countless horological complications invented over the years, the Manufacture is constantly pushing the boundaries of watchmaking to take this art to places where it has never been before. Today, Blancpain pursues its enduring commitment to the renewal of mechanical horology. From creating components to designing watches, Blancpain is distinguished by its capacity to develop exceptional timepieces, which are the results of its master-watchmakers' creativity and passion. This philosophy is conveyed through each of the brand’s creations and all its collections, including the classic Villeret, the legendary Fifty Fathoms diver’s watch or the delicate women models.
The Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad watch revisits a Blancpain diving instrument from the mid-60s, which was notably used by the German Navy's Combat Swimmers. The latter has the characteristic feature of a stamp on the dial with a "no radiations" logo indicating that Blancpain did not use luminescent materials composed of radium – a highly radioactive element declared harmful to health. This distinctive symbol has forged the success of this timepiece, which has become one of the most sought-after Fifty Fathoms watches among collectors.
The model created for Only Watch is characterised by a chapter ring, hands and a bezel time scale featuring orange-coloured Super-LumiNova®. Bespoke to this special piece, this acidulous shade refers to the colour representing the 2021 edition of Only Watch. The dominant element on the dial remains the "no radiations" logo, whose original yellow and red colours have been replaced by orange and yellow, respectively.
HISTORY OF THE BRAND
Founded in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain in the Swiss Jura, Blancpain is known as the world’s oldest watch brand. Loyal to its tradition of innovation and confirmed by countless horological complications invented over the years, the Manufacture is constantly pushing the boundaries of watchmaking to take this art to places where it has never been before. Today, Blancpain pursues its enduring commitment to the renewal of mechanical horology. From creating components to designing watches, Blancpain is distinguished by its capacity to develop exceptional timepieces, which are the results of its master-watchmakers' creativity and passion. This philosophy is conveyed through each of the brand’s creations and all its collections, including the classic Villeret, the legendary Fifty Fathoms diver’s watch or the delicate women models.