Blancpain finally unveiled its long-await regular 42 mm-diameter Fifty Fathoms powered by its 1315 inhouse caliber with 5-day power reserve. After presenting its first case of this size in stainless steel on last year’s Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 limited edition (and the Scuba Fifty Fathoms in Bioceramic), the brand is now offering it exclusively in red gold and titanium (Grade 23) as part of the regular collection.
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. With the launch of the 45-mm Fifty Fathoms Automatique in 2007, the new, specially developed Calibre 1315 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 from 2023, the first timepiece (issued in a limited edition) celebrating the 70th anniversary of the inaugural model in 2023 and featuring a 42-mm case.
Retaining their predecessor’s proportions, these new 42-mm (42.3 mm to be precise) Fifty Fathoms Automatique watches are available in red gold and grade 23 titanium. This metal is lightweight and highly resistant to scratches and corrosion, alongside its anti-allergenic properties. The collection’s characteristic sapphire-topped bezel can also be found here. Beating at the heart of these new Fifty Fathoms Automatique watches is Calibre 1315 offering a 5-day power reserve (thanks to three series-coupled barrels) and equipped with an 18K red gold oscillating weight – also decorated and sporting an NAC coating – whose design is inspired by the rotor of the historical 1953 version.
Available with a blue or black dial, the red gold and titanium versions come with a wide choice of straps (in matching colors) ranging from sail-canvas to NATO and a Tropic textured rubber iteration inspired by the 1953 model, while the titanium bracelet rounds off the range dedicated to the case in the same material. Prices start at CHF 15,300 (titanium on textile strap).
More here.