Blancpain has re-interpreted one of its core timepieces, the three-hand model of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, outfitting it with a deep blue dial evoking the depths of the sea. The plasma gray ceramic bezel has been equipped with a blue ceramic insert featuring Liquidmetal® hourmarkers, an alloy serving to avoid distortions. The case highlights the technology involved in creating gray plasma ceramic, a production method that gives the color a subtle metallic shade. Plasma gray ceramic was used for the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback Ocean Commitment that was launched in 2014.
The Blancpain Bathyscaphe diving models first appeared in the late 1950s in both men’s and women’s versions. To mark the anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms in 2013, the Bathyscaphe reappeared with a new aesthetic recalling the first versions: crisp outlines, hands featuring the traditional look of vintage watches and the date appears through a small window. The presence of a luminous index located on the bezel, serving to enhance readability during dives, is faithful to the original version of the Bathyscaphe.
The watch has been fitted with a unidirectional bezel which can be rotated with defined clicks in a counter-clockwise direction. During dives, the large seconds hand serves as an indicator that the watch is running. The Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe is water-resistant to 30 bar, equivalent to 300 meters.
The self-winding caliber powering the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe is the famous 1315, distinguished by its sturdiness and its exceptional chronometric performance, and visible through the sapphire caseback. Its three series-coupled mainspring barrels ensure a generous five-day power reserve while guaranteeing a constant supply of energy. It is fitted with a balance-spring in silicon and with a robust glucydur balance wheel, with square-head gold micrometric regulating screws guaranteeing precision as well as efficient adjustment.
The watch is offered with two strap options: a three-ring NATO strap or a sail canvas version.
