Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2: Tech Gombessa

Celebrations continue over at Blancpain for the 70th anniversary of the “Fifty Fathoms”. Plus this new ”Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2: Tech Gombessa” marks the launch of a new model line designed for long-duration deep dives. This also serves to honor the 10th anniversary of Gombessa, which Blancpain helped create by being a founding partner. This initiative known as “Gombessa Expeditions” is dedicated to studying the great hammerhead shark (also known as Sphyrna mokarran), in French Polynesia. Their main goal has been focused on the implementation of management measures to promote the conservation of this endangered species. For information on how to get involved or spread awareness follow this link.The 47 mm case is made of grade 23 titanium with a satin finish. This watch took five years to develop and was extensively tested. Unlike conventional diver’s watches, the bezel with black ceramic inlay on the new “Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa” has a three-hour scale, which links to a special central hand that takes three hours to complete one full turn.This patented innovation co-developed by Marc A. Hayek and Laurent Ballesta, make the "Tech Gombessa" the first timepiece capable of measuring immersions of up to three hours. For less adventurous users this feature may not be that alluring, but professional divers can really benefit from such a countdown.On the flipside is a sapphire exhibition caseback that allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. It features an anthracite colored oscillating weight, shaped with three large openings, and stamped with the Gombessa Expeditions logo at the center.It comes equipped with a knurled screw-down crown, nestled between small crown guards. Instead of its standard protruding lugs this edition has an integrated strap secured by central lugs attached from the inside of the case middle. There is also a helium valve between the 9 and 10 o’clock spots. All topped by a spherical sapphire crystal. Water-resistance can reach up to 300 meters (1000 feet).Time is exhibited on a matte black dial with orange rectangular hour index markers and the Arabic numerals: 3, 6, 9, and 12. The flange portion has a minute track ring made up of smaller orange colored markings.The upper half of the dial only has the Blancpain logo printed in white, while on the lower half we find “Fifty Fathoms” in white cursive font, plus a “TECH” inscription in orange.The central sword-shaped hour/minute hands, hour index markers and Arabic numerals have all been fitted with a luminescent filling, for an enhanced legibility. And as aforementioned the extra indicator is a 3-hour dive-time hand with the green lume to match the bezel.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2: Tech Gombessa

The “Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2: Tech Gombessa” (Ref#: 5019-12B30-64A) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 13P8 with 35 jewels, 204 parts, and 28,800 vph. It comes equipped with a silicon balance spring that guarantees resistance to magnetism. Power reserve can last up to 120 hours (5-day), when fully wound.Mounted on the watch is a black rubber strap, which has been screwed to the back of the central lugs by an internal titanium reinforcement. This detail is intended to provide durability and allows an extension for those wearing a watch over a diving suit. The watch also comes in a Peli presentation box that contains a magnifying glass, travel pouch, strap extension, and a set of cutting tools. For more up to date information visit the official Blancpain website here.

 

Blancpain, Fifty Fathoms, Anniversary, Tech, Gombessa, Luxury Watches