Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique iN 42mm

After premiering its first case featuring a 42mm diameter in last year's limited edition "Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1", Blancpain is now adding this more compact size in red gold or titanium to their permanent collection, which maintains the vintage-inspired style of its larger 45mm sibling. As part of the current lineup, these new, non-limited Fifty Fathoms Automatique timepieces are available in a wide range of strap or bracelet combinations for a total of 14 new references.The 42mm case with a height of 14.2mm is available made out of either grade 23 titanium or 18k red gold, both with an overall brushed finish.Mounted on the watch is its signature unidirectional bezel in black or blue with a 60-minute scale engraving with large index markers, numerals and diamond shapes, all in a green Super-LumiNova coating.Unlike the heftier 45mm option and despite housing the seem 1315 caliber movement, these new releases have a sapphire exhibition caseback that allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. It features a gray-coated 18K red gold rotor inspired by the oscillating weight found in the original 1953 Fifty Fathoms. The rim portion is engraved with “BLANCPAIN”, “Fifty Fathoms” in its customary cursive font. It comes equipped with a knurled screw-down crown, nestled between small crown guards. Just like the previous models of the same or larger size, these watches feature long and thick protruding lugs that provide a very comfortable and secure wrist fit. All topped and sealed by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Water-resistance can reach up to 300 meters (1000 feet).Time is exhibited on a black or blue sun-ray brushed dial with the classic 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 white colored markings.The upper half of the dial has the Blancpain logo printed in white, while “Fifty Fathoms” appears inscribed in a cursive font on the lower half. This is essentially the same design we’ve come to expect and admire in this collection, despite the size reduction.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. There is also a date aperture between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions, which seamlessly blends in the background by matching each version's main hue and using white numerals to stand out. 

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms iN 42mm

The “Blancpain Fifty Fathoms” (References below) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 1315 with 35 jewels, 227 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 are various options with different reference numbers and price points. The user’s can choose between: black or blue sailcloth textile strap, NATO-like textile strap, or Tropic-like rubber strap (available for both titanium and gold models). Plus for a bit extra it can be had on a grade 23 titanium bracelet. For more up to date information visit the official Blancpain website here.

 

Blancpain, Fifty Fathoms, Titanium, Red Gold, Luxury Watches