Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms No Rad
One of the most historic dive watches is back with a limited edition set to refresh our memory on its legacy. We’re talking about the “Fifty Fathoms” by Blancpain. As many may know it was originally conceived with the military in mind.This “No Rad” edition serves as a reminder to a time when manufactures relied on radium for luminescence, until we discovered its potential health issues in the mid 60’s. Blancpain immediately responded by crafting a “No Radiation” dial for the elite Kamfschwimmer combat divers of the West German navy and the rest is history. The 40.30mm case is made of a stainless-steel polished case with subtle and essential details in the form of the wide-set protruding lugs providing a very comfortable wrist fit or the low squared-off crown guards. 
Mounted to the watch is a black unidirectional bezel with a 60-minute scale engraving with large index markers in an “old radium”-colored Super-LumiNova.
On flip-side is an exhibition case back, which allows to view the inner workings of this mechanical movement, finely decorated by a NAC-treated gold winding rotor. While the steel rim has been engraved with: “BLANCPAIN”, “Fifty Fathoms” in a cursive font and the unique number for each of these limited edition watches.
The rim of the 40mm case has “BLANCPAIN” engraved on it. All topped and sealed by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that assists with water-resistance on this watch reaching up to 300 meters (1000 feet).
Time is exhibited on a matt deep black dial with classical “Fifty Fathoms” elements, such as: round and rectangular painted hour index markers, while the 12 o’clock position is represented by a kite shaped index marker and throughout the flange are a series of smaller silver printed minute index markers that mimic the 1960’s original version.
The upper half of the dial has the Blancpain logo printed in white, plus “Fifty Fathoms” in a cursive font. While on the lower half we encounter the iconic red and yellow “No Radiations” symbol, which immediately (for those of a certain era) brings to mind a “Cold War” vibe. This is also a very faithful recreation of the original 1960’s watch its meant to evoke.
The central hands and various shaped hour index markers have all also undergone an “old radium”-colored Super-LumiNova coating, for an enhanced legibility. The a date aperture at 3 o’clock is also a nod to its 60’s inspiration.
Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms No Rad
The “Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms No Rad” (Ref#: 5008D-1130-B64A) is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 1151 with 28 jewels, 210 components and 28,000 Vph. A reliable extra slim-winding movement that has been fitted with silicon hairspring, which is insensitive to magnetic fields, avoiding the need for a heavy soft-iron cage. Power reserve on this watch can last up to 100 hours (4 days), when fully wound. 
Mounted to the watch is a black Tropic-like rubber strap, secured to wrist by a steel pin buckle. This is a limited edition of only 500 manufactured pieces. For more up to date information visit the official Blancpain here.
MSRP: $14,100.00 USD