The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms collection stormed the market in 1953. Initially sold to the armed forces, it hit the shelves later on due to its popularity as the first modern diving watch. Combined with the ideals and passion of Blancpain’s former CEO Jean-Jacques Fiechter, the Fifty Fathoms became an iconic watch collection that is sought after by both divers and watch enthusiasts alike.
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms collection is the embodiment of Blancpain’s fascination with marine life. Introduced first in 1953, Blancpain moved forward with the help of marine experts and divers to create the first diving watch in the world. This collection proved to the world the possibility of water-resistant watches and became a popular archetype for various models in the industry today.
Price List at a Glance: Most Popular Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Watches
To start, Blancpain watches do not come cheap. Since Blancpain is highly regarded as a luxury watch brand, you can automatically expect that they come at a lucrative price. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms collection was introduced first in 1953 to take a jab at a specific market, which are the divers, scientists, and marine experts. Blancpain was the first watchmaking company to create a diving watch that can withstand up to 100 bar or 1000m water resistance. Thus, creating a path for other watchmakers to produce various diver’s watches from then on.
Prices for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 500 Fathoms Watches
The Fathoms500 Fathoms is a very unique model introduced in the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms collection. It has a bold design that has a retro vibe that is quite different from the other models. The simplicity of its overall structure is what makes this watch a great choice for divers.
To start, the 500 Fathoms has two variations: The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 1315-Calibre 500 Fathoms, and the Blancpain Fifty Fathom 5215-Calibre 500 Fathoms GMT. Both have little similarities with each other since their functions and calibre are different. The 500 Fathoms line offers a 100-bar water resistance, which is a huge jump from their usual 30-bar models. This makes the 500 Fathoms a great choice for divers due to their maximum capabilities underwater.
Another notable aspect of this model is its dial and hour hands. At a glance, the 500 Fathoms may not seem as fashionable as most luxury models. The main reason for its design is to maximize readability underwater. It has large hour markings and hands that glow in the dark, adding more to its functionality as a diver’s watch.
The 500 Fathoms GMT is equipped with a double timezone. This is a complication that has been etched in the watchmaking tradition to offer a more suitable functionality for those who travel.
The 500 Fathoms 50015 12B30 52B is currently marketed at the price of $25,000 USD. On the other hand, the 500 Fathoms GMT 5002112B30 52B has an approximate price of $29,000 USD. Each variant has a differing price, but that does not mean that one is inferior to the other. It is just a matter of preferability towards each patron.
Prices for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Models
The Bathyscaphe series is one of Blancpain Fifty Fathoms’ popular watch models. Not only that there are a lot of variations of the Bathyscaphe series, but the features and functions are unique to one another.
The Bathyscaphe was inspired by the submersible cabin with the same name that helps divers and explorers reach unexplorable regions underwater where no human can survive. With this in mind, Blancpain offered a technology in which it can withstand underwater pressure with ease while providing a perfectly readable dial. Legibility and accuracy are highly essential in deep-sea diving. This helps divers and explorers to provide accurate input during their expeditions with ease.
There are currently eight different models for the Bathyscaphe line under the Fifty Fathoms collection. Each of these models offers a different calibre and feature that have evolved throughout the years. The most iconic one is the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 5000 1110 B52A. With the classic Calibre 1315 and 30 bar water resistance, this model is the improved version of the very first Bathyscaphe released sometime in 1953.
Compared to other Fifty Fathoms models, the Bathyscaphe starts with a fairly reasonable price of $8,159 USD. It may not be the most affordable watch in the collection, but it is still a great starting luxury watch for those who are looking for a vintage style diving wristwatch.
Prices for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms X Fathoms Watches
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms X Fathoms is the brand’s attempt at creating the ultimate diver’s watch. It is designed to accurately provide information to the diver through the use of its readable coloured hour markers and metric markers. Not only that, it is equipped with high-performance mechanisms to ensure consistency and accuracy for a prolonged time underwater.
Sporting a 9918B Calibre, the X Fathoms provides a smooth and accurate movement that remains consistent even underwater. The reason why the X Fathoms is regarded by many as the ultimate diving watch is because of its stable structure as well as its perceptive design. With its 24mm thick case, water will not seep in. It may be quite heavy and bulky, but the weight is barely noticeable once underwater.
The X Fathoms has a 300m (30m) water resistance, which is common in the Fifty Fathoms collection. It may not have the same resistance as that of the 500 Fathoms, but 30 bars is enough for the average diver’s watch. Equipped with a mechanical depth gauge, divers can easily monitor their depth and pressure of their surroundings to avoid any accidents and decompression illnesses.
The price for the X Fathoms starts at $41,579 USD. It is quite an expensive model, but since it is a high-performance mechanical diver’s watch, the X Fathoms delivers its functions and features with accuracy and legibility.
Prices for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique Models
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique holds a classic design that has held up for several years since the debut of the Fifty Fathoms collection in 1953. Much like the Bathyscaphe, the Fifty Fathoms Automatique is a diver’s watch that can also be worn for other recreational purposes.
With the constant popularity of titanium cases, the Fifty Fathoms Automatique greatly utilizes the comfortability and durability of titanium. This gives it a perfect balance of recreational and professional style. The fabric strap also complements the material seamlessly and adds a sporty look.
The Automatique has a Calibre 1315, a staple in the Fifty Fathoms collection, and a 30 bar water resistance. The difference between the titanium and the steel variant is the antimagnetic cage. The steel case variant is equipped with an antimagnetic cage to avoid disruption from magnetic fields and materials underwater or on land. Titanium, on the other hand, does not have any reaction towards magnets. Other than that, both variants have the same functions and features as well as the same level of reliability and precision.
The Fifty Fathoms Automatique is currently priced at $10,769 USD for the steel variant, while the titanium variant costs $11,899 USD.
Prices for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barakuda Watches
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barakuda is one of the brand’s classic timepieces that are still popular up to this day. Collectors and enthusiasts are sure to love the Barakuda since it has a vintage colour scheme that goes well with its slim exterior.
The Barakuda is a fairly limited watch model and is often not in stock at most watch boutiques. It is a well-loved watch model ever since its debut. Despite being released initially for military use, the Barakuda’s popularity quickly rose and eventually sold to civilians as well. It was said that only 150 models were released back then, but there is still no verification if the rumour was true.
Blancpain paid tribute to their classic Barakuda and released a newer version of it with a few revisions. The first Barakuda had a Tropik strap and 360° hash markings around the bezel. The new version now has a rubber strap that replicates the previous design. The 360° hash markings were removed on the bezel, offering a cleaner design. The 1151 calibre is still used in the Barakuda to stay true to its heritage.
The Fifty Fathoms Barakuda maintained the same luxurious look throughout the years. Its two-toned design and the slim case made it a popular pick among divers and collectors since it brandishes a vintage look. The price for this model starts at $14,100 USD. Though it is quite expensive, given the heritage of the Barakuda, it is truly worth every penny.
Vintage Blancpain Fifty Fathoms — Is it a good investment?
With Blancpain’s rich heritage, there is no doubt that each watch model holds a significant value. That being said, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms collection is no stranger to having its value increased throughout the years. Not only are they produced in a limited number, but the models are also hard to find — even in licensed boutiques.
With that in mind, Fifty Fathoms is a great investment for both diving enthusiasts as well as watch collectors.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms’ History and Design Details
In 1953, Blancpain attempted to create the world’s first modern diving watch. This idea came from Jean-Jacques Fiechter, the CEO of Blancpain during that time. He was a passionate diver which gave him the idea to create a wristwatch that can assist divers underwater. With that, the Fifty Fathoms collection was born.
It cannot be denied that Blancpain has an undying passion for the marine world. They had been working with several scientists, divers, and marine experts to further their research into creating the ultimate diver’s watch. Aside from that, Blancpain is also committed to ocean preservation and exploration as part of its aspirations and ideals.
The design scheme of the Fifty Fathoms collection revolves around one aspect: Legibility. With this in mind, diver’s can easily tell the time and depth during their escapades. That is why the design structure of each Fifty Fathoms model does not deviate greatly from one another.
Reasons to Buy a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Watch
There are several reasons to buy a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch. Here are a few:
1. The Fifty Fathoms collection have flexible designs
Despite being regarded as a diving watch, the designs of each watch in the Fifty Fathoms collection can be used for several occasions. The designs are simplistic at best and exude a vintage look. Plus, there are several variants to choose from to match preferences.
2. The prices are reasonable
The prices for the Fifty Fathoms collection is reasonable. Though it is still expensive, the heritage and materials of each model are worth the price.
3. The watch collection is a timeless classic
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is a timeless classic that a lot of patrons around the globe adore. Not only that, each model is sure to fetch a higher price at auctions in the future due to its vintage design and rich heritage.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms: The Ultimate Diver’s Watch
Blancpain is undoubtedly one of the top Swiss watchmaking brands in the industry. The Fifty Fathoms is only one of its many successful collections that have made a definitive impact on the industry. Producing the first modern diving watch paved the way for more extensive marine research and expanded Blancpain’s watchmaking capabilities in the long run. With that, it can be said that the Fifty Fathoms collection is the ultimate diver’s companion.
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