What You Should Know About the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
Blancpain has added a new stainless steel version of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42mm watch to the collection, following updates to the line over the last two years (the most recent being the brushed grade 23 titanium and red gold versions). The watch has four strap and bracelet options: stainless steel, sailcloth, tropic rubber, and NATO.
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42mm has a polished stainless steel case that is 42mm in diameter and 14.3mm thick, creating a bold yet balanced presence on the wrist. The watch is designed for durability and performance, with an astounding 300-meter water resistance, making it an ideal companion for diving and aquatic excursions. Its design is vintage-inspired, with a black sunburst dial and a matching black bezel accented by a domed sapphire insert, which adds depth and refinement to the entire look.
The watch is driven by Blancpain’s in-house Caliber 1315 automatic movement, which is known for its accuracy and dependability. This high-performance movement has an impressive 5-day power reserve, assuring sustained functionality even when not worn daily. This timepiece stands out in the world of luxury diving watches due to its sturdy mechanics, classic style, and sophisticated craftsmanship, appealing to both seasoned collectors and first-time customers.
These non-limited editions start at $15,500 and go up to $18,000 for the stainless steel bracelet.
Here’s What We Think
Judging these watches is difficult because we only have a few renderings and two photographs. Still, they are a decent addition to Blancpain’s core series of Fifty Fathoms Automatique releases. I immediately expect these items to have the same pricing difficulties as the rest of the series.
A brief trip through the secondary market yields an intriguing comparison for collectors and aficionados. A titanium Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique with a Tropic strap costs about the same as the newly launched stainless steel variant. Given the identical price, it’s difficult not to consider the titanium version’s value argument, particularly its lightweight feel and modern appearance. Titanium remains popular for people who value practicality and a little more contemporary design.
The titanium model, introduced last year, added a new dynamic to the Fifty Fathoms collection. Its rough yet sophisticated appearance appealed to a vast sector of the market, and the use of titanium improved the watch’s wearability, particularly for everyday use or extended periods. The fact that this previous release is now available at a comparable price range further increases its appeal. For others, it is a better investment, providing both the grandeur of the Blancpain brand and the practical benefits of a titanium case.
On the other hand, stainless steel retains a timeless appeal that many watch enthusiasts value. It’s classic, sturdy, and heavy, lending the watch a more traditional wrist presence. Collectors who enjoy the classic look and feel of steel will appreciate this latest release. Blancpain’s decision to release a steel version responds to demand, giving aficionados of the Fifty Fathoms line more options tailored to their preferences.
The Basics
Brand: Blancpain.
Model: Fifty Fathoms Automatique
Diameter: 42mm, thickness: 14.3mm.
Case Material: Steel Dial Color: Sunburst Black
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Luminous hands, markings, and bezel.
Water resistance: 300m. Strap/bracelet options include stainless steel, tropic rubber, black sailcloth, and NATO.
The Movement
Caliber: Blancpain 1315.
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, and date.
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Thickness: 5.65mm
Power reserve: 120 hours.
Winding: Automatic.
Jewels: 35 Chronometer Certified: No.
Pricing & Availability
Price: $18,000 (steel bracelet), $16,800 (tropical rubber or sail fabric), $15,500 with a pin buckle, and $15,500 (NATO).
Availability: Now.
Limited Edition: No.
You can read luxury watch news here!