Author: Ricardo Amaral

Blancpain has unveiled three stunning new additions to its renowned Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe line, now available in sleek black ceramic. These timepieces, two with a time-and-date function and one with a chronograph, bring fresh dial colours and versatile strap options to the collection, designed for enthusiasts who appreciate robust, high-performance dive watches.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Time-and-Date Models

The new time-and-date Bathyscaphe models showcase a 43.6mm black ceramic case, with a height of 13.83mm, ideal for those who seek elegance and durability in a watch. With a unidirectional bezel featuring a 60-minute scale and sapphire crystal on both the front and back, these models are built to handle depths of up to 300 meters. The distinctive fluted crown at 3 o’clock features Blancpain’s signature, adding a refined touch to the functional design.

The dials come in two captivating colour options: sunray-blue with a black bezel insert and sunray-green with a matching bezel insert. Both features applied hour markers, syringe-style hands filled with Super-LumiNova, and a lollipop centre seconds hand with a striking red tip. A date window discreetly positioned at 4:30 enhances functionality without compromising the dial’s balanced aesthetics. The familiar Blancpain logo is displayed at noon, followed by “Fifty Fathoms,” while “Bathyscaphe” is placed at 6 o’clock.

Movement and Power Reserve

Inside, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe models are powered by the in-house Caliber 1315, a robust movement featuring a silicon balance spring, a NAC-coated 18k gold rotor, and three barrels that deliver a remarkable 5-day power reserve (120 hours) at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (Vph).

Strap Options and Pricing

Collectors can choose from various strap options, including NATO-style straps, durable sail canvas, or a sophisticated ceramic bracelet. Prices start at CHF 12,600 for the strap options and go up to CHF 19,600 for the ceramic bracelet variant, making these models a versatile option for serious divers and watch enthusiasts alike.

Blancpain, Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe. Blue, green dial, black ceramic case, 43.60 mm diameter, 13.83 mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 300 meters water resistance. Sail Canvas strap, NATO strap, black ceramic bracelet. Calibre 1315, automatic movement, hour, minutes, seconds, date, 28,800 Vph, 120 hours of power reserve. CHF 12,600 – CHF 19,600.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph

The chronograph model shares the same case size of 43.6mm in diameter as the time-and-date models but features a slightly thicker case at 15.25mm to accommodate the chronograph movement. Its unidirectional bezel and black ceramic insert, along with sapphire glass front and back, ensure the timepiece is both stylish and highly functional underwater, maintaining a water resistance of 300 meters. In addition to the screw-down crown, the chronograph model is equipped with two pushers that seamlessly integrate with the case design.

The sunray-blue dial sports a Tri-compax layout, featuring a 30-minute counter, a running-second register with a lollipop hand, and a 12-hour counter at 3-6-9 o’clock positions. Adding a touch of precision, the dial also includes a 1/10th of a second centre chronograph hand with a red tip, ideal for precise timekeeping.

Chronograph Movement and Performance

The chronograph is powered by the Caliber F385, an automatic movement with flyback functionality, featuring a column-wheel and vertical clutch. Operating at a high frequency of 36,000 Vph, the Caliber F385 offers a power reserve of approximately 50 hours, and a silicone balance spring ensures reliability and accuracy.

Strap Options and Pricing

Available with the same NATO, sail canvas, or ceramic bracelet options as the time-and-date models, the chronograph is priced at CHF 16,900 for the strap options and CHF 23,600 for the ceramic bracelet version, allowing wearers to tailor the watch to their style preferences.

Blancpain, Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph. Blue dial, black ceramic case, 43.60 mm diameter, 15.25 mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 300 meters water resistance. Sail Canvas strap, NATO strap, black ceramic bracelet. Calibre F385, automatic movement, hour, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph, 36,000 Vph, 50 hours of power reserve. CHF 16,900 – CHF 23,600.

Conclusion

The new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe models in black ceramic blend advanced watchmaking with contemporary design, catering to divers and horology enthusiasts who appreciate both luxury and performance. With the expanded range of strap options, striking dial colours, and high-performance movements, these models make a compelling choice for collectors looking to elevate their dive watch collection.

Blancpain continues to honour its legacy of creating some of the best dive watches on the market, with the latest Bathyscaphe models standing as a testament to its commitment to innovation and quality.