Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary: ​​The Culmination of the Anniversary Year

2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the birth of the Fifty Fathoms, a masterpiece that defined the future of diver's watches.
The same year saw the release of many commemorative Fifty Fathoms models. In particular, the "Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3," released in October, is a culmination of the anniversary year, packed with rich content and detail.

Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary

　Why is the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, released in 1953, called the ancestor of the modern diver's watch? It's not simply because of its high water resistance. Considering that Erwin Piquelet's compressor case wasn't introduced until 55, it's important to note that the watch was already water resistant to 50 fathoms (approximately 91.5 meters) in 53. However, what had a greater impact on future generations of the diver's watch genre were the numerous considerations made for professional divers, such as the development of a rotating bezel with a malfunction prevention function and high magnetic resistance.

　The anti-magnetic feature in particular was designed with salvage workers in mind, who would use magnets to fasten themselves to the hull of a ship while working. The story behind the creation of the Fifty Fathoms by then-CEO Jean-Jacques Pfister and French Navy Captain Robert "Bob" Maloubier and Lieutenant Claude Riffaud has been told many times in this magazine, so we will not go into it here. However, let's leave the historical background aside and evaluate the Fifty Fathoms purely as a watch. Even just looking at its anti-magnetic feature alone, it is clear that this was a tool watch made for serious professionals.

　2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the birth of this monumental diver's watch. To celebrate this anniversary, Blancpain has introduced two new Fifty Fathoms models. First, in January, they released the Act 1, the first of the 70th anniversary models. The following month, they released the Act 2, also known as the Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa, which can measure dive times up to three hours.

　Blancpain had already shown enough developments to mark the "Fifty Fathoms Year," but it wasn't finished. In October, as 2023 drew to a close, the "Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3" was announced in Cannes, France. Cannes is Pfister's favorite diving spot, and it can also be said to be the birthplace of the Fifty Fathoms, where an incident occurred that made Pfister realize the need for a proper diver's watch. The Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 was unveiled in the perfect location at the end of this memorable year. Its contents are truly worthy of being called the culmination of the anniversary year.

　The design of this watch is modeled after the former MIL-Spec 1, as evidenced by the dot and bar indexes, thick bezel, and the patch at 6 o'clock that indicates water damage to the case. The 41.3mm case diameter is also the same as the MIL-Spec 1. However, despite this respect for the original, Blancpain emphasizes that the Act 3 is not a reissue of the MIL-Spec 1. As a company whose corporate motto is "innovation is tradition," it is likely that they did not want to create a watch that simply rehash the design. This enthusiasm is clearly reflected in the case material.

　The Act 3 is not made of the nickel silver used in the original or standard steel, but rather 9K bronze gold. This material is a mixture of 50% copper and 37.5% gold, silver, palladium, and gallium, and is said to be less susceptible to the patina and discoloration that often occurs in bronze-cased watches. Omega, also part of the Swatch Group, released a similar material in 2021, but opinions are divided as to whether the two are the same material. While Omega's publicly announced bronze gold composition is the same as Blancpain's, the proportions of the other materials besides copper and gold are not specified, and Blancpain's color is closer to copper. The combination of the Act 3, which follows the 1950s MIL-Spec design, and 9K bronze gold, with its retro bronze-like color, is a perfect match.

　Another distinctive feature of the Act 3 is the retro details that complement its 9K bronze case. The 50s-era brand logo and the prominently raised crystal are prime examples. This applies not only to the exterior, but also to the movement. The automatic winding rotor of the caliber 115.P2 featured here has a long, narrow opening. This was a design feature incorporated into the movement of the original model, intended to reduce the rotor's weight, thereby reducing inertia and damage to the movement when subjected to impact. Of course, the opening is carefully chamfered, setting it apart from typical diver's watches. It exudes a noble quality and exudes high quality.

　So far, I've only written about the exterior of the Act 3, but I'd like to conclude by touching on the film's magnetic resistance. Until now, Blancpain has not revealed the specific magnetic resistance of the Fifty Fathoms. However, with this release, they have for the first time revealed a specification of 1000 gauss (8 A/m). This announcement also revealed that the previous Fifty Fathoms series had a maximum magnetic resistance of 800 gauss. Marking the 70th anniversary, the Fifty Fathoms has improved its magnetic resistance, which is what made it suitable for professional use. In fact, this is the most fitting point for a commemorative model.