Blancpain and Swatch have jointly developed the "Blancpain x Swatch" collection, which has attracted much attention as it combines the distinctive features of both brands. The base model is the "Fifty Fathoms," which was released in 1953. It is considered one of the earliest diver's watches and influenced the development of diving watches. Swatch has reconstructed this masterpiece using its proprietary bioceramic material and equipped it with the automatic movement "SISTEM51," creating the "Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms." Each model is constructed in a variety of colors with a marine theme, and each has a distinctly different exterior expression. In this article, we will summarize the background of both brands and the characteristics of the collection, as well as introduce the individuality of each of the nine models.
1. Blancpain and Swatch collaborate!
Blancpain x Swatch, developed by Blancpain and Swatch, is a collection that draws on the backgrounds and product development approaches of both brands. The base model chosen is Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms, which was released in 1953. It was one of the earliest diver's watches designed for diving purposes, and is a masterpiece that influenced the standards of later diving watches. A major feature of the collection is that Swatch has reconstructed this iconic model using its own materials and adopted the SISTEM51 automatic movement, which is made up of just 51 parts.
Background of the collaboration and the role of "Fifty Fathoms"
First of all, it's important to note that Swatch is recreating Blancpain's iconic diver's watch with its own materials and design. This collaboration is an officially announced initiative by Blancpain, and it presents the historical significance of the Fifty Fathoms in a new way.
The Fifty Fathoms model was released in 1953. At the time, high water resistance and legibility were required by those engaged in diving work, such as the military and professional divers. Blancpain therefore incorporated specifications essential for a diving watch, such as a rotating bezel, water resistance, and readability in the dark. The reason this model is considered "the earliest diver's watch" is because these specifications influenced subsequent diving watches.
Swatch has recreated this historic model in a variety of colors using its proprietary bioceramic material. Bioceramic is a composite material made from plant-based materials that is both lightweight and durable. While the difference in material gives it a different feel from the original, the iconic design elements remain intact.
Blancpain's accumulated history and Swatch's material development capabilities come together to create this collaborative piece.
What kind of brand is Blancpain?
Blancpain is a watch brand with a long history, said to have been founded in 1735. Since its founding, the company has continued to manufacture traditional mechanical watches, and has consistently made it clear that it does not use quartz movements.
Blancpain has developed mechanical watches, including those with complex mechanisms, and has always placed emphasis on the manual manufacturing process. Representative collections include the Fifty Fathoms diving watch and the classic Villeret watch. The Fifty Fathoms, in particular, is a historic model for the brand, equipped with the necessary specifications for diving. Blancpain's experience in manufacturing military watches had a major influence on the development of diving watches.
Blancpain has always pursued practicality in areas such as water resistance and complex mechanisms while building on traditional watchmaking. This collaboration features Blancpain's iconic models, further demonstrating the brand's philosophy.
What kind of brand is Swatch?
Swatch is a brand that offers watches that utilize a wide variety of colors and materials, and has been characterized by its light exteriors and catchy designs since its launch in 1983. The brand is focusing on developing materials, including biodegradable and bio-derived materials, and bioceramics is one example of this initiative.
Bioceramic is a durable yet lightweight material made from a combination of ceramic and plant-based plastic. Swatch offers a lineup of models made from this bioceramic in a variety of colors, taking advantage of the material's properties. The price is set so that a wide range of people can easily afford it, making watches more accessible.
In this collaboration, Swatch's flexibility in material development and coloring was key to bringing a new look to Blancpain's iconic model. While the brands' approaches differ, their shared attitude toward watchmaking forms the basis of the collaboration. Swatch's unique reimagining of the Fifty Fathoms, the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms, is a true fusion of the values of the two brands.
2. Blancpain and Swatch Collaboration Collection: Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms
The "Bio-Ceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms" collection, developed by Blancpain and Swatch, is a series based on the ocean. Each model features a bio-ceramic exterior and a design featuring vibrant colors. While they share a common base structure, each model is uniquely differentiated by its exterior material, color, and strap specifications.
GREEN ABYSS
Automatic movement (Cal. SISTEM51). 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 90 hours. Bio-ceramic case (diameter 42.3 mm, thickness 14.4 mm). Water resistant to 91 m. Price: 61,600 yen (tax included).
The "GREEN ABYSS" model is based on a deep green, and the case is made of bioceramic. The uniform coloring gives the exterior a stable tone, creating a unified appearance with the bezel and crown. Meanwhile, the strap is a NATO style made from recycled fishing nets, and is the same green as the case. Although the texture differs depending on the material, the uniform color maintains overall harmony. In addition to a layout that prioritizes visibility, the dial is also equipped with a liquid contact indicator at 6 o'clock that detects water. The deep green, reminiscent of the ocean floor, is an element that symbolizes the theme of this model.
PINK OCEAN
Automatic movement (Cal. SISTEM51). 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 90 hours. Bio-ceramic case (diameter 42.3 mm, thickness 14.4 mm). Water resistant to 91 m. Price: 61,600 yen (tax included).
"PINK OCEAN" is a vibrant model inspired by pink lakes, beaches, and bays, and the case is made of bioceramic. The uniform coloring gives the exterior a stable tone, creating a unified look with the bezel and crown. The strap is a NATO-style watch made from recycled fishing nets, and is painted the same pink as the case, maintaining overall harmony. The layout of the dial and the configuration of the hands follow the specifications common to the series, ensuring visibility. What makes this model unique is the use of the unexpected color pink in a collection themed around the ocean.
BLUE LAGOON
Automatic movement (Cal. SISTEM51). 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 90 hours. Bio-ceramic case (diameter 42.3 mm, thickness 14.4 mm). Water resistant to 91 m. Price: 61,600 yen (tax included).
The "BLUE LAGOON" model features a bright blue color that evokes the light reflecting off the ocean's surface. The smooth surface of the bioceramic case is strikingly uniform in turquoise blue. The strap is a NATO-style watch made from recycled fishing nets, and its matching color with the case gives the design a unified look. Furthermore, the hands and indexes are designed to ensure easy reading, allowing the time to be read at a glance against the background color. The bezel's scale also follows the same specifications, ensuring legibility. This model is the brightest blue in the series, striking in its use of color that seems to express the transparency of the ocean.
OCEAN OF STORMS
Automatic movement (Cal. SISTEM51). 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 90 hours. Bio-ceramic case (diameter 42.3 mm, thickness 14.4 mm). Water resistant to 91 m. Price: 61,600 yen (tax included).
The "OCEAN OF STORMS" model features a black base, drawing attention with its dark exterior symbolizing the lunar seas known as the Ocean of Storms, a flat area on the moon, and the new moon (black moon). The uniform surface of the bioceramic prevents uneven coloring, even with the dark color, creating a sense of unity throughout the exterior. The hands and indexes are colored to ensure contrast with the black background, ensuring excellent legibility. While maintaining the series' common structure, the deep tones emphasize the theme. The color, symbolizing the mysterious darkness of the moon's surface, creates a contrast with other models and occupies an important position within the entire collection.
ARCTIC OCEAN
Automatic movement (Cal. SISTEM51). 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 90 hours. Bio-ceramic case (diameter 42.3 mm, thickness 14.4 mm). Water resistant to 91 m. Price: 61,600 yen (tax included).
The "ARCTIC OCEAN" is a striking model with a pale beige and orange combination, and the case is made of bioceramic. While the bright colors are uniformly reflected, the strap is combined with a NATO style made from recycled fishing nets, and the color scheme of the same color creates a harmonious appearance. A distinctive feature is the "NO RADIATIONS" symbol on the dial, which is based on the design of Blancpain's historic models, which indicated the safety of not using radium. A liquid contact indicator at 6 o'clock pays homage to the function found in military diving watches, making this a striking watch in the series.
PACIFIC OCEAN
Automatic movement (Cal. SISTEM51). 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 90 hours. Bio-ceramic case (diameter 42.3 mm, thickness 14.4 mm). Water resistant to 91 m. Price: 61,600 yen (tax included).
The "PACIFIC OCEAN" model is inspired by the colors of sea slugs that live in the Pacific Ocean, and features a vivid yellow-orange case. The uniform coloring of the bioceramic supports the clarity of the exterior, characterizing the powerful color. The dial has a gradation that changes from black to white, ensuring readability by contrasting with the exterior. This model also features a NATO-style strap made from recycled fishing nets, and its color is similar to that of the case, creating a harmonious appearance. While the configuration of the hands and indexes is common to the series, the clear color expression gives this model a strong individuality.
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Automatic movement (Cal. SISTEM51). 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 90 hours. Bio-ceramic case (diameter 42.3 mm, thickness 14.4 mm). Water resistant to 91 m. Price: 61,600 yen (tax included).
The "ATLANTIC OCEAN" model is inspired by the coloring of sea slugs that live in the Atlantic Ocean, and features a deep blue bioceramic case. The case has a uniform color, evoking the deep ocean throughout the exterior. The dial combines blue and black tones, and the contrast with the hands and indices ensures readability. The strap is a NATO-style strap made from recycled fishing nets, colored in the same color as the case. Although the materials are different, the color scheme creates a unified appearance, while the deep blue also expresses a clear individuality.
INDIAN OCEAN
Automatic movement (Cal. SISTEM51). 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 90 hours. Bio-ceramic case (diameter 42.3 mm, thickness 14.4 mm). Water resistant to 91 m. Price: 61,600 yen (tax included).
The "INDIAN OCEAN" model is inspired by the colors of sea slugs that live in the Indian Ocean, and features a vibrant green bio-ceramic case. The uniform coloring gives the exterior a stable tone, making it one of the most striking colors in the series. The dial is colored in a green gradient, and the contrast with the hands and indexes ensures readability. The strap is a NATO style made from recycled fishing nets, accented with an orange line that matches the second hand. Although the materials are different, the colors are consistent, creating a cohesive overall look. This model graphically expresses the vividness of the ocean.
ANTARCTIC OCEAN
Automatic movement (Cal. SISTEM51). 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 90 hours. Bio-ceramic case (diameter 42.3 mm, thickness 14.4 mm). Water resistant to 91 m. Price: 61,600 yen (tax included).
The "ANTARCTIC OCEAN" is a model themed around the Antarctic Ocean. It features a pale, almost white, bioceramic case, and its uniform coloring gives the exterior a bright atmosphere. The dial is gray-based, and the contrast with the hands and indices ensures readability. The strap is a NATO-style strap made from recycled fishing nets, with a subdued design featuring a navy blue line in the center. Despite its refreshing color scheme, another distinctive feature of this model is the liquid contact indicator at 6 o'clock, which is a design feature used in military diving watches.
3. Summary | Nine expressions of the sea that spread from the Fifty Fathoms
The Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms, developed by Blancpain and Swatch, is a collaborative project based on the Fifty Fathoms, which was released in 1953. It features Swatch's reconstruction of Blancpain's iconic diving watch in a variety of colors, and the use of bioceramic material gives it a completely different impression from the original Fifty Fathoms. The series consists of nine models, each representing a different ocean or lunar surface. By recreating a model with a historical background in a variety of colors, it has a more casual impression than traditional diver's watches. The unique value of this collection lies in the fact that it brings Blancpain's iconic model closer to you.
