BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
The Fifty Fathoms, some would say, is the unique diving watch from which all different diving watch designs, together with the Rolex Submariner, stem. As I’ve identified many a time prior to now, I’m not fully satisfied about that, as Zodiac’s Sea Wolf got here barely earlier than the Fifty Fathoms and the Submariner solely a yr after, but all of them had the identical rotating diving bezel concept. Paperwork from the time revealing the reality doesn’t exist, or if it does, it’s nicely hidden. Nonetheless, I’m completely happy to doc some new additions to one of many descendent strains of the unique Fifty Fathoms: the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe.
The primary watch itself hasn’t modified. It’s the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph, which has an excellent easy tricompax structure for the dial, which suggests two subdials for the chronograph and a central one for the working seconds. There’s additionally a date window on each fashions.
Inside every watch, you’ll discover the self-winding calibre F385. It has an industrial end to it this calibre, however once you look nearer you’ll see the standard of the craftsmanship is something however industrial. The spec sheet is spectacular, too, with a 50-hour energy reserve, high-speed 5Hz beat fee, silicone escapement and stability wheel and a chronograph which includes a column wheel and vertical clutch. The rotor is strong 18k gold and visual by way of the sapphire caseback.
The primary change to the watch is the selection of case supplies. The 43mm x 14.9mm watches are available in 18k purple gold or grade 23 titanium. Grade 23 titanium is often utilized in marine, aerospace and biomedical functions the place its superior resistance to break, corrosion and fracturing. It’s additionally typically thought-about to be hypoallergenic, that means it’s not possible to trigger an allergic response along with your pores and skin. Gold, by the best way, can be thought-about to be hypoallergenic, though I couldn’t let you know whether or not the mix of metals in purple gold makes a distinction. The circumstances of each watches are water resistant to 300m.
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Each variations can come on both a NATO or sailcloth strap, excellent for all-season put on. The titanium model can be had with a satin-brushed titanium bracelet. The retail costs are €16,400 for the material strap with titanium case, €19,060 for the titanium bracelet watch and €31,030 for the purple gold model.
Go to Blancpain right here.
It’s most intriguing that Blancpain launched these once they did, as we just lately coated the brand new SeaQ diving chronograph from fellow Swatch Group model Glashütte Authentic. How do you suppose it compares with the brand new Bathyscaphe fashions? Tell us within the feedback!
