Blancpain Marks 70 Years of the Bathyscaphe with a Faithful 1968-Inspired Edition

Celebrating Seven Decades of the Bathyscaphe

Blancpain is honoring the 70th anniversary of its Bathyscaphe dive watch with a new limited edition that looks back to 1968. The watch captures the essence of the original with a compact 37.4mm stainless steel case and a movement that has been a workhorse for decades. Collectors who have long desired a smaller Fifty Fathoms will likely embrace this release.

A Look Back at the Bathyscaphe's Origins

The Fifty Fathoms, introduced in 1953, was among the first modern dive watches and helped popularize the rotating bezel. The Bathyscaphe followed in 1956, initially aimed at military and professional divers. The name was revived in 2013 with a more contemporary design, but this anniversary edition returns to the vintage aesthetic of the late 1960s.

The 1968 model that inspired this tribute featured a 37.4mm case, a size that is notably compact by today's standards. The new version retains that dimension and adds beige Super-LumiNova to mimic the aged patina of original examples. An arrow-tipped seconds hand further enhances the retro character.

Blancpain has also chosen a sans-serif wordmark for the dial, a detail that matches the branding used in the late 1960s. This subtle touch shows a thoughtful approach to the design, moving away from the more corporate look of recent decades and reinforcing the vintage feel.

Why the 37.4mm Size Matters

When Blancpain reintroduced the Fifty Fathoms as a permanent collection in 2007, large watches were the norm, and the 45mm case made a bold statement. However, collector preferences have shifted toward more wearable sizes over the years. After a decade of requests, Blancpain began releasing 40.3mm limited editions, but this new Bathyscaphe goes even smaller.

The 37.4mm diameter is comparable to the Tudor Black Bay 54, though the Blancpain is slightly thicker at 12.3mm. The case appears larger on the wrist due to its narrower 18mm lug spacing, which is a common size for straps, making it easier to find replacements than the 21.5mm spacing used on the 42mm Fifty Fathoms.

The Calibre 1150: A Movement with a Long History

Inside the watch is the calibre 1150, a movement that has been in production in some form since 1988, originally by Frédéric Piguet before it became part of the Swatch Group in 1992. Its compact dimensions—25.6mm in diameter and 3.5mm thick—believe its impressive 100-hour power reserve, achieved through twin mainspring barrels.

Over the years, the calibre 1150 has been updated with modern technology, including a free-sprung balance and a silicon hairspring, which improve accuracy and resistance to magnetic fields. The finishing is of a high standard, with polished bevels and a solarised treatment on the bridges that pays homage to the original R108 movement used in the early Fifty Fathoms.

The rotor, now made from solid 18k gold, adds a touch of luxury and ensures efficient winding. This blend of historical inspiration and modern engineering makes the calibre 1150 a fitting choice for this anniversary edition.

Key Specifications and Pricing

Model: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe
Reference: 5903 1110 63A
Case: 37.4mm stainless steel
Height: 12.3mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: Calibre 1150, automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Power Reserve: 100 hours
Strap: Calf leather with pin buckle
Edition: 300 pieces
Price: CHF 13,500 excluding taxes

The Blancpain Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary Edition is available at Blancpain boutiques. For those seeking a vintage-inspired dive watch with a modern movement, this limited edition offers a compelling package.