Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary: A 1968 Re-Edition Examined

Introduction

Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms is celebrated as one of the earliest dive watches, but the brand also produced a more civilian-oriented counterpart in 1956: the Bathyscaphe. This 'skin diver' was designed for recreational use, offering a slimmer profile and refined aesthetics. Now, to mark the 70th anniversary of this model, Blancpain unveils a faithful re-edition of a 1968 version, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary, limited to 300 pieces.

The Bathyscaphe Legacy

The name 'Bathyscaphe' pays tribute to the deep-sea submersible conceived by Swiss scientist Auguste Piccard in the 1940s. This pioneering vessel achieved record depths, culminating in the 1960 descent to the Challenger Deep by Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh. Blancpain's then-CEO, Jean-Jacques Fiechter, a passionate diver, registered the name for a watch in 1953, and the first Bathyscaphe watch appeared in 1956 as a smaller, less technical sibling to the Fifty Fathoms.

A Faithful Re-Edition of 1968

The new limited edition draws inspiration from a 1968 Bathyscaphe, chosen for its balanced proportions and understated elegance. The case measures 37.40mm in diameter, matching the original, with a thickness of 12.30mm (slightly thicker due to improved water resistance of 300m). The polished steel case features slender mid-case and straight lugs, echoing the vintage design. The unidirectional bezel is steel with a ceramic insert and lacquered numerals, a modern upgrade from the original hesalite.

Dial and Hands

The dial retains the 1968 style with a sunray-brushed 'meteor grey' finish, giving a warm, faded appearance. The vintage Blancpain logo, baton hands, and applied hour markers are filled with aged Super-LumiNova. The second hand features its distinctive arrow tip, and the date window at 3 o'clock is framed by a thin white line.

Modern Mechanics

Inside beats the in-house Calibre 1150, an automatic movement with a 100-hour power reserve, silicon hairspring for antimagnetic properties, and a frequency of 3Hz. The sapphire caseback reveals the movement with an openworked 18k gold oscillating weight and snail-brushed bridges.

Buying Tips and Authenticity

As a limited edition of 300 pieces, this watch is highly collectible. When purchasing, verify the reference number 5903-1110-63A and ensure the Peli™ case and chocolate brown leather strap are included. Given its vintage-inspired design, it appeals to enthusiasts of both historical and modern dive watches. Always buy from authorized dealers to guarantee authenticity.

Availability and Price

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary is priced at CHF 13,800 and comes on a chocolate brown leather strap with a steel pin buckle.

Technical Specifications

Case: 37.40mm x 12.30mm, polished steel, unidirectional bezel with ceramic insert, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 300m water resistance
Dial: Sunray-brushed meteor grey, vintage Super-LumiNova on hands and markers, date window at 3
Movement: Calibre 1150, automatic, 100h power reserve, silicon hairspring, 21,600 vph
Strap: Chocolate brown calf leather with off-white stitching
Reference: 5903-1110-63A
Limited: 300 pieces
Price: CHF 13,800

For more information, visit Blancpain's official website.