Hands-on with the new 42mm Fifty Fathoms 5010

They have long been anticipated and now we finally witnessed the introduction of the regular collection 42mm Fifty Fathoms. Offered in no less than 14 references (22 when you count the clasp options) with the options of grade 23 titanium or red gold case featuring two dial variants and many strap/bracelet options the medium sized FF will no doubt conquer a lot of hearts. Let’s get up close and personal with them.

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Hands-on with the Scuba FF Ocean of Storms

Two days ago, January 11 2024 on a New Moon, the sale of the sixth and probably final Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms started in selected Boutiques. With the very generous help of a good friend I have the chance to get up close and personal with the Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms and put it in perspective.

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The 2024 novelties so far

It’s my pleasure to open the annual novelties overview for 2024. Just like in the past years it is a realistic expectation that we will learn about the Blancpain novelties at different points throughout the year. This overview will be updated whenever new models are released, and as usual I will try to do my best to provide hands-on photos of many new timepieces as soon as possible.

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Recap of the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary

Let me close this year’s blog with a recap on the highly anticipated Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary lineup brought to us by Blancpain. It’s my utmost pleasure to show all protagonists side by side for the first time, so I hope you enjoy this last essay in 2023.

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A vintage Bathyscaphe MC 4 prior to service

I already had the pleasure to feature two magnificent vintage Fifty Fathoms No Rad from fellow collectors in the blog, and now I would like to share a first glimpse on my recently bought Bathyscaphe MC 4 with you. Let’s take a closer look at this well worn second generation Bathyscaphe from the early 1960s and the first assessment by the Blancpain Heritage Workshop.

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Strap options: the new Blancpain Jacquard Nato straps

It took Blancpain quite a while to offer more strap alternatives to owners of the FF/Bathyscaphe, but recently a variety of new Nato straps have been introduced. So this blog post is not about a specific watch but three of the new 23mm Nato straps for the 43mm Bathyscaphe and 45mm Fifty Fathoms models. Let’s take a close look on and off the wrist.

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Hands-on with the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3

And here it is: the highly anticipated Act 3 of Blancpain‘s lineup of Fifty Fathoms novelties, celebrating the anniversary year. And there’s no way denying that it is a looker! Let’s get up close and personal with the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 reference 5901-5630-NANA in a 41.3mm bronze gold case that leads us back to one of the many milestones in the unrivaled history of the iconic dive watch.

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Hands-on with the Blancpain X Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms

This is the second (and most likely last) coverage on a non-Blancpain timepiece in the blog. But the release of the Blancpain X Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms warrants the exception and a hands-on report, so let’s get up close and personal with the Scuba FF Pacific Ocean in typical blog style, using a loupe to reveal a truthful detailed picture.

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The Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection

Today, September 7, Swatch revealed 5 bioceramic models inspired by the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms which are going on sale on September 9. They are picking up the theme of 5 oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic and Antarctic. Let me share my initial take on this very special project alongside the 70th Anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms and the watches.

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Comparing the 40, 42 and 45mm Fifty Fathoms

With the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 reference 5010A/B/C-1130-NABA Blancpain offers a long awaited new size for the iconic dive watch. I now had the opportunity to have all three sizes ready for a photo session, so let’s compare this new 42.3mm Fifty Fathoms to its siblings in 40.3mm and 45mm with a similar basic aesthetic code.

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Honeymoon with the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1

Finally, almost on point 6 months after it was introduced and sold through Blancpain‘s first worldwide online sale, the 42mm Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 is in the process of distribution. Let me share my thoughts after one week of proud ownership and show you the watch under different light conditions and on a different strap.

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Quintessentially Blancpain: the FF Bathyscaphe 5054 titanium

If you are after a „do-it-all“ modern Blancpain timepiece you may narrow in on this one: the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet in Grade 23 titanium reference 5054-1210. Let’s explore this beautiful timepiece in all its details and find out why it is one of the most popular watches in the current Blancpain catalogue.

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Hands-on with two rare Bathyscaphe models

During a recent visit I had the chance to spend time with the prototypes of two rare Bathyscaphe models. Since both were available in selected markets only, getting up close with them for a photo session was a very welcome opportunity. So here they are, the Bathyscaphe Polar Green in stainless steel and the Bathyscaphe Cortina Watch 50th Anniversary in titanium and Sedna gold.

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