Following the release of the Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV earlier this year Blancpain have now introduced an unlimited regular collection FF Tech, notably with a significant enhancement. I now had the opportunity to get up close and personal with reference 5029 12B30 94A and I am delighted to share impressions of the full package with you.
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The start of a new chapter in the history of the Fifty Fathoms
It is quite rare these days that we see entirely new designs in any given model collection, especially when it comes to signature timepieces like the Fifty Fathoms. It is even rarer that the result is as compelling and close to perfection as we see it realized in the Fifty Fathoms Tech.
Introduced in 2023 as Act 2 of the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary lineup the new design was executed in a 47mm limited production timepiece called Tech Gombessa, made as a mechanical instrument for rebreather diving. One year later a more wearable size of 45mm version with a traditional bezel calibration came out, the limited to 100 pieces FF Tech Ocean Commitment IV.
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With the now released Fifty Fathoms Tech reference 5029 12B30 94A this new design becomes part of the regular collection. It is not a replacement of the discontinued 500 Fathoms but a new pillar next to the classic FF and the Bathyscaphe.
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One step further than the FF Tech OC IV
On first sight the new FF Tech is almost identical to the previously released FF Tech Ocean Commitment IV, albeit with orange instead of blue accents. But there’s a way more significant difference: the new FF Tech comes with a quick change system for the strap and variety of 3 strap colors to put it to use.
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Let us take a closer look at the watch head first, though. The 45mm grade 23 titanium case has a height of 14.1mm and a water resistance of 300m. The case shape, the helium escape valve, the prominent crown guards and of course the two central lugs are pretty unique in design and execution, from a lateral perspective the high bezel rim is another detail which adds to the very technical and well balanced aesthetic.
The superb execution and the beautiful brushed finish of the grade 23 titanium case really warrants enjoying it through a loupe:
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The watch features an inverted ceramic bezel insert with engraved and SuperLuminova filled markers and numerals surrounding an absolute black dial with full SuperLuminova block shaped numerals and indices. The Tech signature and the central seconds hand are executed in orange, providing a beautiful splash of color against the deep black dial.
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On the backside a sapphire crystal offers a view on caliber 1315A operating at 4Hz with 120 hours of power reserve. This impressive movement is finished in the typical Fifty Fathoms style with the skeleton 18ct gold rotor being a perfect fit to this technical look.
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„A new strap is like a new watch”
This old saying among watch enthusiasts has a lot of truth to it, and Blancpain have finally recognised that. Yes, the original strap configurations of Blancpain watches are well chosen and high quality, but it usually takes quite a long time for Blancpain to offer color options for many timepieces.
With the new Fifty Fathoms Tech that mindset has changed. The tool free quick change feature can be tried by the owner immediately since the watch comes with a set of two straps on a titanium tang buckle. You can choose between a black, a white and an orange rubber strap, each fitting the watch perfectly.
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Let’s take a closer look at the quick change feature, which is super easy to handle with your fingertip. The tease button sits on the underside of the central lugs, the fitted strap comes off easily and the new one attaches smoothly.
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Here are various impressions of the Fifty Fathoms Tech on the three different straps, which are available in different lengths. Depending on your mood you’ll easily find your preferred style every day.
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The titanium tang buckle is solid and fits the design code of the FF Tech very well.
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The watch comes in the typical PeliCase, which however has an updated inside. Next to the travel case (which comes in a new material) there’s room for a pouch you can store the second strap in.
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On the wrist
With 45mm the Fifty Fathoms Tech is still a big watch despite its integrated central lug design. The firm curving of the strap makes it a comfortable watch to wear, but for a visually perfect fit you need to have at least 17.5 or better 18cm wrist circumference, depending on the wrist shape.
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A more lateral view shows the strap architecture and its firm curving when attached to the watch. I also added a shot showing how the buckle fits the underside of the wrist.
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My wrist measures 17cm and has a rather flat shape. Since the photos are taken from a short distance they tend to overemphasize the size of the watch on the wrist, but it is evident that the FF Tech is a little too big for my wrist, but it still felt very comfortable.
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Conclusions
With this new design Blancpain has created something we don’t often see, an entirely different look for an iconic dive watch. There are no elements referencing the rich heritage of the Fifty Fathoms, no parts other than the exceptional caliber 1315 have been taken from the existing regular collection.
The result is absolutely beautiful and very convincing in all aesthetic and functional aspects. Blancpain have done no less than creating a future path for the Fifty Fathoms as a perfectly legible professional dive watch, at the same time they did not forget the fun of wearing it casually with different strap colors with the help of the comfortable and well executed quick change system.
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So is there anything leaving room for further improvement? Well, not really… other than the Fifty Fathoms Tech not being a perfect choice for those who don’t have quite the wrist size necessary to wear it, at least in an aesthetically pleasing way. So, selfishly I would wish for a smaller version with 41/42mm nominal diameter, who knows, maybe one day that will be realized.
You find the new Fifty Fathoms Tech here on the Blancpain website. My review of the limited FF Tech Ocean Commitment IV can be found here, the larger FF Tech Gombessa here in the blog.
I hope you enjoyed the hands-on and the photos!
Cheers
Henrik