A blog entirely dedicated to Blancpain timepieces
After having captured it on release day in September 2023 I recently encountered the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 of a fellow collector again… and ended up buying it from him. Let me explain why initially I had my reservations and what changed my mind so much that this watch became my absolute favorite.
Today Blancpain has introduced a new member of the 42mm Fifty Fathoms 5010 family, adding a case of polished stainless steel to the regular collection. I was fortunate enough to experience this new model beforehand, so let’s not only take a close look but also compare it to its closest siblings, the titanium version and the 70th Anniversary Act 1.
When Blancpain introduced the new 42mm Fifty Fathoms size in January 2023 with the 70th Anniversary Act 1 and in February 2024 with the standard collection titanium and red gold models they answered a wish enthusiasts voiced for quite a while. Today let’s take a close look at the stainless steel FF 5010-1130 70th Anniversary Act 1 and the grade 23 titanium black dial FF 5010-12B30. There are more differences than you may see at a first glance, so let’s get started with a comparison of two timepieces an untrained eye would probably consider identical at first glance.
In February 2023 I had the pleasure of introducing the brand new Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa aka FF 70th Anniversary Act 2. Now the opportunity of a second photo session arose and I can share some new impressions, mainly but not only under natural light conditions, with you. So let’s explore reference 5019-12B30-64A again and get a better understanding of the aesthetic and technical difference this professional dive instrument makes.
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.
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.
From September 22 to 24 the historic scenery, which is so important to the history of the Fifty Fathoms, hosted 300 guests to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms and the introduction of the final commemorative timepiece. I think it may be interesting for you to get a flavor of this exceptional event.
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.
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.
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.
Now that the future owners of the new Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 have almost reached half-time of the estimated delivery period, some live impressions of the prototype may come in handy to ease the pain of waiting. So let’s get up close and personal with reference 5010A(B/C)-1130-NABA in a new 42mm case.
2023 is only 2 days old and Blancpain starts the anniversary year of their iconic dive watch with the introduction of what they call Act 1 of the celebration, the 42mm Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary reference 5010A/B/C-1130-NABA. Let’s take a first look based on the just released official press material.
It’s time to open the annual novelties overview for 2023. Just like in the past years we will learn about the Blancpain novelties at different points throughout the year. With 2023 being the important 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms I expect a lot of exciting new timepieces to be shared with the official press releases here. 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 all new timepieces as soon as possible.
Earlier this week I had the opportunity to visit Blancpain and even had the chance to briefly meet Mr. Hayek. On his wrist I noticed a very interesting watch, most likely a prototype for next year’s big 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms.
2023 will be the 70th anniversary of the world’s first professional dive watch, so in anticipation of what’s to come in only a few months I thought it might be a good idea to briefly summarize the first 69 years of an iconic watch and its major evolutionary steps. So let’s dive into the history of the Fifty Fathoms and get ourselves prepared for the upcoming anniversary.
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