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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A few words on putting this time into perspective: The approach to most watches has been very different in the 1950s and 60s. The vast majority of timepieces were not seen as luxury items or desirable accessories but reliable tools. They were not made for collectors but for customers who use those watches day-in day-out as their sole timepiece. And the size of non-professional timepieces at the time was in average almost 10mm smaller than today.

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The history of the Blancpain Bathyscaphe

In 1956 Blancpain introduced a smaller sibling to the famous Fifty Fathoms, geared towards the civilian buyer. At that time the 41mm Fifty Fathoms was considered a clearly oversize watch, made for professional use. The typical men’s watch had a size of around 33/34-36mm, and that diameter was also the chosen size for the first civilian daily wear watch you can dive with created by Blancpain named Bathyscaphe.

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This name was derived from the famous deep-sea submersible invented by Auguste Piccard. Various models of the Bathyscaphe were created between 1956 and 1975 in slightly different (but always smaller) sizes. The line was revived in 2013, again designed to be a collection of every day all purpose timepieces you can dive with, featuring a big variety of models until today.

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The Bathyscaphe MC4 from the early 1960s marks the second generation of the model line, made in a distinct 34mm case. It features a solid screw down case back and a free floating bezel with the characteristic early FF Bakelite inlay. Other than with the larger Fifty Fathoms Rotomatic Incabloc (or MIL-SPEC) here only the triangle on the bezel insert contains luminous material.

The black dial is very unique and untypical for the early Fifty Fathoms, which also showcases the approach Blancpain took with the Bathyscaphe: this was only secondarily a diving tool, so it was less strict in its design code. Also the Brevet Blancpain signature is a stand-out feature.

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Especially the lateral view on the construction is a feast for the eyes, pronouncing the slim middle case, the rather unusual, comparatively playful lugs and the beautiful domed plexiglass crystal.

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The Bathyscaphe MC4 is powered by manual wind caliber AS1187/94, signed Rayville S.A., with 17 jewels and a rather basic finishing, hidden under a solid screwed down case back. To achieve anti magnetic properties the watch also features a soft iron cover.

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The Blancpain Heritage Workshop analysis

In early October I sent the watch to the Blancpain Heritage Workshop for analysis and authentication. Not being an expert on vintage timepieces I had to rely on the dealers reputation and knowledge, but even the best dealer can only know so much given the broad scope of vintage watches. My initial impression of the watch authenticity however was good.

Now, in mid November, I received the Heritage Workshop analysis. You can imagine how pleased I am to have the conformity of every single component confirmed!

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The analysis is very detailed on each component. The watch will need a subtle cleaning of the case, dial and hands, a full movement service with three small components manufactured to replace damaged original parts, and a new bezel spring manufactured.

I received an offer for „decontamination“ of the bezel insert, dial and hands. This would mean the removal of all Radium from those components and replacement by (visually identical) Luminova. I respectfully declined this offer since I would like to preserve this horological item of history in its original form. A polishing of the case was also an offered option, again respectfully declined.

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The old plexiglass crystal needs to be replaced to allow for proper water resistance. I really like the scratched and partly frosted look of the old crystal, so I politely asked Blancpain to return the old plexiglass with the watch when ready.

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This means the watch will now undergo a full service of the movement including the manufacturing of three bushes (for center wheel, barrel and winding stem), a new bezel spring and a subtle cleaning of case, dial and hands.

I expect the watch back at home sometime late summer/early fall next year, but knowing that passionate experts are going to take care of this little marvel makes it well worth the wait.

Once my Bathyscaphe MC4 has returned I will cover the result here in the blog. For now I can only send a „thank you“ to Eric Wind of Wind Vintage in Florida and a „merci beaucoup“ to the Blancpain Heritage Workshop for their analysis and service offer.

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You find the Heritage Workshop here on the Blancpain website. My visit to it from 2018 (when it was still called Vintage Atelier) can be found here in the blog. The excellent work of the Blancpain Heritage workshop can also be seen here with the example of a FF No Rad RPG1. If you wish to pay Wind Vintage a virtual visit, you find them here.

I hope you enjoyed this essay and the photos (first wrist shot and movement photos credit to Wind Vintage, vintage Bathyscaphe group shot credit Blancpain, modern Bathyscaphe group shot credit to a fellow enthusiast and close friend).

Cheers

Henrik