When you think of diving legends, few names carry the same weight as Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms. Born in 1953, it was the watch that defined the modern dive category, trusted by explorers and elite naval units who pushed the limits beneath the waves. More than just a tool, it became a symbol of adventure and precision—a watch built to thrive in the depths while capturing the imagination of those on land.
Now, Blancpain is reviving that legacy with a new chapter: the Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42mm in stainless steel. It’s a return to classic proportions that enthusiasts have been waiting for, blending heritage craftsmanship with a modern, versatile design. Classic in spirit yet contemporary in execution, this watch isn’t just a reissue — it’s proof that true icons never fade; they simply resurface, stronger than ever.
Highlights:
- Blancpain reintroduces the Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42mm in stainless steel, paying homage to its legendary diving heritage.
- A sleek case design with a sunburst-finished dial and luminous markers ensures that elegance combines with underwater readability.
- Powered by the Calibre 1315 automatic movement, providing a solid 120-hour power reserve.
- Price ranges from USD $15,500 to $18,000, with strap options including sailcloth, NATO, or steel bracelet.
Blancpain’s new Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42mm demonstrates that strength and elegance can coexist. The stainless steel case strikes the right balance—robust enough to meet the demands of deep-sea diving, yet refined enough to complement a crisp shirt or tailored jacket. At 42mm, the proportions are versatile, providing the watch with presence on the wrist without appearing bulky. The combination of brushed and polished surfaces adds subtle depth, catching the light in ways that remind you this is as much a luxury timepiece as it is a professional tool.
The bezel, a signature feature of the Fifty Fathoms, commands its own respect. Unidirectional and capped with a luminous insert, it’s both practical and iconic. It accurately tracks dive times and also shapes the watch’s instantly recognizable silhouette — a look that has symbolized diving heritage since the 1950s.
Then comes the dial, a canvas of clarity and boldness. Oversized hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova ensure maximum legibility, even in low-light conditions that divers are all too familiar with. The hands are purposefully proportioned, and the typography feels both crisp and timeless. There’s no clutter, no compromise—just a straightforward design that highlights Blancpain’s ability to blend functionality with understated sophistication.
- Brand: Blancpain
- Model: Fifty Fathoms Automatique
- Reference: 5010 1130 71S, 5010 1130 B52B, 5010 1130 B64B, & 5010 1130 NABA
- Diameter: 42 mm
- Thickness: 14.30 mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial Color: Sunburst Black
- Calibre: 1315
- Power Reserve: 120 Hours
- Water Resistance: 30 Bar ( 300 metres, 1000 feet )
- Price: USD $18,000 (Steel bracelet), $16,800 (Tropic rubber or sail cloth, $15,500 with pin buckle), $15,500 (NATO)
Inside the Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42mm, the Blancpain Calibre 1315, a movement that has built a reputation for both reliability and refinement. Made in-house, it provides a strong 120 hours of power reserve thanks to its three-barrel system, making sure the watch keeps running well beyond being set aside. For a professional dive watch, that kind of endurance isn’t just handy—it’s essential.
Beyond endurance, the calibre demonstrates Blancpain’s commitment to precision and craftsmanship. The silicon balance spring resists magnetism, while the careful finishing—visible through the sapphire caseback—reminds you this is more than a tool; it’s art. Each bridge and rotor has been decorated with care, balancing rugged functionality and watchmaking elegance. It’s the type of movement that quietly underscores why Blancpain has long been a pioneer in the dive watch world.
As a true diver’s tool, the Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42mm offers an impressive 300 metres of water resistance, a reminder that this watch is built to perform under pressure. Combine that with its unidirectional rotating bezel and luminous markers, and you have a timepiece more than ready to accompany you into the depths. Whether exploring coral reefs or just taking a plunge in the pool, it carries the spirit of exploration that has defined the Fifty Fathoms since its very first mission in 1953.
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42mm in stainless steel is priced between USD $15,500 to $18,000, depending on the strap or bracelet configuration you choose. From refined sailcloth and NATO options to the sturdy steel bracelet, each strap not only alters the look of the watch but also affects its price.
