In 2003, Blancpain revived the Fifty Fathoms as a contemporary diver's watch with three series of 50 pieces marking its 50th anniversary.
Likewise, three 70-piece limited series of a new model celebrate seven decades of the Fifty Fathoms. The three series are dedicated to regions of the world -- EMEA, Asia-Pacific and the Americas.
Normally with a 40mm or 45mm diameter, the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 is sized at 42mm as a nod to the original from 1953.
Co-CEO at that time, Jean-Jacques Fiechter was a passionate diver who dreamt of a reliable, water-resistant and readable watch as his underwater companion.
The water resistance was ensured by a patented double case back and double O ring crown system while the locking rotating bezel allowed calculation of time underwater.
Other features, such as the contrasting dark dial with luminescent indications, self-winding movement and anti-magnetic protection, made the Fifty Fathoms an indispensable diving instrument.
Defining a genre of modern diver's watch, it first became essential gear for the French Combat Diving Corps, followed by the US Navy Seals and other navies.
Unfortunately, its evolution was put on hold from the 1980s to the 2000s.
In 2002, Marc A. Hayek became the president and CEO of the oldest watchmaking brand. Founded in Villeret in 1735, Blancpain now operates from two sites in Switzerland's Vallée de Joux.
Hayek discovered the Fifty Fathoms lying dormant in the brand's archives and gave it a new lease of life as the 50th anniversary model with an increased water resistance to 300m.
The 1950s epoxy bezel inlay was replaced by a scratchproof sapphire crystal insert while the self-winding movement with a twin barrel provided a power reserve of four days.
The Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 outperforms with a five-day power reserve thanks to the self-winding Calibre 1315, based on a three-barrel architecture.
The platinum oscillating weight features an opening, a technical trick used in the 1950s, to increase its suppleness and improve shock resistance.
The 42mm polished steel case is topped by the characteristic unidirectional bezel with a domed sapphire inlay, while the black dial with a sunburst motif features vintage-looking luminescent hands and block-type hour-markers.
The black NATO YTT+ strap is made from 100% recycled and entirely recyclable thread from fishing nets, which is one of Blancpain's sustainable initiatives.
