Why This Watch Matters
Rarity, military origins, and incredible good looks in one stunning, much sought-after watch. We present you with a 1950s Fifty Fathoms...in bronze.
The Full Story
Bronze has recently come into vogue, with Panerai, Tudor, Oris, Bell & Ross, and many other makers producing bronze-cased wristwatches. Depending on the bronze alloy used, the bronze can develop an incredible spectrum of patination; however its utility in the production of diving watches goes beyond aesthetics. Needing a watch made to military specifications and intended for diving, Blancpain created the Fifty Fathoms to fulfill both requirements. Most Fifty Fathoms were cased in stainless steel; this piece is one of nine known examples produced in a bronze alloy case that was meant to resist beyond even what stainless steel could. Bronze is known to keep its edge, and the thick case and relatively sharp lugs of this example live up to that expectation.
From the limited scholarship out there regarding these rare pieces, the prevalent theory is that these cases were pitched to armed services for combat use because of their anti-magnetic and anti-corrosive properties. It is likely that this pitch was not accepted, and the few examples produced were only prototypes. The nine known examples are all within a particular serial number range between 3200 and 3246, and all display different versions of the dial that are seen in the more commonly produced steel versions, such as the "No Radiations" dial or the dial with humidity indicator. This particular reference displays the "3/6/9/12" dial, in which the numerals and indexes have radium luminous material. Add to that the broad acrylic bezel with legible indicators at the 15-minute markings and a well-preserved coin edge and you've got a grail watch for many collectors.
The Fine Print
Maker: Blancpain
Model: Fifty Fathoms
Reference: Milspec I
Year: Late 1950s
Case No: 3225
Material: Bronze alloy
Dimensions: 41.5mm diameter; 13.5mm thickness; 52mm lug to lug
Crystal: Acrylic
Lume: Radium
Caliber: Automatic winding A. Schild caliber 1361 with hacking feature
Bracelet/Strap: Beige Calfskin Watch Strap
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: N/A
