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

The Nitty Gritty

Aside from some aging to the handset, a crack in the acrylic over the diamond indicator at 60 minutes on the bezel, and a minor crack at the 45-minute mark, this Fifty Fathoms remains in remarkable condition. The glossy black dial and radium numerals have retained their beauty and legibility, and the movement seems to be running well. This is a collector’s prize that also looks amazing on the wrist.