Blancpain reveals Act 3 of the Fifty Fathoms 70th anniversary collection

The iconic dive watch is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year with three limited editions

It has been 70 years since Blancpain set a benchmark for dive watches with the Fifty Fathoms (1 fathom = 1.8288m). To mark this milestone, the Swiss manufacture has created three limited edition series named Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3.

Two have been launched so far. The first is the latest interpretation of the original Fifty Fathoms from 1953, updated with Caliber 1315 with three barrels providing five-day power reserve and a silicon balance spring. In a nod to the 70th anniversary, the oscillating weight is crafted in platinum.

In a first for a Fifty Fathoms, the polished steel case measures 42mm—regular models are in 45mm, while limited editions are usually in 40mm. For distinction, the platinum rotor bears the words, “Fifty Fathoms 70th”, while the dial is inscribed with “70th Anniversary Series 1”. Act 1 has three series, each limited to 70 pieces.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Act 1 in 42mm platinum case

Above Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Act 1 in 42mm

Act 2, a limited yearly production, expands the diving universe with the first wristwatch with a three-hour scale on the rotating bezel, which is linked to a hand that makes a full turn on the dial in three hours. Pending patent, the idea is related to the Gombessa underwater expeditions that require long-duration deep dives.

Tech Gombessa, as this watch is called, also commemorates the 10th anniversary of Gombessa, which was co-founded by Blancpain with wildlife photographer Laurent Ballesta. Its bezel features a black ceramic inlay, instead of the usual sapphire, for greater technical appeal.

For improved legibility, the dial comes in absolute black with luminescent block-shaped hour markers in orange with blue emission. The case is Grade 23 titanium, chosen because it is exceptionally strong, incredibly light, and possesses hypoallergenic properties. Which is good, considering the case diameter is a hefty 47mm. It is equipped with a helium valve with a maximum diving depth of 300m.

Blancpain CEO Marc Hayek, Ballesta and the rest of the Gombessa divers have personally tested the prototypes since the development project started in 2019. Having met the demanding requirements, the final watch is now the official timepiece of the Gombessa expeditions.

Above Blancpain Fitfy Fathoms Tech Gombessa

Limited to 555 pieces, the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 features a moisture indicator and is inspired by the Mil-Spec dive model created according to the specifications of the US Navy. The moisture indicator is an additional safety feature to assure the wearer that the watch has not been damaged.

Aesthetically, it features a matte black dial, a unidirectional bezel with black ceramic insert with a vintage SuperLuminova diving scale, and a two-tone Nato strap—all of which recall the original Mil-Spec. The case, however, has been updated with 9k bronze gold, a patented alloy of gold, copper, silver, palladium, and gallium. Unlike most bronze watches when it comes into contact with skin, the Fifty Fathoms Act 3 will apparently retain its lustre longer since the addition of gold prevents its oxidation.

Water-resistance up to 300m, it is powered by the 1154.P2 movement with a twin-barrel that provides 100 hours of power reserve, and a silicon balance spring. Visible on the caseback, the bridges are embellished with decorations from the 1950s.

Above Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3

Above The open caseback of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3

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Blancpain Fitfy Fathoms Dive watches

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Blancpain reveals Act 3 of the Fifty Fathoms 70th anniversary collection