Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary Limited Edition Released
300-Piece Limited Edition Pays Homage to Iconic 1968 Reference
Blancpain has unveiled a 300-piece limited edition Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe to celebrate the model's 70th anniversary. The new watch draws heavy inspiration from a 1968 reference while incorporating modern updates that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
According to Hodinkee, the Bathyscaphe was originally introduced in 1956 as a "civilian counterpart" to the professional Fifty Fathoms diver. Revived in 2013, it has remained a core part of the modern Fifty Fathoms lineup ever since.
Design Inspiration: The 1968 Reference
The tribute to the 1968 piece is evident at first glance. The vintage Blancpain logo sets the tone for the design direction, while the sunburst meteor grey dial is lifted directly from the historic reference. Baton hands and indexes in 18K white gold feature vintage-colored Super-LumiNova, giving the lume a warmer, aged appearance straight from the box.
The steel bezel extends into a ring at the base of the box crystal — another detail pulled from the 1968 watch. The ceramic insert with lacquered numerals replaces the original's black hesalite material.
Case Specifications
At 37.4mm in stainless steel, the case is sized to match the 1968 inspiration piece rather than the smaller 35mm case used on the original 1956 Bathyscaphe. This contemporary sizing ensures comfortable wear on modern wrists while maintaining the vintage aesthetic.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Blancpain |
| Model | Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary |
| Reference | 5903 1110 63A |
| Diameter | 37.4mm |
| Thickness | 12.3mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 46.5mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Dial Color | Sunburst Meteor Grey |
| Indexes | Baton, 18K White Gold |
| Lume | Vintage-colored Super-LumiNova |
| Water Resistance | 300m (30 bar) |
| Crystal | Sapphire (box) |
| Strap | Chocolate Calf Leather |
| Price | $18,300 |
| Limited Edition | 300 pieces |
Modern Movement: Caliber 1150
The 70th Anniversary edition features a sapphire crystal caseback — a modern update from the closed caseback of the original. This reveals the Blancpain Manufacture caliber 1150, an impressive automatic movement with a 100-hour power reserve.
- Caliber: Blancpain Manufacture 1150
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Diameter: 26.2mm
- Thickness: 3.25mm
- Power Reserve: 100 hours
- Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vph)
- Jewels: 28
- Special Features: Silicon hairspring, open-worked gold rotor
The open-worked 18K gold oscillating weight design pays tribute to the original Fifty Fathoms of 1953, creating a visual connection to the brand's diving heritage.
Heritage Meets Modernity
The watch successfully balances historical tribute with modern watchmaking advances. The silicon hairspring provides improved accuracy and magnetic resistance, while the 100-hour power reserve ensures reliable performance over extended periods.
According to Hodinkee, Blancpain made "all the right calls" in deciding what to evolve and what to preserve. The commitment to accurately reflecting such an important watch in the catalog is admirable, with elements like size, dial color, and logo lifted straight from the 1968 design.
The Bathyscaphe's Legacy
The Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe holds a special place in diving watch history. While the original Fifty Fathoms was designed for professional divers and military use, the Bathyscaphe brought the same robust construction to a civilian audience as recreational diving gained popularity in the 1950s.
The 70th Anniversary edition continues this tradition, offering a watch that honors its professional diving heritage while being equally at home in everyday settings.
Package and Warranty
The limited edition comes on a chocolate calf-leather strap, ships in a hard case, and includes a 5-year warranty. Each of the 300 pieces is individually numbered, ensuring exclusivity for collectors.
FAQ
What makes the 70th Anniversary different from standard Bathyscaphe models?
The 70th Anniversary edition features specific design elements from the 1968 reference including the vintage logo, sunburst meteor grey dial, and baton hands with vintage-colored lume. It also has a sapphire caseback showcasing the movement, which is not available on all standard models.
How does the 37.4mm size wear?
The 37.4mm diameter is considered a versatile size that works well on a variety of wrist sizes. It's larger than the original 1956 Bathyscaphe's 35mm but smaller than many modern dive watches, offering a balanced vintage-modern aesthetic.
Is the 100-hour power reserve practical?
The 100-hour power reserve means the watch can be taken off on Friday evening and will still be running on Tuesday morning. This extended reserve is particularly useful for collectors who rotate between multiple watches.
Source: According to Hodinkee, August 20, 2026
Explore the complete history of Blancpain's legendary Fifty Fathoms dive watch