Introduced: 1953
Purpose / Inspiration: Created for the French Navy’s elite combat diving unit (led by Captain Robert “Bob” Maloubier). It was the first modern dive watch, featuring a rotating bezel, automatic movement, and high water resistance—named after the maximum safe diving depth at the time: fifty fathoms (91.45 meters).
Designer: Developed by Jean-Jacques Fiechter, Blancpain’s CEO at the time—and a passionate diver himself. His personal underwater experiences directly shaped the design.
Materials & Features: Early models had screw-down casebacks, double-sealed crowns, and locking bezels—revolutionary at the time. Over the decades, materials evolved to include sapphire bezels, titanium, ceramic, and high-beat calibers like the Caliber 1315.
Discontinuation Status: Never discontinued. In continuous evolution since 1953. Now includes sub-lines like the Bathyscaphe, Mil-Spec, and No-Rad, with limited and special editions released regularly.
The First Real Dive Watch: Rolex came second. This is the OG, built for combat—not cocktails.
Born in Battle: Designed in partnership with military divers who risked their lives underwater.
Timeless, Evolving: 70 years later, it’s still the benchmark. Still handmade. Still a diver’s icon.
Respect Built In: You don’t wear it for hype. You wear it because you know.