134 Blancpain Very Rare and Well Preserved, Fifty-Fathoms, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With Black Glossy Dial and Center Seconds

Estimate: € 13,000 –⁠ 26,000

Sold € 32,500

Model: Fifty Fathoms
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1950's
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1361N
Case N°: 1151
Dimensions: 41 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Box

Blancpain introduced the Fifty Fathoms in 1953, setting the standards and characteristics for contemporary diving watches. Commissioned by the French Navy, Captain Robert Maloubier and Lieutenant Claude Riffaud provided technical specifications for a combat diver’s timepiece. The innovative design brought about a revolutionary unidirectional bezel, preventing accidental backward turns that could jeopardize a diver’s air supply. Boasting cutting-edge features like an anti-magnetic and water-resistant case, a screw-down caseback, a “double O-ring crown system,” an automatic movement, and a rotating bezel, the watch exhibited exceptional robustness and reliability. Crafted by military professionals, the Fifty Fathoms quickly garnered attention from various global militaries for their diving units, including the U.S. Navy. Despite its military origins, these watches also found their way to civilian divers and enthusiasts, often distributed through specialized dive shops and retailers. The name “Fifty Fathoms” derived from the British unit of measurement, representing 50 fathoms or approximately 91.45 meters—the maximum depth achievable by a diver with the available oxygen mixture at that time. Offered in outstanding condition with a lustrous black dial, this watch provides a rare opportunity to own an authentic historic icon.