Seven decades after the birth of one of the most influential dive watch sagas in horological history, Blancpain captures the pure essence of the skin diver era with the introduction of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary (Ref. 5903 1110 63A). A limited edition of just 300 numbered pieces worldwide, this model pays direct homage to the historic 1968 reference, executed in vintage-inspired 37.40 mm proportions and powered by contemporary Le Brassus mechanical excellence.
Bathyscaphe: The Legacy of Civil Diving and Skin Diver Style
Originally born in 1956—three years after the debut of the Fifty Fathoms created for elite military divers—the Bathyscaphe was conceived by Jean-Jacques Fiechter, then CEO of the manufacture and an avid diver, as an everyday civil alternative to professional diving instruments. While the original Fifty Fathoms featured an imposing case exceeding 41 mm designed for neoprene wetsuits, the Bathyscaphe introduced a compact 35 mm case with a streamlined profile suitable for daily wear without compromising underwater performance.
Named after the pioneering bathyscaphe deep-sea vessel created by Swiss scientist Auguste Piccard, the model embodied the rise of recreational diving during the 1950s and 1960s. Marking the 70th anniversary of the collection, Blancpain revisits the iconic 1968 edition, faithfully recreating its architectural silhouette.
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Vintage Architecture: Meteorite Grey Dial & Glass Box Sapphire Crystal
The exterior architecture of this commemorative edition remains remarkably faithful to the 1968 model. The stainless steel case measures 37.40 mm in diameter, with a thickness of 12.30 mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 46.50 mm, delivering refined ergonomics and exceptional balance on the wrist.
The dial is highlighted by a meteorite grey sunray-brushed finish, set with 18-karat white gold baton hands and hour markers filled with vintage-toned Super-LumiNova. The layout features mid-20th-century historical Blancpain typography alongside a trapezoidal date window positioned at 3 o’clock.
A key architectural highlight is the rotating steel bezel, extending down to form a metallic ring at the base of the glass box sapphire crystal. Replacing the historical black hesalite insert of 1968, this modern execution features a narrower black ceramic bezel insert with lacquered numerals.
Calibre 1150: 100-Hour Power Reserve & Silicon Balance Spring
Visible through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back is the In-house Blancpain Calibre 1150. Built with 210 components and 28 jewels, this automatic movement operates at 3 Hz (21,600 vph) and features twin mainspring barrels delivering an impressive 100-hour power reserve (~4 days).
The caliber is equipped with a silicon balance spring providing high anti-magnetic properties for consistent rate accuracy. The openworked 18-karat yellow gold rotor pays homage to the original Fifty Fathoms oscillating weight, engraved with the 70th Anniversary emblem and the individual serial number of the watch.
Technical Specifications: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary (Ref. 5903 1110 63A)
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand / Model | Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary |
| Reference | 5903 1110 63A |
| Limited Edition | 300 numbered pieces worldwide (Peli™ case included) |
| Case | Stainless steel with sapphire exhibition case back |
| Dimensions | 37.40 mm (diameter) × 12.30 mm (thickness) |
| Lug Dimensions | 46.50 mm (lug-to-lug) / 18.0 mm (lug width) |
| Bezel | Steel extended to crystal base with black ceramic insert and lacquered scale |
| Dial / Hands | Sunray meteorite grey, 18k white gold appliques and hands with vintage Super-LumiNova® |
| Crystal | Glass box sapphire crystal with AR coating |
| Movement | In-house automatic Blancpain Calibre 1150 (210 components, 28 jewels) |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph (3 Hz) with silicon balance spring |
| Power Reserve | 100 hours (~4 days / 2 barrels) |
| Oscillating Weight | Openworked 18k gold rotor with historic design signature |
| Water Resistance | 30 bar (300 meters / 1,000 ft) |
| Strap | Chocolate brown calfskin leather strap with steel pin buckle |
| MSRP | €16,400 (5-year warranty) |
