Celebrating 70 years of its celebrated Bathyscaphe, Blancpain has released a new timepiece inspired by the 1968 model. Limited to 300 pieces, the new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe brings together the compact proportions and vintage aesthetic of its predecessor with modern materials and Blancpain’s manufacture movement.

‍

‍

Built in 1956 as the civilian counterpart to the Fifty Fathoms, the Bathyscaphe was designed for enthusiasts and everyday wear rather than exclusively for professional diving. It had more compact proportions than the original Fifty Fathoms, with the first Bathyscaphe measuring around 35 mm, reduced from the professional model’s diameter of just over 41 mm.

‍

Also Read: Blancpain expands Fifty Fathoms with new 38mm models

‍

‍

For its 70th anniversary, Blancpain has returned specifically to the 1968 Bathyscaphe, which was 37.40 mm in diameter and was made from stainless steel. The new model retains these specifications, while the case has been developed around the modern movement to preserve the slim, balanced profile. It measures 12.30 mm thick, with a 46.50 mm lug-to-lug length and an 18 mm lug width. Polished surfaces, curved forms, and shaped lugs preserve its vintage character.

‍

‍

The sunburst meteor grey dial carries baton-shaped hands and indexes finished with vintage-coloured Super-LumiNova®, recreating the warm appearance of historic luminous materials. The dial also features the mid-20th-century Blancpain logo. Around it sits a steel bezel with a ceramic insert and lacquered numerals, replacing the original black hesalite material with a more durable contemporary construction.

‍

‍

The modern Blancpain Manufacture Calibre 1150 powers the watch. This automatic movement operates at 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and delivers an impressive 100-hour power reserve. Its silicon hairspring provides antimagnetic properties and contributes to long-term stability. Unlike the closed caseback of the 1968 inspiration, the anniversary edition uses a sapphire crystal caseback, allowing the movement’s finishing to be viewed directly. The movement features an openworked 18K gold oscillating weight inspired by the rotor design of the original Fifty Fathoms, alongside the brand’s haute horlogerie finishing.

‍

Also Read: Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42mm Joins Blancpain’s Permanent Collection

‍

‍

The Bathyscaphe remains a capable diver, with 300 metres of water resistance. The stainless-steel case is paired with sapphire crystal on the front and back, while the watch retains the everyday-wear character that has distinguished the Bathyscaphe from its professional Fifty Fathoms counterpart. For the strap, Blancpain chose one that complements the civilian and heritage-inspired design. A hand-stitched chocolate calf leather strap continues its vintage character, and, as per the brand, the leather is intended to develop a natural patina over time.

‍

Each piece of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Ref. 5903 1110 63A is individually numbered and is delivered in a Peli™ case – often called a Pelican case; it is a heavy-duty, water- and shock-resistant box used for the official packaging and presentation of Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms collection. The watch is priced at INR 16,35,000.

‍

Images: Blancpain

‍