Since 2013 the Bathyscaphe family has become Blancpain’s go-to diver showcasing several of the brand’s latest innovations – think Liquidmetal bezel markers, Plasma Grey and Blue Ceramic cases.
Several iteration have been released; some perhaps with a little more technical prowess than others but today the watch goes back to basics with a more traditional Stainless steel case and perhaps even more traditional dimensions.
The Bathyscpahe family will now offer a scaled down 38mm version of the watch. I don’t think it would be fair to say that the smaller size is aimed at anyone other than those who have perhaps a smaller wrist or prefer the more traditional proportions.
So no quips about this being a girl’s version, okay! My first proper Swiss diver, the Breitling Superocean Professional (almost 20 years ago, now) was 38mm. It looked good and felt masculine.
However since then trends have shifted towards much larger case sizes. At one point, it started getting a bit silly. Even with all-their heritage, Blancpain jumped on the oversized watch bandwagon with the 48mm 500 Fathoms – remember that?
You know, the one that looked like a dartboard! Wtf were they thinking?!
Case sizes have kind of stabilized at a more sensible 42-45mm, today the regular Bathyscaphe is 43mm in diameter but if this still feels like wearing a dinner plate, the Bathyscaphe 38MM Ref: 5100-1140-O52A should do the trick.
In addition to the smaller case diameter, the thickness has also come down considerably to just 10.7mm.
The new 38MM case is endowed with all the typical divers features that the regular 43mm model has:
an AR-coated Sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown and Sapphire display back, a unidirectional rotational steel bezel with blue ceramic insert and Liquidmetal markers - and a water-resistance to 300 meters.
Power comes from Blancpain’s in-house automatic 1150 caliber with 28 jewels, a beat-rate of 28,800 vph, a power-reserve of 100 hours and Si balance spring. The dial is in Abyss Blue – it has SLN hands and markers.
The new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 38MM is a Limited Edition of just 99 Pieces! It comes on a 20mm Abyss Blue sailcloth strap with a Stainless steel deployant buckle.
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