2019-05-23

BLANCPAIN Fifty Fathoms Automatic CERAMIC FACE

Here’s a new Fifty Fathoms model for 2019, that’s had a bit of a facelift! Well, it has been a good 66 years since the first FF appeared so is it any wonder that the cracks were starting to show ;)

This 2019 edition retains the all the sporty good-looks and diving prowess of its family members, but with an added touch of high-tech luxury thanks to a red gold case and a blue ceramic dial.



For this particular model, Blancpain has chosen to introduce a stylish version by opting for a precious case in satin-brushed red gold.

And, for the first time in the collection, the dial of this new Fifty Fathoms is attired in blue ceramic.

I guess in much the same as its corporate sibling, the Omega SM Divers 300M and new PO models which now also come with new ceramic faces.



The Fifty Fathoms of the past decade were known for their pioneering use of Sapphire crystals for their bezel inlays – however in this model crystal makes way for ceramic.

Already used by Blancpain in the creation of bezels for their Bathyscaphe models, technical ceramic offers several advantages.



It has a hardness that is six times greater than that of steel as well as possessing greater stability and longevity.

Although particularly complex to produce and machine, Blancpain chose ceramic owing to its achievement of ‘’chromatic depth’’ – indeed!




The new Fifty Fathoms Automatic boasts a cobalt-like shimmer featuring a striking contrast between the sunburst dial center and its matt chapter-ring.

The DNA of the collection remains recognizable at a glance: numerals, hour-markers and hands all coated with luminescent material, a slightly curved scratchproof sapphire crystal and a ratcheted unidirectional rotating bezel recall the origins of this watch.



The watch has a 45mm diameter case with a water-resistant to 300 meters. This is home to a Blancpain Cal. 1315 automatic movement with highly dense red gold oscillating weight ensuring 5-days of power-reserve.



The new Fifty Fathoms Automatic comes on a blue calfskin strap to match its new face and bezel.

Thoughts? It’s beautiful but a little too rich for my tastes. It makes me wonder what a Bronze variant might look like. What do you think?

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