Blancpain X Swatch: Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms

Seventy years ago, an icon was born: the Fifty Fathoms. The watch that would revolutionise watchmaking by becoming the first true diver’s watch was the brainchild of a passionate scuba diver, Jean-Jacques Fiechter, then co-CEO of Blancpain. A pioneer in a discipline that was still in its infancy, he understood the need to track time underwater. The tool he designed to meet his own needs immediately won unanimous approval among military and civilian divers, so much so that it became their infallible ally.

Today, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the legendary Fifty Fathoms, Blancpain and Swatch are teaming up for a non-limited collection of five models. Together, the two Swatch Group brands are diving into the five oceans of the blue planet, combining the best of both brands with innovative, bioceramic, water-resistant timepieces and a mechanical movement with a 90-hour power reserve. 

The two brands have joined forces to create a collection of five watches called the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection. Each model celebrates one of the five oceans, the conservation of which is so dear to Blancpain’s heart. 

These five Blancpain X Swatch models are made from bioceramic, a unique and patented blend of two- thirds ceramic and one-third biomaterials derived from castor oil. While the colours chosen for this collaboration clearly indicate that this is not a traditional Blancpain watch, all fans and enthusiasts will recognise at first glance many of the features and characteristics of the iconic Fifty Fathoms, as well as nods to the Swatch Scuba collection. 

ANTARTIC OCEAN

The main features of the Fifty Fathoms are all present in the Swatch version: the typical case, its unidirectional rotating bezel to measure the duration of the dive as well as its self-winding movement protected from magnetic fields – in this instance the SISTEM51 equipped with the NivachronTM antimagnetic balance spring. 

INDIAN OCEAN 

For Blancpain President and CEO Marc A. Hayek, this collaboration is highly symbolic: “Without Swatch, the Swiss watch industry would simply not have survived and enjoyed such a wonderful destiny. This collection is a source of pride for me. We owed it to ourselves to work with this brand that is as much a pioneer as we are – a reality vividly proven with this collection. Swatch has brilliantly reinterpreted our iconic model, in its own way, with its own vision. As a keen diver myself, I really appreciate the attention to detail in this collection and the many references to the Fifty Fathoms. The fact that it is water-resistant to a depth of 91 metres – corresponding to exactly 50 fathoms, a nautical unit of depth – is a fantastic nod.”

ATLANTIC OCEAN

The new collection of five watches, featuring colours never yet seen on the original Fifty Fathoms, lends a strong playful touch to Blancpain’s iconic diver’s watch. Each model features the shared Blancpain X Swatch logos on the dial and crown. The straps are made from recycled fishing nets removed from the ocean floor. 

PACIFIC OCEAN

For all those who want to immerse themselves in the discovery of this collection, underwater or otherwise, the watches are available from September 9 and only at selected Swatch stores worldwide at the price of 390 €. Presented in a special diving case, the watches will also be on display for a few weeks in a selection of Blancpain boutiques, but not for sale. 

ARTIC OCEAN