In a tribute to a pivotal milestone in Swiss watchmaking, Swatch unveils its homage to Blancpain’s legendary creation: the Fifty Fathoms. Seventy years since its inception, this pioneering timepiece forged a new era in horology as the inaugural true diver’s watch. Launched in 1953 by a visionary diver, it swiftly ascended to become the quintessential instrument for underwater explorers and elite marine units across the globe.
In this symbiotic collaboration, Swatch pays homage to this trailblazer with a suite of five new models, infused with its signature exuberance and playfulness. Dubbed the “Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms” collection, it pays homage to Swatch’s own SCUBA line of diver’s watches. These timepieces, within this non-limited series, meticulously embody the hallmark attributes of the Fifty Fathoms: unmatched water resistance, impeccable legibility, precision mechanical movement, secure rotating bezel, and anti-magnetic shielding. Drawing inspiration from the abyssal depths, Blancpain and Swatch bring forth this curated quintet of Swatch models, christened after the planet’s five azure oceans: Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Antarctic Ocean.
In the tradition of a true diver’s instrument, the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms boasts an impressive water resistance, plunging confidently to 91 meters, paying further homage to Blancpain’s nautical heritage. The moniker “Fifty Fathoms” hearkens back to the historical maritime unit of depth measurement in the English-speaking realm — a depth of fifty fathoms equates to precisely 91 meters (or 300 feet).
Powering the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms is the Swatch SISTEM51 mechanical movement, distinguished as the first and singularly automated mechanical movement in production. Enhanced with an anti-magnetic Nivachron™ hairspring, it boasts a mere 51 components, encompassing one central screw, and a remarkable 90-hour power reserve. Since its introduction in 2013, the SISTEM51 has marked a watershed moment in automatic watchmaking with its transparent movement: the face tells time, while the rear narrates the chronicle.
Extending this narrative, the reverse of all five watches hosts an illustration of a resplendent marine denizen ubiquitous across the five oceans: the nudibranchs (scientifically known as Nudibranchia). These captivating creatures are emblazoned via a digital print on the rotor of the movement, facilitating automatic recharging with a simple flick of the wrist.
The Arctic Ocean model adorns the nudibranch Dendronotus Frondosus, distinguished by its soft, sinuous contours. Meanwhile, the Pacific Ocean showcases Chromodoris Kuiteri, evoking the brilliance of sun-drenched, crystalline waters. In the Atlantic Ocean, the Glaucus Atlanticus dominates, its profound cerulean hues a tribute to the untamed seas. A word of caution: despite highlighting the fragility of marine life, this species, aptly dubbed the “blue dragon,” harbours potent toxins. The Indian Ocean, featuring Nembrotha Kubaryana, conjures the entrancing palette of corals and the opulent, coruscating waters. Lastly, the Antarctic Ocean spotlights Tritoniella Belli, reminiscent of the enigmatic allure of polar waters, mirroring an iceberg weathering tempestuous waves. Notably, each of these nudibranchs finds its natural habitat within the oceans that inspired their respective timepieces, with each watch bearing an image of the ocean it represents on its reverse.
Every model in this synergy between the two stalwart Swatch Group brands is crafted from the patented Bioceramic, a distinctive material blending two-thirds ceramic with one-third biosourced material derived from castor oil. Reflecting a resolute commitment to oceanic preservation, the NATO straps are meticulously fashioned from repurposed fishing nets salvaged from the sea.
The coalesced emblems of Blancpain and Swatch grace both the dial and crown, signifying the harmonious union. Embossed on the case, the names “Swatch” and “Blancpain” pay due homage to the original Fifty Fathoms watches. Inspirational inscriptions such as “PASSION FOR DIVING,” “LICENCE TO EXPLORE,” “OCEAN BREATH,” “PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE,” and “IMMERSE YOURSELF” adorn the watch’s rear, encapsulating the ethos.
For ardent devotees of the Fifty Fathoms, the Arctic Ocean model features an exclusive emblem on the dial: a red trefoil set against a yellow backdrop, traversed by a white cross. Beneath the logo, the words “NO RADIATIONS” underscore this assertion. In the 1960s, these logos were a hallmark denoting the absence of radium in the dials of these diver’s watches, rendering them highly sought-after collector’s treasures. Today, they stand as a cherished facet of the legendary Fifty Fathoms legacy.
Another distinctive hallmark graces the Antarctic Ocean model: an authentic water contact indicator designed to detect aquatic exposure. Since 1954, Blancpain has incorporated this feature into select models destined for deployment by diving clubs and military units. Positioned at 6 o’clock on the dial, this sensor verifies the watch’s continued water resistance post-use. A change in coloration signals potential exposure to moisture. Several Fifty Fathoms models equipped with this dual-color sensor bear the designation “MIL-SPEC,” aligning with US Navy specifications.
The new Blancpain X Swatch Collection debuts in bespoke hues exclusively tailored for this collaboration. These shades impart a vivacious, distinctive, and spirited aura to Blancpain’s professional diver’s watches. Each Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms embodies its own distinct character while paying homage to the Blancpain lineage in an idiosyncratic fashion.
