commemorating its 60th anniversary of the first diving watch, Blancpain has announced the vintage-inspired Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe at the BASELWORLD 2013. inspired by the abyssal underwater exploration of Swiss adventurer Jacques Piccard, this 2013 reinterpretation of Blancpain iconic diver’s watch integrates the vintage flair of the original Bathyscaphe with the latest in technical innovations. visually, you will find familiar features such as the vintage-style watch hands, a dedicated date aperture, and the signature luminescent dot on the bezel that has existed since the first Bathyscaphe.
it is powered by an automatic mechanical Caliber 1315 movement, featuring a corrosion-resistance nonmagnetic silicon balance-spring which can be admired through the time piece’s sapphire crystal caseback. other key features include a hardy, scratch-resistance unidirectional bezel with one-minute graduation, a 43mm satin-brushed steel case, contrasting dial and luminescent gold hour-markers for optimal readability in underwater condition, 120 hours power-reserve, water-resistant up to 300 meters (984 feet), and a triple-loop NATO strap. also available in 38mm steel case version for the gentle ladies. honestly, this anniversary edition may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is nevertheless a beauty in its own right.