In pictures: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42 mm

Our exclusive pictures of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42 mm. In collaboration with Pisa 1940, the largest watch dealer in Italy.

Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms is undoubtedly one of the most iconic diver's watches ever designed. 

Launched in 1953, it played a pivotal role in establishing the main specifications for scuba diving watches: optimal water-resistance, an antimagnetic case, a self-winding movement, luminescent hands and hour-markers on a dark dial, and a secured rotating bezel. For a detailed history of this legendary timepiece, refer to our feature article "The history of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms").

At the beginning 2024, Blancpain presented the new Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42 mm, introducing a new case size that was enthusiastically received by watch enthusiasts (read our overview article). 

We recently captured images of the black Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42 mm titanium (ref. 821.OM.0180.RX) at the Pisa 1940 flagship store in Milan and are delighted to share them.

Pisa 1940 is the largest watch dealer in Italy, a renowned name among international watch collectors familiar with auctions. Many prestigious watch brands, such as Patek Philippe, F.P. Journe, IWC, and others, have created exclusive editions for this historic retailer. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms model in question, like other creations of the Swiss brand, can be ordered through their online platform.

Part of the current collection, the new non-limited Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42 mm timepieces are available in Grade 23 titanium or red gold, with black or blue dials.

The 42.3 mm case has a thickness of 14.30 mm and is equipped with the signature unidirectional rotating bezel with a domed sapphire inlay. The Grade 23 titanium alloy makes the watch particularly lightweight, scratch-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for sport watches. 

The dial, protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, comes in black or blue with a sunburst motif. It features vintage-look luminescent hands and block-type hour-markers. Legibility is excellent in any light condition.

Visible through the transparent sapphire crystal case back, the manufacture's self-winding Calibre 1315, operates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and provides a remarkable 5-day power reserve thanks to its three-barrel architecture.

Equipped with a stop-seconds function, this high-performance movement enables extremely precise time-setting. 

Fully decorated in accordance with Haute Horlogerie traditions, it features an 18K red gold oscillating weight that sports a technical NAC (Nickel Anthracite Coating) treatment.

Water resistant to 30 bar (300 metres / 1,000 feet), the new models come with a wide choice of straps, ranging from sail-canvas to NATO and a Tropic textured rubber iteration inspired by the 1953 model. Additionally, a titanium bracelet option complements the range dedicated to the titanium case.

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42 featured in our pictures was photographed at the Pisa 1940 flagship store in Milan and is available through their online platform. blancpain.com