For Only Watch 2017, the bi-annual fundraiser to advance research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Blancpain reimagined their iconic Fifty Fathoms in an improved form with a striking yellow and black palette to match the charity\u2019s color theme.<\/p>\n
The original Fifty Fathoms marked a milestone in dive watches. It was initially designed to suit the demands of French combat diving corps under the leadership of secret agent Captain Robert Maloubier. In the late \u201850s, Blancpain further refined the watch with its MIL-SPEC 1 version which was adopted by U.S. Navy SEALs.<\/p>\n
The Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC \u2018Only Watch Unique Piece\u2019 features yellow superluminova on the hands and hour markers as well as yellow markings on the bezel and date disc. A significant feature of this diving wristwatch resides at 6 o\u2019clock in the form a humidity indicator which turns the disc from white to red should moisture infiltrate the case.<\/p>\n
For this edition, the revamped 40.33 mm steel case \u2013 water-resistant to 30 ATM \/ 300 m \u2013 houses the automatic caliber 1151, delivering an impressive 96-hour power reserve, and visible through the sapphire case-back with a special \u201cOnly Watch\u201d engraved gold rotor. This masterpiece of maritime history, redesigned for a noble cause, comes on a black NATO strap.<\/p>\n
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Blancpain \u2013 bio<\/strong><\/p>\n Blancpain was founded in 1735, in Villeret by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, and is considered to be the oldest watch brand in the world.
\nThe brand was continuously in operation and within the Blancpain family for almost 200 years, until in 1932 when the 7th generation heir Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric-Emile Blancpain passed away and the business was bought by two of his closest staff members, who continued the operations through both World Wars.
\nThe legendary \u2018Fifty Fathoms\u2019 was launched in 1953, making it the world\u2019s first modern diving watch with three patents including the innovative double sealed crown system, the caseback seal system and the unidirectional bezel with a blocking mechanism which would prevent accidental rotation of the bezel.
\nIn terms of aesthetics, Fifty Fathoms is one of the most iconic timepieces today.
\nIn 1961 Blancpain merged into the largest Swiss watch group of the time, the Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 Suisse pour l\u2019Industrie Horlog\u00e8re (SSIH), joining Omega, Tissot and Lemania, and was producing over 220,000 watches annually by 1971.
\nThe brand was put into hibernation during the quartz crisis and in 1983, it was bought by the legendary Jean-Claude Biver.
\nIn the late 80\u2019s, it made a solid comeback by launching back-to-back complications include a triple calendar with moon phases, a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, a split-seconds chronograph and a tourbillon.
\nThe resurrection was so strong that the SSIH (now Swatch Group) bought back the brand and has had it under its portfolio ever since.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n