Blancpain has joined forces with Swatch to craft a whimsical and surprising interpretation of its iconic Fifty Fathoms scuba diving watch. The Five Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms models pay homage to the world’s oceans, an essential focus of Blancpain’s dedication to preservation and protection.
Blancpain and Swatch have united to present a non-limited collection of five models that radiate vivacity, vibrancy, and cutting-edge technology. These two prominent Swatch Group brands have embarked on a journey through the world’s five oceans, merging their strengths to create innovative, bioceramic, waterproof timepieces, equipped with a mechanical movement boasting an impressive 90-hour power reserve. This remarkable collaboration has given rise to the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection, with each model celebrating one of the planet’s five oceans, an environmental cause deeply cherished by Blancpain. The natural choice for this endeavor was the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, a timepiece that made history exactly seven decades ago by pioneering true diver’s watchmaking.
These five Blancpain X Swatch models are crafted from bioceramics, a unique and patented fusion of two-thirds ceramic and one-third biomaterials derived from castor oil. The color palette chosen for this partnership signifies that these are no ordinary Blancpain watches. Nevertheless, aficionados and enthusiasts will readily recognize numerous features and attributes reminiscent of the iconic Fifty Fathoms, coupled with nods to the Swatch Scuba collection. The fundamental elements of the Fifty Fathoms have been faithfully transposed to the Swatch version: the signature case, its unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring dive duration, and its self-winding movement shielded from magnetic fields – in this instance, the SISTEM51 equipped with the Nivachron™ antimagnetic balance spring.
For Blancpain’s President and CEO, Marc A. Hayek, this collaboration holds profound symbolism: “Without Swatch, the Swiss watch industry would not have thrived and flourished as it has. This collection is a matter of great pride for me. It was our duty to collaborate with a brand that, like us, is a trailblazer – a fact that this collection vividly attests. Swatch has masterfully reimagined our iconic model with its unique vision. As a passionate diver, I appreciate the meticulous attention to detail in this collection and the numerous references to the Fifty Fathoms. Its water resistance to a depth of 91 meters, precisely corresponding to 50 fathoms, a nautical unit of depth, is a splendid homage.”
Marc A. Hayek, who was instrumental in the revival of the Fifty Fathoms in 2003, was equally captivated by the homage paid to nudibranchs on the rotor of the SISTEM51 mechanical movement. Their unconventional shapes and iridescent colors provide immense pleasure when observed in their natural habitat during a dive. They exude tranquility and serenity.
Through the Blancpain Ocean Commitment program, Blancpain has co-financed over 20 major scientific expeditions and played a vital role in doubling the expanse of protected marine areas across the globe.” The new collection of five watches introduces a playful twist to Blancpain’s iconic diver’s watch, showcasing colors previously unseen in the original Fifty Fathoms.
Each model proudly bears the Blancpain X Swatch logos on the dial and crown. The straps are crafted from recycled fishing nets, meticulously retrieved from the ocean floor. For those eager to embark on an exploration of this collection, whether submerged beneath the waves or elsewhere, these watches are available which started from September 9, exclusively at selected Swatch stores worldwide. Presented in a special diving case, the watches will also be showcased for a limited time in a curated selection of Blancpain boutiques.
