Blancpain Takes the Bathyscaphe back to 1968 for its 70th Anniversary

An Early Diver for Everyday Wear

The Bathyscaphe has represented a civilian interpretation of the Fifty Fathoms since its introduction in 1956. While Blancpain originally developed the Fifty Fathoms as a professional instrument for military forces, divers, and underwater specialists, the Bathyscaphe was created for a new generation of recreational divers. Its more compact proportions, clean lines, and understated design combined the essential qualities of a dive watch with a more versatile, everyday character. For its 70th anniversary, Blancpain now returns to one of the most distinctive expressions of the Bathyscaphe’s history: a model from 1968. Limited to 300 individually numbered pieces, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, ref.  5903 1110 63A, stays remarkably close to its historical inspiration and "skin-diver"-looks, while bringing its characteristic design into the present day.

A Dive Back to 1968

Measuring 37.40mm in diameter, the new Bathyscaphe retains the compact dimensions of its historic counterpart. The stainless-steel case has been developed around the modern movement and combines a slender case middle with polished surfaces and curved lugs. With a thickness of 12.30mm and a lug-to-lug length of 46.5mm, its proportions remain well balanced on the wrist, despite offering a water-resistance of 300 meters.

The dial continues the late-1960s aesthetic with a sunburst meteor-gray finish. Baton-shaped hour and minute hands, an arrow-tipped seconds hand and baton-style hour markers provide a clean, highly legible display. They are treated with vintage-colored Superluminova. The period-inspired Blancpain logo further reinforces the pure retro character of 1960s divers. Like the original, the dial features a date display at 3 o’clock.

However, the unidirectional bezel introduces a contemporary interpretation of the original design. Instead of the black hesalite insert used on the 1968 model, Blancpain employs a ceramic insert with lacquered numerals, combining the vintage silhouette with improved durability.

100 Hours of Power Reserve

Inside the watch beats Blancpain’s Manufacture Caliber 1150. The automatic movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, or 3 Hz, and provides an impressive 100-hour power reserve. Its silicon hairspring also contributes antimagnetic properties and long-term stability. The movement can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back, revealing Blancpain’s Haute-Horlogerie finishing. A particularly striking detail is the openworked 18-karat gold rotor, whose design draws inspiration from that of the original Fifty Fathoms. Unlike the 1968 model, which featured a closed case back, the anniversary edition places its mechanical architecture firmly on display.

Vintage Character on the Wrist

A hand-stitched chocolate calfskin strap completes the heritage-inspired look. Its natural patina is intended to develop over time, giving each watch an increasingly individual character. A traditional pin buckle secures the watch to the wrist. Limited to 300 individually numbered pieces, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Ref. 5903 1110 63A is delivered in a Peli case and priced at $13,800. The watch comes with a five-year warranty.