Watch enthusiasts and horology aficionados are in for a treat at WatchTime New York 2023, where Blancpain, the iconic Swiss watchmaker, will showcase its latest— the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3. This limited-edition timepiece is a tribute to the brand’s historic MIL-SPEC model, representing a significant milestone in the world of diver’s watches. Dive into history as Blancpain showcases this exceptional creation at Manhattan’s Gotham Hall from October 20th to 22nd.
The Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 holds profound significance to the brand, echoing the pioneering spirit of the original Fifty Fathoms of 1953— one of the first dive watches— and the later MIL-SPEC edition that went to military markets in 1957. By blending traditional design elements with leading mechanical technology, this limited-edition masterpiece works to bridge the gap between the past and the present.
Crafted with precision and drawing on decades of dive watch engineering experience, the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 boasts a 9K Bronze Gold case that’s water resistant to 300m. This exquisite alloy, enriched with gold, copper, silver, palladium, and gallium, not only exudes a captivating pink hue, but also ensures durability and skin-friendly wear while faithfully maintaining the 41.30mm diameter of the original MIL-SPEC edition. Additionally, the unidirectional rotating bezel features a black ceramic insert with vintage Super-LumiNova diving scale, paying homage to its iconic predecessor.
The watch’s matte black dial is adorned with printed Super-LumiNova indices and a matching pair of vintage-inspired hands, each featuring an aged cream color. The design seamlessly incorporates historic elements, including the moisture indicator towards the 6 o’clock position, which first introduced in the MIL-SPEC model of 1957. The timepiece is secured to the wrist with a two-tone NATO strap made from repurposed fishing nets, underlining Blancpain’s commitment to sustainability and ocean conservation.
At the heart of the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 beats the Blancpain 1154.P2 movement. Making use of a twin barrel system, this innovative movement boasts a 100-hour power reserve, while the integration of a silicon balance-spring ensures superior magnetism resistance, a crucial feature for diving watches. Notably for the first time in this model, Blancpain is offering a 1000-gauss version of the movement, further boosting its anti-magnetic credentials.
Limited to just 555 pieces, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 is priced at $32,000.
To learn more, visit Blancpain, here.
And to see this watch live and in-person, alongside timepieces from over thirty-five other incredible brands, you buy tickets for WatchTime York 2023, here.
