The book, with its unique compilation of materials, has been conceived to. It comprises a selection of 50 underwater photographs. On this auspicious occasion, the manufacture in le brassus is launching the first ten watches of a brandnew fifty fathoms model a flyback chronograph with complete calendar and moon phases. Since 2007, the fifty fathoms collection has swelled to include over 70 watches, making this one of the largest and most varied dive watch collections. The histories of blancpains iconic fifty fathoms, the worlds first modern diving. This unit, created by the ministry of defence in 1952 and by captain robert bob maloubier and lieutenant claude aspirant riffaud, includes men who are. Unfollow blancpain fifty fathoms to stop getting updates on your ebay feed. It came to be due to the inspired thinking of blancpains ceo jeanjacques fiechter. Blancpain 50 fathoms speed command automatic chronograph mens watch. The new fifty fathoms ocean commitment iii comes in a 40 mmdiameter satinbrushed steel case, an exclusive diameter reserved for limitededition fifty fathoms watches.
He is the person behind the eponymous watch brand which is familypossessed. Working together with some of the finest underwater photographers for nearly half of his life, fuchs has met many dive media professionals, authors and photographers likewise, and has chosen the very best of all for their contributions to blancpains fifty fathoms. Blancpain fifty fathoms all prices for blancpain fifty. Blancpains thenceo jeanjaques feichter, an avid diver and sportsman, took the. Produced by blancpain and directed and written by jeffrey kingston, fifty fathoms. The histories of blancpain s iconic fifty fathoms, the worlds first modern diving watch, and diving itself have been intertwined ever since 1953. To call further attention to ocean preservation and protection, blancpain unveiled the first piece of a series of limited edition diving watches.
The modern version has evolved from the original design, to what is today a technically superior version from the movement through to the execution of the case. A few acquisitions of blancpain went by before new management released the fifty fathoms again in 2007, this time using the original designs as inspiration. The history of evolution of blancpain fifty fathoms. Also the blancpain fifty fathoms pioneers in dive watch industry. Fifty stainless watch for sale must have christmas toys. Fifty fathoms, the dive and watch history 195320 asian. Ever since the creation of the first fifty fathoms watch, blancpain has been identified with the sea. Blancpain debuted as well a collectible volume entitled fifty fathoms the dive and watch history 195320. Blancpain has been a subsidiary of the swiss swatch group since 1992, and is regarded as a toptier swatch brand.
Theres much more variety now, of course, but the main signature elements that forged the reputation of the original model and established it as the archetypal diving watch are still present. The first blancpain fifty fathoms model was presented in basel in 1954. While the fifty fathoms may look quite different to the rest of the blancpain lines of watches, the design goals are very similar. Blancpain fifty fathoms bathyscaphe white dial automatic ladies watch. Historical perspectives a historical look at the blancpain. So i guess you could say that the blancpain fifty fathoms history is an important part of ownerappreciation and is something i often consider when purchasing any watch. In 1997, the blancpain fifty fathoms reappeared with a soft relaunch, and in 2003 blancpain unveiled a 50 thanniversary limited edition of the fifty fathoms, with updated features, which sold out quickly by 2007, the new generation of blancpain fifty fathoms watches had arrived. I had seen a picture of one of these watches in a japanese book about vintage dive watches. Even during those days, these blancpain watch series were so popular that one of the timepieces from this collection was sported adorned on the wrist of.
Blancpain fifty fathoms trilogy collection 40mm stainless 2200171 watch. The fifty fathoms was a nononsense timepiece designed for use by commandos of the french navy, and in its civilian iterations, became one of the most iconic dive watches of the 20th century. Literature on specific watches blancpain rolex omega book. The blancpain fifty fathoms is the archetypal diving watch, weve told you that before. The blancpain tribute to fifty fathoms milspec comes in the perfect 40mm sized case in stainless steel. The fifty fathoms is named after the fathom unit of measurement used for determining water depth. This blancpain tribute to fifty fathoms milspec goes back to 1953 when the first fifty fathoms was released. It is, thus, fitting that blancpain has brought these two stories together in a richly illustrated collectible volume entitled fifty fathoms. The first was a system preventing any accidental rotation of the bezel, thanks to a system of leaf springs which prevented the bezel from being turned unless it was pushed down. Blancpain underwater since 1953, blancpain has accompanied exploration under the sea in its greatest challenges.
It is best known for its fifty fathoms diving watch introduced in 1953 and its 1735 grande complication wristwatch introduced in 1991. Jehanjacques blancpain is known as a watchmaker and started in the villeret town records. That accolade goes to blancpain s fifty fathoms and now theyve tried to make it better. Meanwhile other navies followed the lead of the french in selecting the blancpain fifty fathoms for their divers. Lip fifty fathoms with humidity indicator on the dial. The earliest blancpain fifty fathoms watch models featured a water resistivity that goes up to 200 meters. Literature on specific watches blancpain rolex omega. Fifty fathoms, the dive and watch history 195320 watchprint. Browse the amazon editors picks for the best books of 2019, featuring our.
Blancpains stunning, limited edition coffee table book charts 24 of the most exciting milestones in diving of the past 60 years. This is one of the last vintage fifty fathoms designs before transitioning to the modern era, making this example a beautifully preserved relic of 1970sera diving timepieces. This exclusive circle of 50 individuals became known as the fifty fathoms photographers and their artistic work was brought together in the edition fifty fathoms, 12 books to be published from 2008 until 2020 featuring 50 outstanding pictures each year. The histories of blancpain s iconic fifty fathoms, the world s first modern diving watch, and diving itself have been intertwined ever since 1953. The story of an unusual blancpain fifty fathoms rescapement. Fans of classic divers watches now have a unique opportunity to read our test of one of the most popular blancpain watches. Now, hodinkee has partnered with blancpain to introduce a special edition of the fifty fathoms modeled on the famed bathyscaphe iteration. Like the technical aspects of the watch, the depth rating might seem quite simple now however it was the deepest divers could descend with the technology available however another french diver looking to change that. We have implemented the recommended safety and health procedures to ensure the ongoing cleanliness and health of our facilities to ensure the overall safety of our staff and customers. A brief history of blancpain from rare crafts through to tourbillon and carrousel. This unit, created by the ministry of defence in 1952 and by captain robert bob maloubier and lieutenant claude aspirant riffaud, includes men who are particularly skillful, persistent, assertive and trained. Three years after the 1953 debut of the original fifty fathoms, blancpain introduced the bathyscaphe as a smaller diameter.
The fifty is quite a large watch at 45mm but it sits so well on my 6. Hodinkee and blancpain launched a special edition of a. One of the distinctive features of the fifty fathoms was a very large rotating external bezel marked with a large diamondshaped indicator and minute markings at 153045. Blancpain tribute to fifty fathoms milspec pays hommage to. Brief history of the blancpain fifty fathoms at the end of 1952 and through the beginning of 1953, the first french navys scuba diver unit was created, as a result of cooperation between the french navy and the secret services.
A deconstruction of the original model can be viewed by clicking here. Last week i wrote about the history of the blancpain fifty fathoms, now lets look at the wildest modern fifty fathoms. Blancpain presents fifty fathoms collection youtube. A brief history of the blancpain fifty fathoms craft. Today, the fifty fathoms remains a flagship blancpain collection, capturing that same sense of adventure as the first modern diving watch from 1953. The fifty fathoms has enthralled divers worldwide for over 60 years. With that in mind, we thought it apt to take a brief look at the history of what is considered to be the very first modern dive watch. Discover a new limited chronograph, the new book fifty fathoms the dive and watch history 195320 and the brands commitment to preserve and protect the worlds oceans. Each book consists of 50 doublepage spreads, each measuring one fathom around its perimeter when open, hence a total of 50 fathoms. The blancpain fifty fathoms did so for the entire diving industry. It is, thus, fitting that blancpain has brought these two stories together in a richly illustrated collectable volume entitled fifty fathoms.
A week on the wrist the blancpain fifty fathoms bathyscaphe plasma grey ceramic. Edition fifty fathoms has been methodically designed to pay tribute to the first modern diving watch, the iconic fifty fathoms. Blancpain fifty fathorms chronograph flyback black carbon fiber dial automatic mens watch. The fifty fathoms name came from the watchs depth rating, which at the time, was considered to be the maximum depth just over 90 meters that a diver could safely. In order to bring attention to the ocean commitment and, naturally, its own line of fifty fathoms timepieces blancpain has released a collectible, coffee tablequality book entitled fifty fathoms the dive and watch history 195320 the 475page tome, in addition to being incredibly beautiful with more than 600 glossy photographs and representing an indispensable reference for both.
The swiss manufacturer remains an outstanding example of how fine watchmaking can help shape history. It is, thus, fitting that blancpain has brought these two stories together in a richly illustrated collectible volume entitled fifty fathoms the dive and watch history 195320. He is the founder of the eponymous watch brand which will remain familyowned, handed down to his descendants, for almost 200 years. May 23, 2015 a vintage watch guys thoughts on blancpain s contemporary fifty fathoms collection blancpain s tribute to fifty fathoms the fifty fathoms is, and has been since its introduction, one of the most iconic wristwatches of all time. The x fathoms is a mechanical leviathan attempting to wrest control of the seas from a smaller, more efficient and technologically superior opponent, the dive computer. Fuchs, renowned diver and editor of international dive publications, and jeffrey s. Flyback, and a new book celebrating the fifty fathoms. A limited edition of 250 individuallynumbered pieces, the blancpain fifty fathoms ocean commitment iii has a. The fifty fathoms divers watch was originally designed in 1953. In the 1960s, when the american naval forces wanted to get a diving watch, they were under a very strict buy american policy, so they couldnt just import a watch from switzerland.
Kingston and stephan ciejka, noted watch journalists. To share its passion for diving, exploration and preservation of the worlds oceans, blancpain has collaborated with leading divers and underwater photographers to produce a collection of stunning books filled with breathtaking images which are now available for purchase. Discover a large selection of blancpain fifty fathoms watches on chrono24 the worldwide marketplace for luxury watches. The complete buying guide to the blancpain fifty fathoms. The blancpain fifty fathoms is a diving watch in its truest form, and arguably also the first specifically made for the task. The fifty fathoms was conceived before even the rolex submariner and omega seamaster, and its story even more dramatic. When blancpain was caught up with building up the main genuine dive watch the fifty fathoms preceded the submariner, and dont give anybody a chance to reveal to you generally date books with moonphases were extremely.
A vintage watch guys thoughts on blancpains contemporary. Quite possibly the rarest of the blancpain fifty fathoms is the fifty fathoms that does not even carry the name blancpain on the dial. Sep 21, 2010 blancpain, the luxury yachting watchmaker blancpain is proud to be taking part for the 6th year in the cannes international boatshow. As the fifty fathoms evolved and matured so did the world of diving. The complete buying guide to the blancpain fifty fathoms watch september 17, 2019 watches by allen farmelo given the hype, youd think rolex or omega released the first dive watch, but the swiss firm blancpain was right there neckinneck with rolex in 1953 with the release of its famed fifty fathoms. Blancpain takes to the ocean with the fifty fathoms ocean. The original fifty fathoms an important year in the history of sport diving, 1953 saw swiss watch manufacturer and ceo of blancpain jeanjacques fiechter develop the first modern diving watch with french combat diver captain robert maloubier. Innovation did not stop with the first watch and blancpain has honored and. Blancpain fifty fathoms jcstation drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts on this release. May 23, 2017 throughout the course of its 282year history, blancpain has achieved an astounding array of successes, and can also be attributed for its unique masterpieces. The histories of blancpain s legendary fifty fathoms, the worlds first modern diving watch, and diving itself have been intertwined ever since 1953. The blancpain fifty fathoms was the brainchild of jean jacques fiechter who made sure that the watch collection should stand out of the crown, he made unique features of the watch.
When he took the reigns of the company in 1950, he set out to create a watch that could accompany him in the abyss below the surface. The histories of blancpains legendary fifty fathoms, the worlds first modern diving watch, and diving itself. The blancpain fifty fathoms blackbird watch manual. A new documentary from blancpain showcasing the history of.
Jul 26, 2015 the histories of blancpain s iconic fifty fathoms, the worlds first modern diving watch, and diving itself have been intertwined ever since 1953. The french frogmen unit is one of the oldest and most famous in the world. Unfollow fifty fathoms watch to stop getting updates on your ebay feed. The history as told by the pioneers who created it is currently being shown on a limited basis at blancpain boutiques around the world and will eventually be available to watch online. A brief history of the blancpain fifty fathoms timepiece.
Jeanjacques fiechter, blancpain s ceo from 1950 until 1980, a diver himself, developed the fifty fathoms model. Preowned blancpain fifty fathoms buy a preowned blancpain. Fifty fathoms, the first modern diving watch, waterresistant to 91 metres, was worn by french navy divers and by jacques cousteau while shooting the silent world, winner of the palme dor at the 1956 cannes film festival. Fifty fathoms, the dive and watch history 195320 blancpain. Jehanjacques blancpain registers himself as a watchmaker in the villeret village records. In 1953 the blancpain fifty fathoms was released, one year before the rolex submariner.
Blancpain was able to meet these requirements and the fifty fathoms was released in 1953. The editorial team which created blancpain s fifty fathoms the dive and watch history 195320 drew upon the expertise of dietmar w. There is a lot to like here, and on top of this new watch, blancpain also announced a massive, 475page chronicle of the entire history of the fifty fathoms, the very. According to the archives the grandnephew of the founder jehanjacques, frederic emile implanted the first blancpain factory in 1815 in villeret. The fifty fathoms marks its 65th anniversary in 2018. It has remained an icon in the diving world since the first model was introduced in 1953. Blancpain history and watch collections your watch hub. At jomashop, were committed to helping our staff and customers that we serve in these uncertain times. The first edition featured ernest brooks, maurine shimlock, udo kefrig and helmut horn.
The history of the blancpain fifty fathoms started in 1953 with the companys ceo jeanjacques fiechters affinity for. Left, the sapphire crystal of the fifty fathoms which has the visual. Born in 1953, the blancpain fifty fathoms helped to defined many of the. As the story goes, two separate missions were afoot that lead to the creation of the fifty fathoms. Oct 16, 2015 the fifty fathoms collection embodies blancpains passion for the underwater world that was originally expressed in 1953 with the creation of the first modern divers watch.
Today well go a bit deeper pun intended into how the blancpain fifty fathoms came to be, and how it has evolved over more than half a century. The fifty fathoms was the brainchild of jeanjacques fiechter, then ceo of blancpain, who was an avid diver, something he shares with the current blancpain ceo marc a. Now they are the domain of the everyman and woman who wants a great looking luxury watch that can be worn just about anywhere. The history as told by the pioneers who created it goes. A union that makes plain our true passion for this realm and goes far beyond the performance of our timepieces dedicated to sea diving.
The histories of blancpains legendary fifty fathoms, the worlds first modern diving watch, and diving itself have been intertwined ever since 1953. On chrono24 youll find 173 preowned blancpain fifty fathoms watches and you can buy a preowned watch or sell a preowned blancpain. Blancpain fifty fathoms ocean commitment iii time and. The histories of blancpains iconic fifty fathoms, the worlds first modern diving watch, and diving itself have been intertwined ever since 1953. Deconstruction of a blancpain original fifty fathoms. The fifty fathoms had two patented features at the time of its introduction. The original fifty fathoms carried the trademark lip blancpain. Editor edition fifty fathoms blancpain ocean commitment.
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