The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique and Grand Date models are fitted with new titanium bracelets for an added touch of elegance.
Blancpain made a name for itself not just by pioneering diver’s watches, but also for its early use of innovative materials when creating its fine timepieces. The use of titanium by the Swiss watchmaker dates back to the early 1960s, when it produced a special series of MIL-SPEC II models for US Navy minesweeper teams. During that time period, titanium was mainly used in the aerospace industry, and more of a rarity in watchmaking. In fact, Blancpain was probably the first Manufacture to utilise titanium in its watches.
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique and Grande Date models reflect the brand’s history and tradition of innovation, so it should come as no surprise that these models are getting equipped with a new titanium bracelet. Its remarkable lightness complements the sail canvas and NATO straps with which these watches have been fitted with up until now.
The bracelets feature hand satin-brushed links that are joined together with transverse pins, to ensure maximum fluidity and flexibility so the timepiece fits perfect on the user’s wrist. In order to preserve the smooth look and feel of the bracelet edges, the usually lateral screws are placed on the back of the links based on a patented system. The bracelets also highlight the emblematic face of the watches, which feature all the attributes of a diving instrument, from the Super-LumiNova hour-markers and hands, to the unidirectional rotating bezel with a scratch-resistant sapphire insert.
The Fifty Fathoms Automatique and Grande Date models are equipped with a 45mm titanium case that’s water-resistant up to approximately 300 meters, and houses the Manufacture 1315 movement – a mainstay of the contemporary Fifty Fathoms collection since its launch in 2007, or the 6918B. The calibres use a silicon balance-spring, allowing it be insensitive to magnetic fields, while delivering a five-day power reserve provided by three series-coupled barrels. Their finishes can be easily viewed through a sapphire crystal case-back.
Blancpain enthusiasts can still enjoy the Fifty Fathoms Automatique in the black or blue sunburst dial, while the Grand Date model continues to be offered with a black dial. They bring the best of both worlds – a sizeable timepiece with an effortless, light aesthetic, appealing to those who appreciate sporty yet elegant watches. Explore the entire Fifty Fathoms collection on the Blancpain official website.
Photos. Blancpain
