BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
This new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 for Only Watch 2023 is inspired by the original Fifty Fathoms from 1953, as well as two other landmark editions: the 2003 50th Anniversary Fifty and the 2007 Fifty Fathoms, which heralded the birth of new generations of this icon.
The 42.3mm stainless steel case is water-resistant to 30 bar (300 meters) and has a blue unidirectional bezel with a bombé design that adds optical depth. The blue dial features a modest gradation that darkens towards the edge. Multiple layers of Super-LumiNova are used to create the luminous indices, Arabics at 3, 6, 9, and 12, and stick markings at the five-minute mark.
The Blancpain calibre 1315 is therein, with three mainspring barrels providing a 5-day power reserve. For improved precision and robustness, the movement moreover has a free-sprung balance with a silicon hairspring. The transparent caseback reveals the movement’s high-end finishing, including extra-large jewels and an 18K gold winding rotor coated in a NAC platinum-based alloy and inscribed with the Only Watch legend.
The blue NATO-style strap is made of nylon salvaged and recycled from fishing nets retrieved from the water as part of ocean environmental cleaning initiatives.
On November 6, 2023, the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 for Only Watch 2023 will be auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
