BLANCPAIN | FIFTY FATHOMS, STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH CIRCA 1955

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was introduced in 1953, that is one year before the Rolex Submariner. This makes it one of the earliest dedicated diving watches with many fascinating stories to tell. The watch was in fact named after a British depth-measurement unit, equivalent to 300 feet, the deepest point technology would allow to dive to. Frenchman Jacques-Yves Cousteau notoriously wore a Fifty Fathoms watch while filming the Oscar and Palme d'Or prized "The Silent World" documentary in 1956. 

The present example fully exemplifies the collectability of these timepieces, bearing a rare "No Radiation" radium dial, indicating the reduced harmful emissions compared to earlier dials. The watch is powered by a robust 53-jewel automatic caliber, protected by a hermetic dust cover for increased water-resistance. This contemporary-sized diver's wristwatch enjoys an ever-increasing demand in today's collector market.