Blancpain entered the market of underwater timepieces way back in 1953 with the introduction of the first Blancpain Fifty Fathoms….
all images courtesy Blancpain.com © unless stated otherwise
At the time it was introduced this new watch was billed as “the first modern diving watch”. In the view of the editors at ChronoDivers.com – the most desirable dive watch on the planet. Don’t think just because you’ve seen one Fifty Fathoms you’ve seen them all. It’s a collection of watches with some very different styles and designs.
Table of Contents
In their own words
All Fifty Fathoms models feature the main signature elements that forged the reputation of their legendary ancestor and established it as the archetypal diver’s watch. The same professionalism is apparent in the decisive design choices, dictated by a wealth of experience in the field of diving, its risks and its imperious necessities.
Blancpain.com
The First Modern Diving Watch
At the time this new watch was billed as “the first modern diving watch”. Fast forward over 65 years and Blancpain are still producing the Fifty Fathoms dive watch. Several decades of subtle improvement culminate in these new models available in both chronometer and chronograph models. A brand with such a rich heritage in underwater timepieces should be considered when looking at other similar priced watches such as a pre-owner Rolex Submariner or a Panerai Submersible.
A selection of Fifty Fathoms discovered on eBay – all Certified Authentic
images © eBay under EPN permissions
Discover a collection of the finest examples of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and other luxury watches – all covered by the industry respected eBay Authenticity Guarantee ✅ . Why risk buying a watch with no provenance or certification when you can purchase one without risk on eBay. The certificate of authenticity comes with NO COST to the buyer whatsoever – it also makes re-selling the watch a lot easier in the future.
Gallery including Blancpain Bathyscaphe & Fifty Fathoms Barakuda
A selection of modern Blancpain Dive Watches – each one unique – each one inspired by generations of innovation, design and risk taking. The Fifty Fathoms Dive Watch collection is split in to two distinct design styles. One – the classic style with a curved ceramic bezel and a domed sapphire crystal. The other is a more formal affair with a lower profile flat bezel and sapphire complete with clean baton hands. This latter style come under the Blancpain Bathyscaphe range.
Caliber 1315
Caliber 1151
Caliber 1151
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms for sale (#1 – 4)
A selection of Blancpain Dive watches listed for sale recently.
Please note – these listings come from a variety of sellers. Some watches may NOT be covered by a Guarantee of Authenticity. For 100% confidence and investment security please purchase a watch covered under the eBay Authenticity Guarantee ✅.
ALL Blancpain Fifty Fathoms >> 🔎 ALL Search Results 🔎
🇺🇸 delivery : A LE Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Black Dial Steel Automatic 40MM 5008B 1130 B52A. This watch is available now for US$35,000.00. The seller is located in US. It’s condition has been described as Pre-owned. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name burdeensjewelry. For […]Read More
🇬🇧 delivery : A Blancpain Bathyscaphe 5000.0140.NAOA Men’s Watch in Ceramic. This watch is available now for £9,179.00. The seller is located in US. It’s condition has been described as Used. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name mygemma. For more details please CLICK HERE […]Read More
🇺🇸 delivery : A BLANCPAIN 605583001 FIFTY FATHOMS BATHYSCAPHE 5000-0130-B52A #HH232. This watch is available now for US$9,270.72. The seller is located in JP. It’s condition has been described as Pre-owned. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name shu590218nona. For more details please CLICK …
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🇬🇧 delivery : A Blancpain Fifty Fathoms B2200-1130-71 Automatic Black Dial 40mm SS Men’s Watch. This watch is available now for £8,654.48. The seller is located in JP. It’s condition has been described as Used. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name japan.premium.shop. For more [&hell…
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1953 – Rolex Submariner is launched
What was special about 1953 in terms of horological landmarks and diving watch history? Apart from being the year that Blancpain introduced the Fifty Fathoms it was also the year that Rolex released their world famous Rolex Submariner.
Decades of Experience building the perfect Diving Tool
Creating one of the most desirable dive watches on the planet doesn’t happen over night. All Fifty Fathoms models incorporate the signature elements responsible for establishing their legendary ancestors as the archetypal diver’s watch. It’s those same clear cut design choices, supported by decades of real world professional diving that come together to build this modern classic timepiece. The same principles have been used by other leading brands – go back to the professional user and ask them what they want in a Blancpain dive watch.
More than 20 models of Fifty Fathoms Dive Watch
There are over 20 different models references of the Fifty Fathoms. Many references have several variants, for example, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe has 16 variants. These variants included everything from strap material, style and colour to bezel colour and even case material (ceramic, steel or red gold) . In January 2021 there were an astonishing 89 different models available – ranging from approximately £7,000 to almost £100,000 for the stunning Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours.
More Fifty Fathoms listed recently (#5 – 8)
Another selection of pre-owned Blancpain Fifty Fathoms listed recently. Remember to consider purchasing your pre-owned watch with an eBay Authenticity Guarantee
🇺🇸 delivery : A Blancpain Fifty Fathoms GMT Automatic Steel Mens Watch Ref 2250 X-71 Bracelet. This watch is available now for US$6,499.00. The seller is located in US. It’s condition has been described as Pre-owned. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name timeandmusic. For […]Read More
🇺🇸 delivery : A Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Auto Rose Gold Mens Watch 5000-36S40-O52A. This watch is available now for US$18,950.00. The seller is located in US. It’s condition has been described as Pre-owned. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name watchbox. For more details [&helli…
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🇺🇸 delivery : A Blancpain Fifty Fathoms GMT Automatic Steel Mens Bracelet Watch 2250. This watch is available now for US$5,250.00. The seller is located in US. It’s condition has been described as Pre-owned. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name jzl.enterprises. For more details […]Read More
🇬🇧 delivery : A Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 5100B-1110-B52A. This watch is available now for £6,086.15. The seller is located in AU. It’s condition has been described as Used. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name tpshp. For more details please CLICK HERE to go […]Read More
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Blancpain – Protecting the Oceans
Blancpain design and manufacture some of the world’s finest dive watches but their interest in the oceans doesn’t stop there. They have an active interest in the protection of the oceans through their Blancpain Ocean Commitment program. Their commitment to the oceans of the world is focused on Awareness, Exploration and Preservation.
Progression through Passion, Innovation and Risk
The latest models to the range are all uniquely extraordinary achievements from both a technical and aesthetic perspective. They can all be seen as a tribute to the pioneers from the 1950’s who made scuba diving the “sport” it is seen as today. Without their dedication, risk taking and passion the opportunity for underwater exploration would not have progressed to where it is today. It’s this history of passion and innovation that continue to inspire Blancpain – moving forward with modern innovative materials and new technical solutions.
How deep is a Fathom?
1 Fathom = 6 feet (1.83 metre) – so 50 Fathoms = 300 feet (91.5 metres)
In 1952 when this watch was first developed 300 feet was believed to be the most a human could dive using a single tank of Oxygen. In today’s terms that’s not quite deep enough – which is why all Fifty Fathoms watches are certified water resistant to a depth of at least 1000 feet (300m). However, we don’t think the “Blancpain 166.6 Fathoms” really cut it with the marketing team – thus the preservation of the original name – the “Fifty Fathoms”
Blancpain Dive Watches for sale (#9 – 14)
The watches featured below were all discovered on eBay in the last couple of days. Remember to keep an eye out for the Certified Authentic shield, or, better still, browse the watches covered under the eBay Authenticity Guarantee. (a direct link to eBay with ONLY those Blancpain watches covered under the Certified Authentic program.
🇺🇸 delivery : A Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Automatic Men’s Watch 5100B 1110 B52A. This watch is available now for US$7,987.65. The seller is located in US. It’s condition has been described as New with tags. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name jomashop. For […]Read More
🇬🇧 delivery : A Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. This watch is available now for £12,499.00. The seller is located in GB. It’s condition has been described as Used. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name dietcoke_man. For more details please CLICK HERE to go directly to […]Read More
🇺🇸 delivery : A Blancpain Fifty Fathoms B2200-1130-71 Automatic Black Dial 40mm SS Men’s Watch. This watch is available now for US$9,900.00. The seller is located in JP. It’s condition has been described as Pre-owned. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name japan.premium.shop. For more…
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🇬🇧 delivery : A BLANCPAIN Bathyscaphe LIP 1960 Automatic Ref.PGA5 Cal.R108 SS 37mm Rubber Belt. This watch is available now for £15,795.13. The seller is located in JP. It’s condition has been described as Used. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name japan.premium.shop. For more […]Read More
🇺🇸 delivery : A Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Auto 43mm Titanium Mens Watch 5000-1210-G52A. This watch is available now for US$8,995.00. The seller is located in US. It’s condition has been described as Pre-owned. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name chaudhrytech. For more details […
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🇬🇧 delivery : A Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatic 45mm Stainless Steel Mens Watch 5015D-1140-52B. This watch is available now for £8,765.17. The seller is located in US. It’s condition has been described as Pre-owned. This watch is being sold by a seller with the user name watch_men_jewelers. For more detai…
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Alternative to Blancpain dive watches
Customers interested in a Blancpain diver’s watch are in a exclusive market place reserved for those with several thousand Dollars to spend on a luxury timepiece. If it’s primarily the design of the Fifty Fathoms that has attracted a shopper to Blancpain then there’s nothing else directly comparable. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is a unique and immediately recognizable watch in all it’s many variants.
If it’s the appeal of having a £10K / S10K watch on your wrist, a timepiece of remarkable presence and beauty then there are other watches out there, think Rolex Submariner or Panerai Luminor Submersible. However, Blancpain they simply are NOT – and that’s why, in our honest opinion, the Fifty Fathoms has no genuine comparable alternatives.
Fifty Fathoms FAQ’s
Is Blancpain Fifty Fathoms worth it?
In short – yes. This is a watch that is produced in very low units compared to certain other luxury brands. With Blancpain you get what you pay for – a truly phenomenal craftsman produced automatic watch. The more expensive the model is – the more complications (flyback chronograph etc) it will feature and the rarer the materials used (ceramics and titanium)
What is special about Blancpain Fifty Fathoms?
It’s a watch with a pedigree in underwater timekeeping going right back to 1953. Not many other brands have spearheaded the innovation and development of dive watches. Not only this – but they also have a passionate care for the sea and the environment through their Blancpain Ocean Commitment program
How much is a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms?
This is a luxury brand so the prices reflect this. Expect to pay anything from $5,000 to $6,000 (£4,500 to £5,500) for a standard model. There’s no upper limit with models exceeding $35,000 / £30,000 like the Fifty Fathoms GMT limited edition and six figure models like the Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours Mens Watch selling for more than $120,000 / £105,000
Does anyone make a good Blancpain Fifty Fathoms homage?
Yes – please remember we don’t in ANY WAY endorse fakes or copies – watches that attempt to pass themselves off as the original item. Homage watches are a tribute to an iconic watch – timepieces that have been designed to re-create the style of a watch without precisely copying it. The best Fifty Fathom homage watch is the Baltic Aquascaphe and the Spinnaker Fleuss. Cheaper models – more directly styled like the original – come from Chinese brands like Corgeut and Steeldive.
Do they make smaller Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 38mm?
The Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe is available in a unisex 38mm case size. Next size up is our favourite – the 40mm Barakuda and No Radiation models. A majority of the models come in a 41-44mm case with a handful in a large oversized 45mm case like the
Video Review
A nice range overview by Oliver Smith Jeweler.
Have you ever heard of Blancpain, the world’s oldest watch brand? Or maybe you’re wondering who invented the first dive watch? How about the first steel sports watch? In this video we’re telling you everything you need to know about the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and Bathyscaphe, including the history, inspiration for the original dive watch, and how the watch compares today. The Fifty Fathoms was the first watch designed and has served as the baseline for all dive watch designs. Even Rolex has admitted to pulling from the Fifty Fathoms design for the first submariner! This is important information to know for any investor or collector of sport watches.
OliverSmithJeweler.com
Further Reading
Blancpain.com Fifty Fathoms (external link) > Official Website