Having marked the 70th anniversary of its signature dive watch last year, Blancpain is now adding the Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42 mm to the lineup. Maintaining the vintage-inspired style of its larger sibling, the new Fifty Fathoms has a more compact, 42 mm case that’s available in either red gold or titanium – both entirely brushed – a size that was first seen on the 70th Anniversary Act 1 limited edition.

Initial thoughts

The overall appearance of the new Fifty Fathoms stays close to the longstanding ref. 5015, but in a smaller package. While its predecessor was a chunky 45 mm, the latest model is 42 mm. It retains almost exactly the same design, and even the same cal. 1315 inside (now visible through a display back), but in a more wearable case. If you liked the earlier version but found it too big, then the appeal of the 42 mm model is clear.

More broadly, the CHF15,000-ish price point of the Fifty Fathoms is competitive given the build quality. The case and dial execution are good, while the movement is one of the more sophisticated amongst sports watches in this price range.

New packaging

The new Fifty Fathoms is essentially a compact version of the 45 mm model, which was launched in 2007, making it one of the longest tenured models in the catalogue.

The 42 mm version preserves the familiar design, but in a smaller format. So the dial retains the Arabic numerals at the quarters, sword hands, and the italic model name above six. Because of the reduced size, the proportions are arguably improved, with the date window in particular sitting in a more comfortable position closer to the bezel.

Likewise, the case retains the same design. Available in either Grade 23 titanium or 18k red gold, the case is entirely brushed in both versions, and matched with a sapphire-covered bezel. According to Blancpain, Grade 23 is purer than the typical titanium alloys used in watchmaking.

Both case materials are available with the same dial options, blue or grey, both finished with a sun-ray brushing.

The new Fifty Fathoms is powered by the cal. 1315, the same movement found in the 45 mm model. It has a generous 120-hour power reserve, equivalent to five days, thanks to three mainspring barrels.

It is visible through the sapphire back, which is perhaps the biggest difference between the 42 mm and 45 mm models aside from size. This reveals the grey-coated 18K red gold rotor inspired by the oscillating weight found in the original 1953 Fifty Fathoms.

Key facts and price

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 42 mm
Ref. 5010 12B30 NABA (titanium, black dial & fabric NATO-style strap)
Ref. 5010 12B30 B52B (titanium, black dial & sailcloth strap)
Ref. 5010 12B30 B64B (titanium, black dial & rubber strap)
Ref. 5010 12B30 98S (titanium, black dial & matching bracelet)
Ref. 5010 12B40 NAOA (titanium, blue dial & fabric NATO-style strap)
Ref. 5010 12B40 O52B (titanium, blue dial & sailcloth strap)
Ref. 5010 12B40 O64B (titanium, blue dial & rubber strap)
Ref. 5010 12B40 98S (titanium, blue dial & matching bracelet)
Ref. 5010 36B30 NABA (red gold, black dial & fabric NATO-style strap)
Ref. 5010 36B30 B64B (red gold, black dial & rubber strap)
Ref. 5010 36B30 B52B (red gold, black dial & sailcloth strap)
Ref. 5010 36B40 NAOA (red gold, blue dial & fabric NATO-style strap)
Ref. 5010 36B40 O64B (red gold, blue dial & rubber strap)
Ref. 5010 36B40 O64B (red gold, blue dial & sailcloth strap)

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: Red gold or grade 23 titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 300 m

Movement: Cal. 1315
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 120 hours

Strap: Rubber, sailcloth, or fabric NATO-style; and bracelet for the titanium model

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Blancpain boutiques
Price: Starting from CHF15,300 or 23,900 Singapore dollars in titanium on strap

For more, visit Blancpain.com.