Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique (Ref. 5015-3630-52 & Ref. 5015-1130-52)

Introduced in 2007 and available in steel or red gold versions, this new Fifty Fathoms Automatic watch houses the self winding Calibre 1315, an in house calibre derived from the hand-wound Calibre 13R0 presented in October 2006. Stemming from a lengthy quest for simplicity, precision and performance, it was conceived right from the outset to equip watches with a resolutely sporting vocation. Blancpain has fitted it with an extremely dense bimetallic rotor ensuring excellent winding efficiency.

In addition, this movement features most of the characteristics that made the 13R0 such a truly exceptional calibre, including its free-sprung balance with no index and no swan’s neck, equipped instead with regulating screws placed around the rim of the balance. This screw-based system proves ideal for a sporty watch, since it avoids the potentially detrimental effect of shocks that could modify the position of the index or the swan’s neck, thereby disturbing the rate. To accurate and efficient adjustment, Blancpain has equipped it with square-headed gold micrometrical screws, enabling the watchmaker to easily visualise the corrections he is making. Governed by a concern for optimal sturdiness, the balance is crafted from glucydur, which is heavier than the titanium used in the 13R0.

The Blancpain movement design engineers have also sought to find the most effective solutions in terms of energy storage. The goal in particular was to endow the watch with an optimal autonomy, while ensuring constant energy at all times. The new Calibre 1315 does indeed have an exceptional power reserve of 5 days. To achieve this feat, Blancpain has equipped it with three series-coupled barrels. Due to the choice of a glucydur balance, the three mainsprings have been specifically readjusted for this movement.

Another technical refinement lies in the date display on Calibre 1315, enabling fast date change at midnight in either direction. In addition to the sophisticated shape of the parts, the finishing also clearly expresses the spirit of Haute Horlogerie: straight graining, bevelling, circular-graining and circular satin-brushing add an exquisite touch of exclusivity. The large jewels are directly driven into the bridges and plates so as to preserve the visual magic of traditional movements. The sunburst motif adorning the bridge reflects that on the rotor. To avoid any potentially disturbing effects of magnetic fields, the Calibre 1315 powering the Fifty Fathoms is enclosed within a cage protecting it on all sides.

When it comes to diving watch specifications, this model displays the main signature features that forged the reputation of the original Fifty Fathoms and of its subsequent enhanced versions. The same professionalism is apparent in the decisive choices, dictated by a wealth of experience in the field of diving, its risks and its imperious necessities. Water-resistance is same, 300 metres. It is equipped with the same oversized hour-markers and hands ensuring optimal readability. It boasts the same black dial and bezel colour, against which the luminescent indications make a striking contrast. The rotating bezel remains a key element of the watch, with its notched profile facilitating handling and its unidirectional rotating system that avoids any inadvertent extension of the dive times. Crafted from scratch-resistant sapphire, one of the hardest materials in the world, and featuring a slightly cambered raised effect that reduces its vulnerability to shocks, this bezel is distinguished by its luxurious finishing.

Loyal to its tradition of innovation, the Manufacture in Le Brassus has also made a point of re-examining each detail of the Fifty Fathoms in order to optimise its performances and fine-tune its immediately recognisable design. To accentuate its extreme readability in all circumstances, Blancpain has chosen a new shade of luminescent coating applied to the markings on the bezel and to the hands; the trapeze-shaped hour-markers on the sunburst-effect black dial, as well as the graduated scale showing the last fifteen minutes on the bezel, optimise the user-friendliness of this model. The case is equipped with crown guards that reinforce the security surrounding this essential component.

Blancpain has also created a rugged new water-resistant strap in rubber-lined black canvas. The pin buckle specially developed for the collection is adorned with a trapeze reflecting the design of the hour-markers. As on the limited edition in 2003, the exclusive fastening system enables quick and easy strap change. Moreover, an additional strap in rubber along with the instrument required to change it may be acquired separately to complete this set of gear. Blancpain has even innovated in terms of the packaging, by presenting the Fifty Fathoms in an ultra-sturdy watertight box in high-tech materials, which can be used even in extreme conditions.

Technical details
Fifty Fathoms Automatique
Ref. 5015-3630-52: Red Gold case and Black dial
Ref. 5015-1130-52: Steel case and Black dial

Movement
Calibre 1315, Self winding
Diameter: 30.60 mm
Thickness: 5.65 mm
Power reserve: 120 hours
Rubies: 35
Components: 222

Case
Red Gold or Steel
Diameter: 45.00mm
Thickness: 15.50 mm
Unidirectional bezel
Water resistance: 300 meters