Mario Canonizado 
Following up on last year’s unveiling of a smaller case size, Blancpain has once again updated its iconic Fifty Fathoms collection with a more accessible case material!
Blancpain is undoubtedly one of those ‘in-the-know’ watch brands for a lot of enthusiasts. With a legacy as rich and storied as theirs, it might seem surprising that they sit so far down the horological iceberg, so to speak — but those familiar with their history are probably more comfortable with that than the alternative. In the 1980s, Blancpain had almost been completely lost to time. The world’s oldest watchmaking brand became yet another casualty of the Quartz Crisis, like so many others. It was only through the efforts of Jean-Claude Biver and a host of other remarkable individuals that Blancpain was rescued from the brink, ultimately transforming into the powerful — if not understated — manufacturer we know today.
Again, watch enthusiasts might raise an eyebrow at my use of the word understated, especially those familiar with Blancpain’s most iconic collection — because it’s anything but. Yet despite the titanic silhouette of the Swatch Group brand’s Fifty Fathoms line, it has developed a Panerai-esque reputation: a large, powerful watch that somehow manages to wear many hats, in ways few timepieces of similar size can.
This year, Blancpain has added yet another hat to the collection, announcing a new Fifty Fathoms model in a 42mm case. Now, I get it — the Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5010’s size might not sound like a groundbreaking innovation. After all, Blancpain already introduced the 42mm case last year to celebrate the collection’s 70th anniversary. However, instead of going the route of luxurious gold or hyper-modern titanium, Blancpain has returned to classic stainless steel for this release — a subtle, but meaningful shift back to the fundamentals.
While simplistic — dare I say basic — by modern watch standards, the Fifty Fathoms’ design is actually emblematic of all dive watches that followed it. In fact, its legacy lies in reportedly being the very first diver’s watch ever made, with all of its prominent elements emulated by virtually every brand since.
Naturally, this means that while the Fifty Fathoms might feel fresh to emerging watch enthusiasts, it still bears all the familiar hallmarks: a capable 300m of water resistance; a robust build measuring 42mm wide, 50.8mm lug-to-lug, and 14.3mm thick; a sapphire unidirectional diving bezel; a screw-in steel bracelet (easily swapped for rubber, sailcloth, or fabric alternatives); and enough lume to make it visible from space — or, more fittingly, fifty fathoms deep in the ocean.
Flipping the watch over, the new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5010 presents an uncommon sight in the world of dive watches: a display case back. The addition is a welcome one, as the watch still maintains its exceptional water resistance rating while proudly showing off its internals — something many other brands could take notes from. Beneath the sapphire crystal lies the familiar Calibre 1315, now featuring a customised red gold rotor inspired by the collection’s septuagenarian roots. While the rest of the movement finishing is rather spartan, it’s fitting for a watch built for rugged conditions and does nothing to detract from its impressive 4Hz (28,800 VpH) beat rate and formidable 120-hour power reserve.
My Thoughts
As I mentioned, Blancpain’s ability to dress up and dress down the Fifty Fathoms line is incredibly admirable, largely thanks to the creativity and inventiveness of the team within their manufacture. Many brands have attempted similar feats — decking out their flagship timepieces to an unrecognisable degree — but it takes tremendous skill to do so without compromising the watch’s core identity.
The new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5010 not only preserves the spirit of both the collection and the brand, but also introduces a slightly more accessible, refreshed take on the ‘granddaddy’ of dive watches. While the starting price of AU$24,800 firmly places it within the realm of modern luxury, the Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5010 quickly dispels any accusations of being a delicate luxury piece. Through this new timepiece’s established aesthetic, capable mechanics, and backed by a legacy of survivability, the septuagenarian Fifty Fathoms collection continues to prove that it can perform at the top of the watchmaking game.
References:
- 5010-1130-71S (Steel)
- 5010-1130-B64B (Rubber)
- 5010-1130-B52B (Sailcloth)
- 5010-1130-NABA (Fabric)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 42mm case diameter x 50.8mm lug-to-lug x 14.3mm thickness
- Case Material: Polished Stainless steel
- Dial: Sunray-brushed Black with
- Movement: Automatic Cal. 1315 beating at 4Hz with 18k red gold rotor
- Power Reserve: 120h
- Water Resistance: 300m (30bar)
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with butterfly clasp or black Tropic rubber/sailcloth/fabric strap with steel pin buckle
Australian RRP:
- A$28,700 (Steel)
- A$26,800 (Rubber or Sailcloth)
- A$24,800 (Fabric)
