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Lot Essay
Often remarked as the original diver’s tool watch in literature, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was believed to be the first wristwatch featuring a turning bezel and automatic movement. Launched in 1953 in collaboration with the elite French combat divers, the 'Nageurs de Combat', the military unit needed a reliable, durable, legible, and water-resistant diving wristwatch. Blancpain CEO Jean-Jacques Fiechter quickly accepted the challenge as he had a tremendous passion for diving. These early Fifty Fathoms watches featured radium luminescence, allowing for a consistent glow in dark environments, aiding in legibility.
Years later in the early 1960s, the watch industry began to move towards tritium luminescence as radium was discovered to have destructive properties towards the human body. In response, Blancpain utilized a 'No Radiations' symbol to clearly state to their consumers that their timepieces were safe to wear.
Fresh to market, the present Blancpain Fifty Fathom's collectability is furthered as it was retailed by the diving company 'Aqua Lung', and the dial is signed. Incredibly, this watch was left behind and found in a 'donations pile' at an estate in the Midwest. The watch appears to be all original and overall well-preserved. The lume in the dial, hands, and bezel all match and have turned an attractive cream color. A period correct Tropic rubber strap with stainless steel buckle has been fitted to the timepiece, just as how the watch was originally sold with.
Years later in the early 1960s, the watch industry began to move towards tritium luminescence as radium was discovered to have destructive properties towards the human body. In response, Blancpain utilized a 'No Radiations' symbol to clearly state to their consumers that their timepieces were safe to wear.
Fresh to market, the present Blancpain Fifty Fathom's collectability is furthered as it was retailed by the diving company 'Aqua Lung', and the dial is signed. Incredibly, this watch was left behind and found in a 'donations pile' at an estate in the Midwest. The watch appears to be all original and overall well-preserved. The lume in the dial, hands, and bezel all match and have turned an attractive cream color. A period correct Tropic rubber strap with stainless steel buckle has been fitted to the timepiece, just as how the watch was originally sold with.