Description

The Fifty Fathoms was originally developed in collaboration with the French Navys elite combat diversand its legacy lives on today, even in modern pop culture, thanks to the recent Blancpain Swatch Bioceramic Scuba collection. But if youve got the Swatch, you really need to experience the original.This is a desirable 41mm example in beautiful, honest conditionexactly what we love to see.

The name Fifty Fathoms might sound unusual, but it refers to a British unit of measurement. A fathom equals about six feet, so fifty fathoms translates to roughly 91 metersclose to 300 feetthe maximum depth divers could reach with the technology available at the time.

Fifty Fathoms watches have seen serious military use over the decades, trusted by forces from France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and most famously, the U.S. Navy.This particular version is the highly sought-after “No Radiations” model, often nicknamed the No-Rad.

What makes it special? That iconic yellow-and-red crossed-out radiation symbol on the dial. It signified that no radium was used in the luminous materiala move made in the early 1960s as the health risks of radium became more widely known. The No Rad logo offered peace of mind to both professional and recreational divers. Due to their historical significanceand that instantly recognizable symbolthese models are now highly prized by collectors. Blancpain has even released tribute editions of the Fifty Fathoms No Rad, cementing its place in the brands history.

The matte case is in fine condition with a beautiful luminous rotating dive bezel. The dial remains glossy, featuring an applied Blancpain logo, a date window, warm yellow patina on the lume, and a handsome pencil-style handset with matching yellow lume. Weve paired this iconic diver with one of our Nautic strapssimilar to the original rubber straps these fifties were delivered with back in the day.

The automatic movement (based on an A. Schild caliber AS.1700) has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

For collectors and enthusiasts, the “No Rad” is more than just a beautiful timepieceits a symbol of a bygone era when watches were true tools built for survival. Lets talk.

Specifications:

• Blancpain Fifty Fathoms no rad date

• Serial 301xxx dating to the early 1960s

• Matte Steel 41mm case

• Black Dial chapter ring , pencil hands and no Radiation logo

• Original bakelite bezel insert

• Automatic movement , based on an A.Schild AS.1700 movement

• Comes on the pictured Bulang and Sons Nautic weave rubber strap

• Fully serviced by our watchmaker

• One-year mechanical warranty

• Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping