Blancpain reinterprets one of its iconic models, the "no-radiations" Fifty Fathoms. This mid-1960s diving watch, of which one version was used by the German Navy's Combat Swimmers, had the characteristic feature of being stamped with a "no radiations" logo indicating that Blancpain didn't use luminescent materials composed of Radium.
Blancpain, one of the legendary names in the world of watches, is among the first brands to provide watches suitable for underwater use to the naval forces of various countries. Those Mil-Spec watches, designed per the specifications, were used in underwater missions that took place in extreme conditions. In addition to criteria such as stainless steel case, resistance to high water pressure and automatic movement, one of the indispensable features for watches was the luminous dial and hands.
When it comes to phosphorus applications, the brand has actively adhered to these specifications, which made the use of radium unavoidable. However, as it came to the 1960s and it became clear how dangerous radium was (read our Radium Girls article here), Blancpain decided to take action on the matter. This decision led to Blancpain's creation of one of the most iconic versions of the Fifty Fathoms - the "No Radiation" dial variant. The symbol indicating that there is no radiation and the text "No Radiations" were added to the dial of this legendary model, which clearly states that it did not use radioactive materials while offering the luminescence required for legibility in darker environments.
Today, the brand brings back this cult model, which means a lot not only for Blancpain but for the whole world of watches, once again with the Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad Limited Edition model.
The model comes in a stainless steel case measuring 40.30mm in diameter and 13.23mm in height. The case features a box-type sapphire crystal and the characteristic diver’s bezel with a sapphire insert on the front side and a sapphire display case back on the rear side. Equipped with a Blancpain signed screw-lock winding crown, the case is water-resistant to 300 meters.
Designed faithfully to the original model, the dial features a matte black background and cream-colored Super-LumiNOVA filled hands and markers. The logo and the inscription indicating that no radioactive material is used in terms of phosphorus are located at 6 o'clock.
The Caliber 1151, designed and manufactured by Blancpain, ticks inside the new model. The automatic movement with a full-size rotor and 28-jewels consists of 210 parts, operates at a frequency of 3Hz (21.600vph), and offers a long power reserve of 100 hours (thanks to the twin-barrel system) when fully wound.
The model, which is limited to only 500 pieces, is complemented by a black perforated rubber strap, reminiscent of the Tropic straps of the period, and a stainless steel pin buckle. The MSRP for the model is EUR 13,180.
