The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, Now in Sedna Gold

When referring to the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, one of the most enduring dive watches on the market and a pioneer of the genre launched in 1953, we should actually mention two different watches. The first is the large and robust version, with its distinctive sapphire bezel. The second is a sleeker model, with an instrumental look, the Bathyscaphe, which back in the late 1950s was a diver’s watch in a size suited to everyday wear. Today, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe gets a luxurious touch with a case made of Sedna gold and a blue dial/bezel combination.

This isn’t the first time that the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe is offered in precious metal. And it isn’t the first time that the brand uses a specific gold alloy either, as the catalogue already comprises versions in 18k Sedna gold fitted with a black dial and bezel. What’s new is the combination of the classic blue dial/bezel with this original gold.

Sedna gold is a proprietary alloy developed by Swatch Group and mostly used by sister brand Omega. A gold, copper and palladium alloy guaranteeing the exceptional durability of the red gold colour, this alloy is entirely brushed and used to craft the 43mm x 13.40mm case, as well as the unidirectional bezel with its coin-edge profile. The use of innovative materials doesn’t stop here, as the insert is made from blue ceramic and its scale is obtained thanks to Swatch Group’s Ceragold technology producing a seamless integration of gold into the ceramic.

To match the colour of the bezel, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Sedna gold is presented with a sunray brushed blue dial with hands and applied markers matching the case material. As a legitimate diver’s model, even in this gold version, the Bathyscaphe is water-resistant to 300m and the key indications are filled with Super-LumiNova.

The Sedna gold and blue dial combination is complemented by blue straps, either a sailcloth band with Sedna gold pin-buckle (ref. 5000-36S40-O52A) or a textile NATO strap with Sedna gold hardware (ref. 5000-36S40-NAOA)

To power this high-end dive watch, Blancpain relies on its in-house calibre 1315, a powerful automatic movement with a 120-hour or 5-day power reserve when its three barrels are fully wound. The movement is modern, with a 4Hz frequency and an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring. Through the caseback, the wearer will appreciate a nice decoration with a snailed bridges, polished edges and a matte Sedna gold oscillating weight engraved with the Blancpain logo.

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Sedna Gold will be part of the permanent collection and priced at EUR 23,450. More details at blancpain.com.