Watch no.: 20
Technical data:
- CASE: 40mm
- LUG TO LUG: 50,5mm
- LUG WIDTH: 18mm
- THICKNESS: 14mm
- CROWN: 5,7mm
- WEIGHT: 85g
- BEZEL: Unidirectionally 120 click
- GLASS: Sapphire (double arched)
- LUME: On Hands and Indices
- CASE: solid bronze (CuSn8)
- BRACELET: Nylon elastic (dark)
- CLASP: Special clamp
- MOVEMENT: Seiko (TMI) NH35a MOD automatic
- WINDING: Automatic and manually
- WATCH COMPLICATIONS: -
- OPERATING RESERVE TIME: 41 h
- INCLUSIONS: Watch box and manual, data sheet, micro-fibre cloth
Description:
This watch is a reminder of a historic Blancpain watch ("Fitty Fanthoms"* Mil. Spec. 5008-11) from the late 1950s. It was the first diver's watch ever. It was given a coloured nuclear radiation indicator on the dial. The watch glass is made of arched sapphire crystal, the crown can be screwed in. The watch strap is elasticated on a nylon base. A truly rare and beautiful watch. The colour indicator can only be seen as a colourful decoration - it does not have the functionality of the time. The bezel can be turned unidirectional (anti-clockwise) with 120 detentes. This meant that in the event of accidental adjustment, the dive time could only be extended at the setting ring, but not shortened (an important safety factor). Such a rare watch is a real eye-catcher on a man's or woman's wrist. The bronze case and the vintage look of the watch guarantee an elegant appearance. The automatic NH35a movement from Seiko will ensure accurate timekeeping for many years to come.
*) Meaning of Fifty Fathoms:
- A "fathom" is an old unit of measurement used mainly in maritime contexts to indicate depth.
- 1 fathom = 6 feet (approximately 1.83 meters)
- Fifty fathoms = 50 x 1.83 m = around 91.5 meters
So, the name refers to the water resistance of the watch—originally developed for divers operating at significant depths.
