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Watch_024 - pp-watch

CUSTOM MADE WATCHES
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Watch no.: 24
Technical data:
  • CASE: 40mm
  • LUG TO LUG: 46mm
  • LUG WIDTH: 18mm
  • THICKNESS: 14mm
  • CROWN: 5,7mm
  • WEIGHT: 88g
  • BEZEL: Unidirectionally 120 click
  • GLASS: Sapphire (double arched)
  • LUME: On Hands and Indices
  • CASE: 316L steel fully brushed
  • BRACELET: zulu strap (Nylon grey)
  • CLASP: Special clamp
  • WATER RESISTANCE: Case confirmed by the manufacturer: 200m
  • 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 humidity indicator on the dial from around 1964. From this point onwards, the watch was not only used by French naval divers, but also by US Seals. The white and red markings in the event of moisture became total red, which meant for the diver - time measurement may be disturbed - surface! The rotating bezel was also a patented invention by Blancpain and was only adopted by Rolex 10 years later. The watch glass is made of arched sapphire crystal, the crown can be screwed in. The watch strap is elasticated on a nylon base and, in keeping with the era of French troops from the 1960s, the parachute strap. 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 unidirectionally (anti-clockwise) with 120 detents. 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 characteristic, matt finish of the 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.
Piotr Piechowski ©2025
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