Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary: A 300-Piece Tribute to 1956
Commemorating 70 Years of the Bathyscaphe
Blancpain is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Bathyscaphe — the "civilian counterpart" to the legendary Fifty Fathoms — with a 300-piece limited edition that pays faithful homage to a landmark reference from 1968. First introduced in 1956 as a more compact alternative to the military-grade Fifty Fathoms, the Bathyscaphe has remained a core part of Blancpain's modern lineup since its revival in 2013.
Inspired by the 1968 Reference
The inspiration is evident at first glance. The vintage Blancpain logo sets the tone, while the sunburst meteor grey dial is lifted directly from the 1968 piece. Baton hands and indexes in 18k white gold are filled with vintage-colored Super-LumiNova, giving the lume a warmer, aged appearance straight out of the box. The steel bezel extends into a ring at the base of the box crystal — another detail pulled directly from the 1968 reference — and its ceramic insert with lacquered numerals replaces the original's black hesalite.
Case Dimensions and Construction
At 37.4mm in stainless steel, the case is sized to match the 1968 inspiration rather than the smaller 35mm case of the original 1956 Bathyscaphe. It measures 12.3mm thick with a 46.5mm lug-to-lug distance, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The crystal is sapphire, and water resistance is rated to 300 meters.
Flip the watch over and the tribute evolves into something distinctly modern: a sapphire crystal caseback replaces the closed caseback of its predecessor, putting the movement on full display. The open-worked 18k gold oscillating weight design is taken from the original Fifty Fathoms of 1953, connecting this anniversary piece to the broader Blancpain heritage.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | 5903 1110 63A |
| Case Size | 37.4mm × 12.3mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 46.5mm |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Dial | Sunburst Meteor Grey |
| Indexes | 18K White Gold, Baton |
| Lume | Vintage-colored Super-LumiNova |
| Water Resistance | 300 meters |
| Movement | Blancpain Cal. 1150 |
| Power Reserve | 100 hours |
| Price | $18,300 USD |
| Limited Edition | 300 pieces |
Caliber 1150: Heritage Meets Modern Performance
The manufacture Caliber 1150 automatic movement operates at 3Hz (21,600 vph) and delivers an impressive 100-hour power reserve — exceptional for a movement this compact at just 3.25mm thick. A silicon hairspring provides enhanced magnetic resistance and long-term accuracy. The movement features 28 jewels and displays hours, minutes, seconds, and date.
Why This Anniversary Matters
The Bathyscaphe has always occupied a unique position in the Fifty Fathoms family. Where the original Fifty Fathoms was built for military combat divers, the Bathyscaphe was designed for recreational divers and civilians who wanted Blancpain's legendary water resistance in a more wearable package. This 70th anniversary edition honors that legacy while demonstrating how far the brand has come in balancing heritage reverence with modern watchmaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does this compare to the original 1956 Bathyscaphe?
A: The 2026 edition uses a 37.4mm case compared to the 1956 original's 35mm. It also features a sapphire caseback, silicon hairspring, and modern Super-LumiNova — upgrades that weren't available in the 1950s.
Q: Is the watch delivered with a leather strap or bracelet?
A: It ships on a chocolate calf-leather strap in a hard case. A stainless steel bracelet option is available separately from Blancpain.
Q: What is the warranty period?
A: The watch comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty from Blancpain.
Explore More
Browse our Blancpain Fifty Fathoms collection or discover limited edition luxury watches from top Swiss brands.
Sources: Hodinkee (August 20, 2026), Monochrome Watches — Specifications and photography verified via official Blancpain press materials. Photography © Tim Vaux.