TOUGH TICKERS

We unpack the complexities of Blancpain's latest Bathyscaphe collection with a ceramic case and matching bracelet

- ASHOK SOMAN AND DANIEL GOH

A couple of years ago, the watch world feted Blancpain as it basked in the warm glow of the 70th anniversary of the world's first dive watch, the Fifty Fathoms. Without question, the dive watch is one of the most popular types of watches worldwide, especially if you only consider the mechanical variety. Quite apart from diving, whether it be for sport, science, exploration or recreation, the tool watch that supports the diver has evolved into a symbol of precision and robustness. The contemporary executive is simply all at sea without a dive watch to accompany him or her throughout the day, even if that day is spent taking meetings and banging out emails.

The story is somewhat incomplete without a bit of space for the Bathyscaphe model, which was the diver Blancpain made for the public. For those who care about names and such, this is why we do not just say Bathyscaphe instead of Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe – the model was made as a version of the storied Fifty Fathoms. Thus, as usual, the journey we are about to undertake requires some history, specifically relating to the Bathyscaphe but also to the complication on display on the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune (opposite).

There are two parts to this but we present them together because it all explains why complications are important in a dive watch, especially at Blancpain. So, as usual, if specifications and the like about the cover watch in particular are what floats your boat, then turn to the Cover Watch story in this issue.

CRISIS AND OPPORTUNITY

While Blancpain returned the Fifty Fathoms to the regular collection in 2003, it would take another 10 years before the little brother also rejoined. This was actually the first major broadening of the collection since that relaunch, and since the Fifty Fathoms became a full collection again in 2007.