Introduction
Arguably the first modern dive watch ever, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was released in 1953 on commission for the French 'Frogmen' – an elite military group of combat swimmers. Designed with strict requirements in mind, the Fifty Fathom's was tasked with keeping its wearers alive on their life or death military missions. From life or death situations to its luxurious existence today, the Fifty Fathoms has evolved into both; Blancpain's most famous model, and one of the most important dive watches we have in horology today. Perhaps one of the most fashion-forward variants of this iconic diver, the Fifty Fathoms Trilogy Concept that we have here was launched as part of a trio of Fifty Fathoms models that was to also include a GMT and a chronograph model, thus completing a land, sea, and air trifecta, with this model being for the sea. Featuring a stunning black dial with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 and a hidden date aperture at 4:30, and made of 18kt rose gold, this example was limited to just 100 pieces. Measuring 40.3mm in diameter and offered with a bold bezel thanks to its pronounced numerals, this timepiece is both commanding and robust. Powered by Blancpain's wonderfully robust automatic cal. 1151 movement, this watch is packed with 100 hours of power reserve across two mainspring barrels, meaning this movement exists at the apex of luxury dive watches, in keeping with the rest of this timepiece's outstanding design, construction and heritage.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Blancpain
Dimensions
40.3mm
Model
Fifty-Fathoms Trilogy Edition
Movement
Automatic cal. 1151
Reference
N/A
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 2000
Condition
Very good
Material
18kt rose gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Boasting a black glossy dial with plenty of lume across its large sword hands and applied indices, the display stays on task to offer maximum legibility.
THE CONSTRUCTION
With its rather wearable 40.3mm 18kt rose gold construction, signature pronounced bezel markings, and understated display, this Fifty Fathom's aesthetic has proven to age quite well indeed.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall very good condition. The rose gold case shows light surface scratches and small nicks, while the hallmarks on the backs of the lugs remain well defined. The case back retains deep engravings with some light marks and a couple of nicks present. The bezel shows some wear along the edge of the black insert. The black dial is excellent, and there is some discoloration visible in the lume. The UV coating on the crystal has some scratches as visible in the images. It is fitted with a black strap and a rose gold Blancpain deployant clasp showing surface scratches. Please note that the watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
A stylish and luxurious take on an iconic dive watch, the ref. 2200-3630 combines an 18kt rose gold case and limited production to create a watch that is unique and just a little bit different from everything else the brand was doing at the time.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
