This early Rotomatic is one of the best preserved Fifty Fathoms we ever came across.

There was a time when mechanical dive watches were an essential survival tool for those working underwater. Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms was released as early as the 50's. The Fifty Fathoms was born out of pure necessity as the combat swimmers of the French navy were looking for a reliable watch to be used on their missions. The head of this elite group, Captain Bob Maloubier, submitted a sketch with the desired specifications to several watch brands, but none of them were willing to actually produce such a watch. Eventually, a small French watchmaker by the name of Blancpain took up the task and the Fifty Fathoms was created. This model is truly a template for all modern diving watches: a large stainless steel case, automatic movement, rotating bezel, and black dial with large contrasting luminous markers and hands. Historically it might even be on par with the Rolex Submariner, yet the Fifty Fathoms is so much scarcer.

This early specimen is a rare and exceptionally well-preserved Rotomatic, with small font. The watch features a strong 41 mm stainless steel case with a soft iron inner cage to ensure its antimagnetic properties. The glossy black dial features contrasting white printing and large radium numerals at the quarter positions and intermediate hour markers for legibility in conditions of low visibility. Oftentimes the surface of the dial tarnishes and becomes dull, we are very fortunate to have found this example that still retains all of its attraction over time. The oversized ribbed rotating steel bezel contains a black acrylic inlay with radium markers. This original and rare inlay with triangle shows only very little marks. Over the past 70 years, the markings on the bezel, dial, and hands -including this rare minute hand' have taken on a lovely custardy patina. The case is carried by a black 'Tropic' strap.