The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Act 3 was revealed in Cannes, France, as the ultimate watch in a year-long celebration for the world’s first true dive watch. There was loads of hypothesis previous to this, particularly after Blancpain dropped some teasers that proved very barely deceptive (a reference to German silver that gave away nothing). The watch is certainly a time-only 41.3mm dive instrument that doesn’t make area for a date; the 6 o’clock place is as an alternative occupied by the mil-spec water-resistance mark (denoting if moisture has compromised the case) of the army watches of the Sixties. The scale of the watch is universally accepted as following the instance of the 1953 Fifty Fathoms, however the particular reference this watch seems to sparks debate. Some consultants level to 1967 particularly and Blancpain itself solely included a reference to a 1964 mannequin, however in actuality, the Ultimate Fathoms (as we’ve taken to calling it) is an unprecedented new mannequin. There are not any sophisticated twists, though there’s a motion improve, but the case itself is exceptional, being bronze gold. 

Seasoned collectors little doubt recall bronze gold from Omega final 12 months and the fabric now makes an look at Blancpain. We really feel this can be a truthful change of experience, on condition that Blancpain provides the know-how behind Omega’s groundbreaking Chrono Chime. Visually, the thought behind the Fifty Fathoms Act 3 is clearly to bolster classic vibes, as all normal bronze watches often do. Alternatively, this isn’t common bronze… As a fast recap and replace on bronze gold, here’s what it’s essential to know: The gold within the alloy makes up 37.5% of the full materials, with copper making up the bulk (50%). Silver, palladium and gallium make up the rest. 

For anybody who plans to put on this watch, which is proscribed to 555 items worldwide, you must notice that some patination could be anticipated however nothing on the order of ordinary bronze. Blancpain says it may be worn towards the pores and skin, and a few social media reviews and rumours on the launch occasion recommend that there could also be minor variations between the bronze gold Blancpain is utilizing and that Omega used. Moreover, it appears the exclusivity of bronze gold will stay with Blancpain for the close to time period – once more that is primarily based on unconfirmed remarks on the launch, by Blancpain representatives. It could be that none of this pans out however the case materials bears some critical consideration and we suggest all potential homeowners ask as many questions as they need of the product consultants at Blancpain.

On that notice, you would possibly surprise why 555 items, specifically. Blancpain factors us within the course of Ariel’s Music from The Tempest (William Shakespeare), the place the identify Fifty Fathoms emerged in 1953. The road is “Full fathom 5 thy father lies,” so maybe 555 is a few type of alliterative tribute… For individuals who care about such issues, because of this there shall be extra Act 3 watches on the market than Act 1 items.

Now, there’s a little bit of a kerfuffle concerning the Fifty Fathoms on the whole, with Perezscope digging up lifeless horses simply to flog them to loss of life once more. That covers our ideas on this topic however suffice to say additionally that it isn’t related to the present Ultimate Fathoms mannequin. The case materials is, and the traits of the design are. On that notice, the form of the case and of the lugs (lug-to-lug measurements aren’t accessible however we estimate one thing within the 50mm+ vary) is new, though it clearly is a spherical watch, principally.

Consequently, if you happen to can usually put on a 42mm watch with none overhang, however that’s the most, one can find the Ultimate Fathoms difficult. The exhibition caseback showcases a brand new evolution of motion for Blancpain, with the calibre 1154.P2 that includes an escapement with silicon hairspring and a brand new escape wheel in antimagnetic alloys – Blancpain didn’t say what precisely this alloy is, however we stay curious as to why the model doesn’t merely use the Breguet and Omega resolution of extra silicon-based elements for the stability meeting. The objective was to provide an antimagnetic motion that would stand up to 1,000 Gauss with out the safety of a comfortable iron inside case; calibre 1154.P2 makes the grade, therefore the presence of an exhibition caseback. 

Anyway, the motion has 100 hours of energy reserve, making it a category chief, and we could have extra to day on it (and fewer on spurious particulars) within the eventual story on the Ultimate Fathoms and the launch in WOW Singapore and Malaysia (tentatively scheduled for the annual Legacy situation later this 12 months). Lastly, the value of S$44,000 will disappoint some, and definitely calls for due consideration. In the end, we predict there shall be greater than sufficient demand for the Ultimate Fathoms, such that the value won’t be a difficulty. The Ultimate Fathoms is, in spite of everything, an necessary milestone for Blancpain.

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