Blancpain, the renowned Swiss watchmaker, is commemorating the 70th anniversary of their iconic Fifty Fathoms dive watch with "Act 3" – the latest addition to their anniversary celebrations. Following Acts 1 and 2, which introduced new Fifty Fathoms models, Act 3 pays homage to the original "Mil-Spec" Fifty Fathoms, beautifully rendered in Bronze Gold.
This limited edition timepiece is aptly named the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3.
The reference number for this distinctive limited edition model is 5901-5630-NANA. Its satin-brushed 9K Bronze Gold case boasts dimensions of 41.3mm in width and 13.3mm in thickness. While the lug-to-lug measurement is yet to be confirmed, the watch features a striking black dial with a grey-white moisture indicator. The Act 3 also sports a black ceramic bezel insert, vintage Super-LumiNova luminescence, and a transparent case back showcasing the Blancpain 1154.P2 movement.
Powering this timepiece is the Blancpain 1154.P2, an automatic movement beating at 3 Hz and offering an impressive 100-hour power reserve. Essentially, it's the no-date version of the 1151 movement, the same caliber used in another elegant Fifty Fathoms limited edition.
Limited to just 555 pieces, the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 is priced at $32,000.
Reference: 5901-5630-NANA
Case/Dial: 41.3mm Bronze Gold (9K, satin brushed), Matt black with
300m
Movement: Self-winding
Strap: Black/Gold NATO-Style strap
Style: Diver
In terms of design, it's undeniably stunning. While some may have hoped for a steel version, this execution in Bronze Gold is undeniably fitting for an anniversary-themed limited edition. The absence of a date complication and a diameter closer to 40mm (41.3mm, to be precise) aligns with the original Mil-Spec Fifty Fathoms, a nod to its historic roots. The black Bronze Gold case paired with a nylon NATO-style strap creates a striking contrast, enhanced by the white/grey moisture ingress indicator. With minimal text on the dial and bold bezel numerals, this watch is unmistakably a Fifty Fathoms. The use of Bronze Gold elevates it to something truly special, in perfect harmony with the spirit of an anniversary limited edition.
For those following Blancpain's 70th Anniversary releases, Act 1 featured a 42.3mm Fifty Fathoms in steel, limited to 210 pieces, while Act 2 introduced the impressive Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa, measuring 47mm in width and not limited in production. Act 3, on the other hand, draws direct inspiration from the Mil-Spec history of the Fifty Fathoms, completing a trilogy that showcases Blancpain's dive watch designs, from modern and utilitarian to wonderfully vintage.
While there may not be a designated metal for 70th anniversaries, we can collectively agree that Bronze Gold is a fitting choice for Blancpain's Act 3.
Brand | Blancpain |
---|---|
Model | Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 |
Reference Number | 5901-5630-NANA |
Diameter | 41.3mm |
Thickness | 13.3mm |
Case Material | Bronze Gold (9K, satin brushed) |
Dial Color | Black |
Indexes | Painted |
Lume | Vintage-effect Super-Luminova |
Water Resistance | 300 meters |
Strap/Bracelet | Black/Gold NATO-Style strap |
Caliber | Blancpain 1154.P2 |
---|---|
Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
Diameter | 27.4mm |
Thickness | 3.55mm |
Power Reserve | 100 hours |
Winding | Automatic |
Frequency | 21,600 VPH |
Jewels | 28 |
Reference: 5901-5630-NANA
Case/Dial: 41.3mm Bronze Gold (9K, satin brushed), Matt black with
300m
Movement: Self-winding
Strap: Black/Gold NATO-Style strap
Style: Diver
Part of this celebration was the release of Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms - which have covered of the past week in a grand celebration including the release of Fifty Fathom Scuba Swatch.