Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5100-1130-B52A

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, ref. 5100-1130-B52A, is the quintessential modern interpretation of the original 1950s Bathyscaphe in its most classic colorway. Its significance lies in its 38mm case diameter, which marked a return to more traditional, unisex sizing upon its release in 2017, broadening the collection’s appeal beyond the larger 43mm models. Historically, the Bathyscaphe was conceived as a more wearable, everyday counterpart to the professional-grade Fifty Fathoms, and this reference perfectly embodies that ethos. The watch features a satin-brushed stainless steel case with the Bathyscaphe’s characteristically sharp, faceted lugs. The clean, legible dial is a meteor-grey/black color with a subtle sunburst finish, featuring simple applied dot and rectangular markers and the signature syringe-style hands, all hallmarks of the vintage originals. The unidirectional bezel has a black ceramic insert with Liquidmetal™ markers, providing excellent scratch resistance and a crisp look. Powering the watch is the in-house Caliber 1150, a slim, high-performance automatic movement with a 100-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring for anti-magnetic properties. The reference suffix “B52A” indicates the watch is delivered on a black sailcloth strap with a steel pin buckle, completing the classic tool-watch aesthetic.