This reference serves as an accessible entry for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. The watch's 42.3mm Bioceramic case is given a deep matte blue that mimics the satin-brushed finish of its luxury counterpart. The dial features a gradient finish—darkening towards the perimeter—which provides visual depth and higher contrast for the lumed indices compared to lighter variants.
Swatch was conceived by engineers at ETA SA and guided by the formidable commercial strategy of Nicolas G. Hayek, the brand repositioned the Swiss-made timepiece as an accessible, artistic, and fun fashion accessory. The name itself, a contraction of "Second Watch," defined its new market category.
The immense financial success of this high-volume, low-cost model provided the foundation for Hayek's new corporate entity, SMH (later The Swatch Group), to acquire and rebuild cornerstone luxury maisons such as Blancpain and Breguet.
Overall Grade: 9 / 10 | Mint Condition, Light Wear Production: 2023 Contents: Pouch and Papers Genre: Dive Watch
Size: 42mm Thickness: 14mm Lug Width: 22mm
Case: Blue bio-ceramic case, matte finish Bezel: Blue bioceramic, one-way dive bezel scale Dial: Blue gradient dial, applied markers, lumed Hands: Blue color sword hands, lumed
Crown: Bioceramic push/pull crown, light visible wear Crystal: Biosourced crystal with anti-scratch coating Bracelet: NATO strap from recycled nets Caseback: Transparent exhibition back with illustration Movement: Automatic Caliber: Sistem51