Blancpain’s Fifty Fathom was the first commercially available modern dive watch when first released in 1953. It was an extremely robust timepiece featuring cutting edge technology like an anti-magnetic screw down caseback, automatic movement, double O-ring crown and rotating calibrated bezel. The watch was developed in association with the French Navy and their professional diver unit, the Service de Documentation Extérieure et de Contre-Espionnage. Named for what at the time was perceived to the greatest depth a combat diver could dive, the Fifty Fathoms today is a highly collectible mid-20th century watch.

Presented in extremely nice overall condition, the present “Milspec 1” example features the humidity indicator, which was designed to turn pink when water [humidity] penetrated the case. The case and movement feature the “Rayville S. A.” signature denoting the watch was destined for the American market. While the “Milspec 1” signature on the dial would indicate military use it was made for civilian market. The watch is extremely well preserved, and features an equally nice Bakelite bezel. Today’s collectors seek watches that not only have a place in history, but are examples they can be proud. This Blancpain meets all the requirements a discerning collector seeks.