Property of a Swiss Collector
1071
Blancpain
Fifty Fathoms MILSPEC 1
A historically interesting and rare stainless steel anti-magnetic diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, black glossy dial and humidity indicator
- Estimate
- HK$120,000 - 240,000€13,300 - 26,500$15,400 - 30,800
HK$317,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Blancpain
- Year
- Circa 1960
- Case No
- 5243
- Model Name
- Fifty Fathoms MILSPEC 1
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. AS 1361 N, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Rubber
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 41mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Delivered with Blancpain Heritage Authentication.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms originated shortly after the Second World War, developed at the request of French combat swimmers for underwater missions. Captain Robert Maloubier and Lieutenant Claude Riffaud collaborated with Blancpain CEO Jean-Jacques Fiechter to create a watch that could measure dive time, track mission duration, and remain legible in darkness.
From 1950 to 1975, several versions were produced. The Fifty Fathoms MILSPEC 1 was introduced in the U.S. around late 1950s and early 1960s. It was the first model that had met the U.S. Navy’s strict specifications. It then gave rise to the partnership between Fiechter and New York-based watch distributor Allen V. Tornek.
The present example, dated back to circa 1960, is a historically significant timepiece which features Tritium-based luminescent paint, used from the 1960s to 1990s. This material is no longer in use today and generally replaced by Super-lumiNova, which underscores its authenticity and vintage character. Offered along with Blancpain Heritage Authentication, the present MILSPEC 1 stands as a testament to Blancpain’s technical innovation and deep-rooted connection to ocean exploration.
From 1950 to 1975, several versions were produced. The Fifty Fathoms MILSPEC 1 was introduced in the U.S. around late 1950s and early 1960s. It was the first model that had met the U.S. Navy’s strict specifications. It then gave rise to the partnership between Fiechter and New York-based watch distributor Allen V. Tornek.
The present example, dated back to circa 1960, is a historically significant timepiece which features Tritium-based luminescent paint, used from the 1960s to 1990s. This material is no longer in use today and generally replaced by Super-lumiNova, which underscores its authenticity and vintage character. Offered along with Blancpain Heritage Authentication, the present MILSPEC 1 stands as a testament to Blancpain’s technical innovation and deep-rooted connection to ocean exploration.
Blancpain
Swiss | 1735As the watchmaking brand with the earliest founding date, Blancpain remains close to tradition, concentrating on classical mechanical watches. Established in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, the Le Brassus manufacturer today continues to innovate with the development of high-quality calibres and is proud of their heritage, having never made quartz watches. One of the firm's greatest successes was the Fifty Fathom wristwatch introduced in 1953 — the vintage models of which are now highly coveted by collectors. The earliest dive watch available to the market, Fifty Fathom came out a year prior to Rolex's Submariner. Another key model is the Air Command from the 1960s, considered one of the most mythical collector's watches due to their extreme rarity. Today, the firm specializes in creative innovated complicated timepieces.
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