Blancpain - Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2024 Hong Kong Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Blancpain
    Year: Circa 2013
    Reference No: 5015B-1130-52A
    Case No: 144/500
    Model Name: Tribute To Fifty Fathoms No Rad
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1315, 35 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rubber
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Blancpain pin buckle
    Dimensions: 45mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Blancpain warranty stamped Volta, Italy dated 28th Feb 2013, instruction manual, additional black fabric strap and stainless steel Blancpain pin buckle, service booklet, travel pouch, fitted presentation pelican case and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    - The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, originally introduced in the 1950s, was designed as a professional diver's timepiece. Initially produced for the French and German military under the name Tornek Rayville, these watches were commonly known as Mil-Spec.

    - In 1953, the Fifty Fathoms was released as a 41mm dive watch. It featured a rotating Bakelite bezel and luminous markers on the dial and bezel to ensure readability in the darkness of deep dives.

    - However, in the early 1960s, new regulations mandated a change in the luminous materials used, replacing radium with a less radioactive alternative. Ever since, Blancpain incorporated the universal symbol for radioactivity with a cross mark labeled "No Radiations," indicating to the owner that the luminous bezel and dial were safe.

    - To commemorate this coveted model, Blancpain released a re-edition of the "No Rad" version, limited to 500 pieces. It featured a larger 45mm stainless steel case and a black ceramic lumed bezel, paying homage to the original Fifty Fathoms. The watch was also fitted with a vibrant orange strap, which complemented the radiation signage on the dial and added a sporty appeal to the dive watch.

  • Artist Biography

    Blancpain

    Swiss • 1735

    As 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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8112

Ref. 5015B-1130-52A
A fine and rare limited edition stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, warranty and presentation box, numbered 144 of a limited edition of 500 pieces

Circa 2013
45mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 160,000 
€9,400-18,900
$10,300-20,500

Sold for HK$107,950

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com

Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2024

19 - 26 March 2024