Blancpain

Fifty Fathoms

The Fifty Fathoms was developed in 1953 for French combat divers and set out much of what a dive watch still is: a rotating bezel that only turns one way, high legibility, and a case sealed against pressure. The modern line splits between the full-size Fifty Fathoms, the smaller and more wearable Bathyscaphe, and the Flyback Chronograph versions. Sapphire and ceramic bezel inserts have replaced the original Plexiglas, and the watches remain genuinely usable.

Villeret

Villeret is the classical half of Blancpain, named for the village where the company began. Double-stepped cases, Roman numerals, hand-finished movements and often a complete calendar or moonphase. Villeret Ultraplate is the thin time-and-date version and the deepest part of our Blancpain inventory. Grande Date and Jour Date references add legibility without changing the character.

Sizing and daily wear

Fifty Fathoms in its full-size form is 45mm and unapologetically large; the Bathyscaphe at 38mm and 43mm is the version most people wear daily, and the 38mm in particular is one of the better-proportioned dive watches available. Villeret runs 38mm to 40mm and sits flat, with the double-stepped case adding visual height without bulk. Tell us your wrist measurement and how you intend to wear it.

Movements and service

Blancpain finishes its movements to a high standard and much of that work is visible through the caseback, so we check for scratches on the exhibition crystal and for signs of unskilled service work. Every piece is inspected in-house, described as we find it, and recorded with box and papers where present. Pieces listed as price on request are available on enquiry, and we buy and trade Blancpain.