A TRIBUTE TO A WATCHMAKING ICON AND A CELEBRATION
OF THE OCEANS
Swatch is commemorating the 70th anniversary of Blancpain’s Swiss watchmaking icon, the Fifty Fathoms. This timepiece, which was introduced precisely seven decades ago, marked a groundbreaking moment in the world of watchmaking as the very first authentic diver’s watch. Unveiled in 1953, the Fifty Fathoms was conceived by a passionate diver to cater to the demands of underwater exploration. It swiftly became the preferred timekeeping instrument for pioneering divers and elite marine corps worldwide.
In their latest collaborative venture, Swatch pays homage to this iconic creation with a series of five new models, all while infusing its signature playful and fun spirit. Dubbed the “Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms” collection, these timepieces draw inspiration from Swatch’s own SCUBA line of diver’s watches. Within this non-limited collection, each watch faithfully replicates all the distinctive features that define the Fifty Fathoms: exceptional water resistance, exceptional readability, mechanical movement, a secure rotating bezel, and anti-magnetic shielding.
Blancpain and Swatch found their muse in the depths of the ocean to craft this set of five Swatch models, each one named after one of the world’s five oceans: ARCTIC OCEAN, PACIFIC OCEAN, ATLANTIC OCEAN, INDIAN OCEAN, and ANTARCTIC OCEAN.
Staying true to the tradition of diver’s watches, the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms boasts impressive deep-water resistance, capable of withstanding depths of up to 91 meters. This is a tribute to Blancpain, as the name “Fifty Fathoms” harkens back to the maritime measure of depth in the English-speaking world, where “fifty fathoms” equates to 91 meters (or 300 feet).
The Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms is powered by Swatch’s mechanical marvel, the SISTEM51. This groundbreaking movement stands as the first and only mechanical movement in fully automated production. Its anti-magnetic properties are courtesy of the Nivachron™ hairspring, and it comprises a mere 51 components, including a single central screw, all while boasting an impressive 90-hour power reserve. In 2013, the SISTEM51 revolutionized the world of automatic watches by introducing a visible movement: the front reveals the time, while the back narrates the story.
Staying true to this concept, all five watches in this collection sport an illustration on the backside, showcasing the vibrant creatures found in each of the world’s five oceans: the nudibranchs, scientifically known as Nudibranchia. These fascinating creatures are depicted in a digital print on the movement’s rotor, enabling the watch to recharge automatically with a simple flick of the wrist. For instance, the ARCTIC OCEAN watch features the Dendronotus Frondosus nudibranch, known for its gentle, organic contours. The PACIFIC OCEAN showcases Chromodoris Kuiteri, reminiscent of the warm, crystal-clear blue waters. The ATLANTIC OCEAN spotlights Glaucus Atlanticus, with deep blue hues paying tribute to the untamed seas, despite its seemingly fragile appearance – it’s even nicknamed the “blue dragon.” The INDIAN OCEAN, featuring Nembrotha Kubaryana, evokes the mesmerizing colors of coral and the vibrant aquatic world. Lastly, the ANTARCTIC OCEAN introduces Tritoniella Belli, conjuring images of the enigmatic and captivating polar waters, akin to an iceberg battered by stormy waves. Notably, these nudibranchs are native to the oceans that serve as inspiration for their respective watches. Additionally, each watch displays a depiction of the ocean it represents on its back.
In this collaboration between the two Swatch Group brands, all models are crafted from Bioceramic, a proprietary material patented by the brand. This unique composition combines two-thirds ceramic with one-third biosourced material derived from castor oil. In a gesture of dedication to ocean conservation, the NATO straps are constructed from recycled fishing nets retrieved from the sea.
Emblazoned with shared Blancpain X Swatch logos on the dial and crown, these timepieces also bear the inscription “Swatch” on the case, mirroring the “Blancpain” branding on the original Fifty Fathoms watches. To further inspire, the back of each watch features uplifting inscriptions such as “PASSION FOR DIVING,” “LICENCE TO EXPLORE,” “OCEAN BREATH,” “PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE,” and “IMMERSE YOURSELF.”
Dedicated enthusiasts of the Fifty Fathoms series will find a special emblem adorning the ARCTIC OCEAN model’s dial: a red trefoil set against a yellow backdrop, intersected by a white cross. Beneath this emblem, the words “NO RADIATIONS” serve as a clear statement. In the 1960s, these diver’s watches featured the “NO RADIATIONS” emblem on their dials to signify their absence of radium. Over time, these watches have evolved into highly coveted collector’s items, solidifying their place in the legendary heritage of the Fifty Fathoms.
On the ANTARCTIC OCEAN model, another remarkable reference awaits: a functional water contact indicator designed to detect the presence of water. Since 1954, Blancpain has incorporated this feature into select models intended for use by diving clubs and military units. Positioned at the 6 o’clock mark on the dial, this sensor serves as a safeguard, ensuring that the watch’s water resistance remains intact following previous dives. A change in the sensor’s color indicates the presence of moisture. Several Fifty Fathoms models equipped with this two-color sensor bear the designation “MIL-SPEC,” in accordance with the specifications of the United States Navy.
The fresh Blancpain X Swatch Collection showcases exclusive colors meticulously crafted for this unique partnership. These hues introduce a bold, playful, and distinctive element to Blancpain’s lineup of professional diver’s watches. Each Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms possesses its own individual character and cleverly references the Blancpain collection.
Starting from September 9th, these watches from the new Swatch collaboration will be exclusively available at chosen Swatch stores worldwide. Similar to the Bioceramic MoonSwatch, each person is limited to the purchase of one watch per day. These exquisite timepieces will be elegantly presented in a dedicated diving case, and for several weeks, they will also be on display in selected Blancpain boutiques.
History SWATCH SCUBA
1990: SWATCH SCUBA 200
Swatch launches a diver’s watch anyone can afford, which has a bezel that shows the minutes remaining for diving and is water resistant to a depth of 200 meters, opening the world of diver’s watches to the cool and fun design philosophy of Swatch.
Diameter: 38.40 mm
Lug-to-lug distance: 42.80 mm
Thickness: 13.80 mm
1993: SWATCH AQUACHRONO 200
The chronograph that came from the deep: a diver’s watch and a stopwatch in one, water resistant to a depth of 200 meters.
Diameter: 43.50 mm
Lug-to-lug distance: 48.60 mm
Thickness: 14.80 mm
1995: SWATCH AQUACHRONO MIDSIZE
The smaller AQUACHRONO has the same size as the SCUBA 200 and the same functions like the CHRONO; it is water
resistant to a depth of 30 meters.
Diameter: 38.40 mm
Lug-to-lug distance: 42.80 mm
Thickness: 13.80 mm
1995: SWATCH IRONY SCUBA
The IRONY SCUBA combines the popularity of stainless steel with the cool allure of a diver’s watch — perfect for “urban divers”.
Diameter: 44.30 mm
Lug-to-lug distance: 43 mm
Thickness: 17.40 mm
1998: SWATCH IRONY SCUBA 200
Swatch moves to satisfy divers with a new and bold design piece in stainless steel or aluminum case and ruggedized crystal. It is water resistant to 200 meters, shockproof, resistant to magnetic fields, with quartz accuracy, a rotating bezel and minute scale.
Diameter: 44.30 mm
Lug-to-lug distance: 42.50 mm
Thickness: 16.80 mm
2000: SWATCH IRONY SCUBA 200 CHRONO
The rugged diver’s watch continues to win new customers. The latest SCUBA addition is water resistant to a depth of 200 meters.
Diameter: 46.20 mm
Lug-to-lug distance: 56.26 mm
Thickness: 17.40 mm
2004: SWATCH FUN SCUBA
For the fashion-conscious lifestyle experts who occasionally go diving (down to 200 m) or climb mountains. Its depth meter automatically activates once the watch is submerged below one meter of water. The hour hand displays the depth down to a maximum of 40 meters, and the minute hand shows the total dive time — up to 90 minutes. It also enables divers to record the last dive and the best dive. Once out of the water, the FUN SCUBA automatically switches mode to display the time.
Diameter: 46.85 mm
Lug-to-lug distance: 57.26 mm
Thickness: 16.48 mm
2013: SWATCH SCUBA LIBRE
For urban visionaries dreaming of the sea, the new collection launches with a “Mad about the Sea” campaign blending underwater and urban elements as well as a memorable TV commercial featuring singer Mika’s hit song, “Underwater”.
Diameter: 44.00 mm
Lug-to-lug distance: 49.00 mm
Thickness: 16.65 mm
2023: BIOCERAMIC SCUBA FIFTY FATHOMS
The first SCUBA with a mechanical movement.
Diameter: 42.3 mm
Lug-to-lug distance: 48.00 mm
Thickness: 14.4 mm