Blancpain and Swatch Announce All-Black Version of the Scuba Fifty Fathoms “Ocean of Storms”
Last year, Blancpain and Swatch made literal waves with the Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms, with the affordably-focused series based upon Blancpain’s legendary Fifty Fathoms diver’s watch introduced in 1953. Presented in lightweight, yet resistant Bioceramic, it was offered in five different colors, each one dedicated to one of the oceans on Earth. Now comes number six which is called Scuba Fifty Fathoms “Ocean of Storms”, as it takes inspiration from “Oceanus Procellarum,” a vast sea covering parts of the Moon’s surface.
Accordingly, the Scuba Fifty Fathoms “Ocean of Storms” comes in an all-black execution, with the case, bezel and crown being crafted from black bioceramic. With a diameter of 42.3mm and a height of 14.4mm, the proportions remain the same as last year’s models. The same rings true for the water-resistance, which is rated to 91 meters / 300 feet – aka 50 fathoms – in accordance with the original Fifty-Fathoms, and the unidirectional bezel with a 60-minute graduation. Notably, the case’s side bears the imprint “Swatch,” a departure from the previous “Blancpain” marking.
Keeping with the theme, Blancpain and Swatch chose black for the dial. The dark shade enhanced by a sunray brush makes for a beautiful backdrop for the historically inspired hands, four Arabic numerals and eight markers which are filled with luminous material for best readability in the dark. The central seconds hand’s yellow tip and the specification of the water-resistance add a touch of color to the dial which is protected by a bio-sourced crystal. Like some of its predecessors, this Scuba Fifty Fathoms features a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.
As to be expected, the watch is powered by the Swatch’s Sistem51 self-winding movement, which runs at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz) and holds a power reserve of 90 hours. Consisting of just 51 components, this caliber is assembled entirely by machines. Thanks to a Nivachron hairspring, it features an increased resistance to magnetic fields. The exhibition case back reveals a depiction of the Oceanus Procellarum mare with an image of an Okenia Luna nudibranch printed onto its rotor.
The Swatch X Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms “Ocean of Storms,” which comes on a NATO strap made of recycled fishing nets, is expected to be available in select stores from January 11, with a price tag of $400.