Picture the mesmerizing realms of oceanic abyss, where the tales of time are whispered by age-old creatures, blending the heritage of two powerful horological names. The global anticipation surrounding the Blancpain X Swatch collaboration intertwines past with present, ensuring a celebration that is bound to be as deep as the ocean’s mysteries.
After the breathtaking response to the MoonSwatch, Swatch chose not to rest on its laurels but to embark on yet another promising journey. While the comparisons with OMEGA are inevitable, the decision to align with Blancpain, an emblematic house established in 1735 known for its luxurious diving watches, poses the question: Will this collaboration evoke the same fervor? The wait ends on Saturday, September 9th, when the world witnesses the unveiling of the Blancpain X Swatch Fifty Fathoms across select Swatch stores globally.
Swatch‘s Bienne headquarters in Switzerland holds a distinct charm reminiscent of the iconic Hill Valley town hall clock from “Back to the Future”. It’s almost as if Swatch is reminding us of its timely travels: through 1990, 1983, and notably, 1953.
The year 1990 marked Swatch’s foray into the underwater realm with the Scuba 200, a practical, affordable watch. Then, rewind seven years to 1983, and we have the Swatch that revolutionized the Swiss watch industry amidst the Asian quartz revolution.
But 1953? That’s when Blancpain‘s Fifty Fathoms, the harbinger of modern diving watches, made its mark. Crafted by Jean-Jacques Fiechter, a diving enthusiast and then-CEO of Blancpain, it set unparalleled standards.
“Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms didn’t just tell time; it echoed the heartbeats of divers venturing into the abyss,” as Jean-Jacques was once quoted.
Now, celebrating seventy years of this horological marvel, Swatch playfully tips its hat with five Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms models, each capturing the essence of an ocean: ARCTIC, PACIFIC, ATLANTIC, INDIAN, and ANTARCTIC.
In this captivating collaboration, Swatch offers a playful twist to the legacy, with the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms collection. These timepieces, named after the world’s five oceans, don’t just resonate with Swatch’s Scuba lineage, but they embody the spirit of the Fifty Fathoms. From the impeccable waterproofing to the protection against magnetism, these watches encapsulate the essence of the ocean’s depths.
It’s fascinating to see how both brands have seamlessly merged their essence. The water-resistance is thoughtfully set to 91 meters, a nod to the Fifty Fathoms. The name “Fifty Fathoms” traditionally refers to the English maritime measure of depth – 50 fathoms, equivalent to 91 meters.
The core of this collaboration, the SISTEM51 movement, deserves a spotlight. The movement was launched by Swatch in 2013. Its introduction was seen as a direct response to the increasing popularity of smartwatches and a way to offer an affordable, yet innovative, mechanical watch to consumers. Swatch aimed to showcase that even in an era dominated by digital technology, there’s still room for innovation in traditional watchmaking.
As the name suggests, the movement is made of only 51 parts. This is a stark contrast to traditional mechanical movements, which can have well over 100 parts. The reduced number of components not only simplifies manufacturing but also assembly. Remarkably, the entire movement is held together by a single central screw. It’s an automatic (or self-winding) movement, meaning it winds itself using a rotor, which moves with the motion of the wearer’s arm. One of its most impressive features is the 90-hour power reserve. Most mechanical watches in a similar price range offer about 40-50 hours.
The SISTEM51 movement is sealed in the factory, which means it can’t be serviced in the traditional way. This ensures that no dust or dirt can enter the movement, maintaining its precision. On the flip side, if the movement ever malfunctions, it would likely need to be replaced rather than repaired. The assembly process of SISTEM51 is entirely automated, which is a significant departure from traditional watchmaking that often relies heavily on manual labor.
Emphasizing the sustainable approach, the timepieces are crafted from bioceramic, a patented blend of ceramic and bio-sourced materials from castor oil. This eco-conscious choice extends to the NATO straps, which are derived from recycled fishing nets. The union of Blancpain and Swatch is further evident on the dial, crown, and even the inscriptions that evoke passion for diving and ocean conservation.
For aficionados of the Fifty Fathoms, the ARCTIC OCEAN model offers a touch of nostalgia with the “NO RADIATIONS” logo. This signature touch hails from the 1960s and has a special place in the heart of collectors. Another intriguing feature, the two-tone sensor, detects potential water presence and can be spotted on the ANTARCTIC OCEAN model, a nod to Blancpain’s innovations from the 1950s.
Blancpain X Swatch has reinvigorated Blancpain’s diving legacy with a contemporary, playful twist. Available in unique colors exclusive to this collaboration, these watches embody distinct identities that reference Blancpain’s heritage.
Come September 9th, watch enthusiasts worldwide can snag their piece of this collaboration. But remember, just like with the Bioceramic MoonSwatch, there’s a limit – one watch per person per day.
ARCTIC OCEAN
Dial and Design: The most striking feature of this watch is the symbol of three red segments on a yellow background crossed by a white X. An homage to the 1960s, the words “NO RADIATIONS” ensure clarity regarding the absence of radium, a collectible legacy.
Back Story: Showcasing the Dendronotus Frondosus nudibranch, the Arctic Ocean watch captures the essence of the soft and subtle forms of this marine creature.
Technical Specs: A nod to its diving heritage, the watch is waterproof up to 91 meters and houses the renowned SISTEM51 movement.
PACIFIC OCEAN
Dial and Design: Glimmers of warm azure waters are reflected in the hues of the watch, designed in tribute to the sunlit Chromodoris Kuiteri nudibranch.
Back Story: The Pacific is vast, and its watch captures the luminosity of the ocean, reminding one of sun-kissed beaches and tranquil waters.
Technical Specs: Standard across the collection, the watch features the robust SISTEM51 movement, guaranteeing precision and a 90-hour power reserve.
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Dial and Design: Deep blue colors encapsulate the spirit of the tumultuous Atlantic waters, making a grand statement with the depiction of the venomous Glaucus Atlanticus, aptly nicknamed the blue dragon.
Back Story: The Atlantic Ocean watch not only stands out for its striking design but also draws attention to the fragility of marine life.
Technical Specs: Alongside its intricate design, the watch is water-resistant up to 91 meters, fitting for a timepiece inspired by the vast Atlantic.
INDIAN OCEAN
Dial and Design: Emulating the radiant coral colors of the vibrant Indian Ocean, the watch pays tribute to the Nembrotha Kubaryana nudibranch.
Back Story: A celebration of the rich, diverse marine life and warm waters of the Indian Ocean, this watch is a medley of tradition and innovation.
Technical Specs: Like its counterparts, the watch boasts the SISTEM51 mechanism and is water-resistant, ensuring the intricate craftsmanship remains uncompromised.
ANTARCTIC OCEAN
Dial and Design: The Tritoniella Belli nudibranch graces this timepiece, evoking mysteries of the icy polar waters. Reminiscent of an iceberg amidst stormy waves, the design is a nod to the enchanting Antarctic realm.
Back Story: With a two-tone sensor that detects possible water presence, a historical feature from 1954, the Antarctic Ocean model embodies a confluence of Blancpain’s heritage and Swatch’s modernity.
Technical Specs: Ensuring the watch’s water resistance remains unscathed, the sensor is an added safety feature, complementing the reliable SISTEM51 movement.
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