The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Act 3 was revealed in Cannes, France, as the ultimate watch in a year-long celebration for the world’s first true dive watch. There was loads of hypothesis previous to this, particularly after Blancpain dropped some teasers that proved very barely deceptive (a reference to German silver that gave away nothing). The watch is certainly a time-only 41.3mm dive instrument that doesn’t make area for a date; the 6 o’clock place is as a substitute occupied by the mil-spec water-resistance mark (denoting if moisture has compromised the case) of the navy watches of the Nineteen Sixties. The dimensions of the watch is universally accepted as following the instance of the 1953 Fifty Fathoms, however the particular reference this watch appears to be like to sparks debate. Some specialists level to 1967 particularly and Blancpain itself solely included a reference to a 1964 mannequin, however in actuality, the Closing Fathoms (as we now have taken to calling it) is an unprecedented new mannequin. There aren’t any difficult twists, though there’s a motion improve, but the case itself is outstanding, being bronze gold. 

Seasoned collectors little question recall bronze gold from Omega final yr and the fabric now makes an look at Blancpain. We really feel this can be a truthful change of experience, on condition that Blancpain provides the know-how behind Omega’s groundbreaking Chrono Chime. Visually, the concept behind the Fifty Fathoms Act 3 is clearly to bolster classic vibes, as all normal bronze watches often do. Alternatively, this isn’t common bronze… As a fast recap and replace on bronze gold, here’s what it is advisable know: The gold within the alloy makes up 37.5% of the whole materials, with copper making up the bulk (50%). Silver, palladium and gallium make up the rest. 

For anybody who plans to put on this watch, which is restricted to 555 items worldwide, it is best to observe that some patination will be anticipated however nothing on the order of ordinary bronze. Blancpain says it may be worn in opposition to the pores and skin, and a few social media experiences and rumours on the launch occasion counsel that there could also be minor variations between the bronze gold Blancpain is utilizing and that Omega used. Moreover, it appears the exclusivity of bronze gold will stay with Blancpain for the close to time period – once more that is based mostly on unconfirmed remarks on the launch, by Blancpain representatives. It could be that none of this pans out however the case materials bears some critical consideration and we suggest all potential house owners ask as many questions as they need of the product specialists at Blancpain.

On that observe, you may surprise why 555 items, specifically. Blancpain factors us within the route of Ariel’s Track from The Tempest (William Shakespeare), the place the identify Fifty Fathoms emerged in 1953. The road is “Full fathom 5 thy father lies,” so maybe 555 is a few kind of alliterative tribute… For many who care about such issues, which means that there can be extra Act 3 watches on the market than Act 1 items.

Now, there’s a little bit of a kerfuffle in regards to the Fifty Fathoms generally, with Perezscope digging up useless horses simply to flog them to demise once more. That covers our ideas on this topic however suffice to say additionally that it’s not related to the present Closing Fathoms mannequin. The case materials is, and the traits of the design are. On that observe, the form of the case and of the lugs (lug-to-lug measurements are usually not out there however we estimate one thing within the 50mm+ vary) is new, though it clearly is a spherical watch, mainly.

Consequently, for those who can sometimes put on a 42mm watch with none overhang, however that’s the most, you will discover the Closing Fathoms difficult. The exhibition caseback showcases a brand new evolution of motion for Blancpain, with the calibre 1154.P2 that includes an escapement with silicon hairspring and a brand new escape wheel in antimagnetic alloys – Blancpain didn’t say what precisely this alloy is, however we stay curious as to why the model doesn’t merely use the Breguet and Omega answer of extra silicon-based components for the stability meeting. The aim was to supply an antimagnetic motion that would stand up to 1,000 Gauss with out the safety of a delicate iron internal case; calibre 1154.P2 makes the grade, therefore the presence of an exhibition caseback. 

Anyway, the motion has 100 hours of energy reserve, making it a category chief, and we could have extra to day on it (and fewer on spurious particulars) within the eventual story on the Closing Fathoms and the launch in WOW Singapore and Malaysia (tentatively scheduled for the annual Legacy subject later this yr). Lastly, the worth of S$44,000 will disappoint some, and positively calls for due consideration. Finally, we predict there can be greater than sufficient demand for the Closing Fathoms, such that the worth won’t be a problem. The Closing Fathoms is, in spite of everything, an necessary milestone for Blancpain.

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