In the world of horology, where tradition meets innovation, two prominent names have come together to make waves in the watchmaking industry.
Blancpain, the venerable Swiss watchmaker with a heritage dating back to 1735, and Swatch, renowned for its contemporary designs and innovative approach, have joined forces to create something truly extraordinary.
Their collaborative masterpiece, the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection, is not just a collection of watches; it’s a celebration of history, innovation, and the spirit of exploration.
A Dive into the Collaboration
The partnership between Blancpain and Swatch brings together centuries of watchmaking tradition and modern design sensibilities. Both brands have carved their niches in the industry, with Blancpain known for its precision and craftsmanship, and Swatch celebrated for its playful, accessible timepieces. So, why did these two giants of horology decide to collaborate?
The answer lies in a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in watchmaking. Both Blancpain and Swatch have a deep appreciation for the art and science of timekeeping, and this partnership allowed them to combine their strengths and create something truly exceptional. The Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection is a testament to their collective commitment to innovation and their desire to pay homage to a legendary timepiece—the Fifty Fathoms.
Source : www.swatch.com
Unveiling the Five Watches of the Collection
Now, let’s delve into the heart of this collaboration—the five remarkable watches that make up the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection. Each watch draws inspiration from one of the world’s five oceans and showcases the vibrant and colorful nudibranchs that call these waters home.
1. Arctic Ocean Model
In homage to the pristine, icy expanse of the world’s smallest ocean—the Arctic Ocean—the ARCTIC OCEAN model emerges as a breathtaking timepiece. Its soft beige-colored dial sets the stage for a striking symbol: a red trefoil stands boldly against a yellow backdrop, with a white cross slicing through its center.
Yet, it’s the phrase “NO RADIATIONS” beneath this emblem that carries the weight of history, paying homage to the legendary Fifty Fathoms heritage and the illustrious history of diver’s watches from the 1960s.
A cherished emblem among today’s discerning watch collectors, this symbol harks back to a time when Blancpain pioneered the world’s first diver’s watch free of radium. On the flip side of this horological masterpiece, an exquisite illustration of the fiery red Dendronotus Frondosus takes center stage.
Its vibrant hues echo through the NATO strap crafted from upcycled fishing nets, the Bioceramic case, and the gradient dial, all driven by the precision of the SISTEM51 movement. This timepiece is not just a watch; it’s a testament to innovation, a nod to heritage, and an artful fusion of history and modernity.
Source : www.swatch.com
2. Pacific Ocean Model
Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking colors of the Chromodoris Kuiteri, a resident of the Earth’s largest and deepest ocean—the Pacific Ocean—the PACIFIC OCEAN model emerges as a vibrant celebration of marine life.
Its radiant yellow-orange Bioceramic case captures the essence of the ocean’s vivid beauty. The NATO strap, ingeniously crafted from repurposed fishing nets, adds an eco-friendly touch to this magnificent timepiece. A striking black and white gradient dial mirrors the depths of the ocean, while a thoughtful date indicator positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock adds practicality to its allure.
Beneath the surface, the heartbeat of this watch is the SISTEM51 movement, a marvel of precision and innovation. With each passing second, the PACIFIC OCEAN model not only keeps time but also pays homage to the ocean’s kaleidoscope of colors, making it a true work of art for the wrist.
Source : www.swatch.com
3. Atlantic Ocean Model
In a reverential nod to the tempestuous waters and tumultuous waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the ATLANTIC OCEAN model emerges as a testament to the ocean’s unforgiving beauty.
Drenched in deep and intense blue shades, this timepiece pays tribute to the relentless nature of the Atlantic. Drawing inspiration from the Glaucus Atlanticus, also known as the blue dragon, the watch features a Bioceramic case that mirrors the creature’s aquatic colors. The gradient dial, adorned with a date indicator nestled gracefully between 4 and 5 o’clock, echoes the ocean’s mood swings.
A unique touch of sustainability graces the NATO strap, meticulously crafted from repurposed fishing nets. On the reverse side of this exceptional timepiece resides an exquisite illustration of the majestic blue dragon, drifting gracefully on the surface of the Atlantic. All of this is underpinned by the precision and innovation of the SISTEM51 movement, making the ATLANTIC OCEAN model not just a watch, but a tribute to the untamed spirit of the sea.
Source : www.swatch.com
4. Indian Ocean Model
Immerse yourself in the vibrant allure of the INDIAN OCEAN model, where the energetic green Bioceramic case, dial, and NATO strap, artfully crafted from repurposed fishing nets, conjure vivid images of lush, sparkling waters.
These contrasting hues paint a picture of thriving coral reefs, teeming with marine life, much like the Nembrotha Kubaryana depicted on the watch’s reverse side. A thoughtful date indicator, gracefully positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock, adds both functionality and elegance to the gradient green dial.
Beneath the surface, the heartbeat of this masterpiece is the SISTEM51 movement, a marvel of precision and innovation. With every tick, the INDIAN OCEAN model captures the essence of the Indian seas, making it a wearable tribute to the ocean’s abundant beauty and the mysteries it holds.
Source : www.swatch.com
5. Antarctic Ocean Model
The ANTARCTIC OCEAN model pays homage to one of the Earth’s most extreme and unforgiving environments. It’s a tribute to the relentless beauty of the Antarctic, where icy waters reign supreme.
At the heart of this timepiece, a bicolor water contact indicator takes center stage, poised at 6 o’clock on its cool gray gradient watch dial. This sensor is not just a decorative feature; it’s a critical component found in military diving watches, coveted by discerning watch collectors for its functionality and elegance.
Driving the watch’s precision is the remarkable SISTEM51 movement, a testament to innovation and accuracy. Yet, it’s the watch’s reverse side that reveals its true character—a mesmerizing illustration of the Tritoniella Belli, an enigmatic creature whose shape mirrors an iceberg battered by storm waves. These muted colors inspired the palette of the watch’s Bioceramic case, gradient dial, and NATO strap, each meticulously crafted from recycled fishing nets.
The ANTARCTIC OCEAN model is not merely a watch; it’s a journey to one of the planet’s most extreme landscapes, a convergence of form and function, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration that continues to captivate us all.
Source : www.swatch.com
A Glimpse into the SISTEM51 Movement
The heart and soul of the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection beats to the rhythm of Swatch’s remarkable mechanical movement, known as the SISTEM51. This groundbreaking innovation, introduced in 2013, stands as the first and only mechanical movement produced entirely through automation—a testament to Swiss ingenuity and precision engineering.
The SISTEM51 movement is an engineering marvel, comprising a mere 51 components, with a solitary central screw holding it all together. Its exceptional 90-hour power reserve ensures that it will faithfully keep time through days of adventures. What’s more, the SISTEM51 movement is impervious to magnetic interference, courtesy of its hairspring crafted from Nivachron™, a testament to its high precision and reliability.
In the true spirit of Swatch, the SISTEM51 movement is showcased with panache, thanks to a transparent display back on each watch. But there’s more to this display than meets the eye. Adorning the rotor within, you’ll find intricate illustrations of the five enchanting and colorful nudibranchs that call each of the five oceans home.
These digital prints on the rotor don’t just serve an aesthetic purpose; they’re the magic behind the scenes. As you move your wrist, this ingenious mechanism allows the watch to recharge itself, harnessing the kinetic energy generated by your everyday movements. It’s a brilliant fusion of art and functionality, ensuring that your watch is not just a timepiece but a living testament to the wonders of innovation and the natural world.
Source : www.swatch.com
Blancpain: Pioneering Time Since 1735
Steeped in history and rooted in the Swiss Jura, Blancpain proudly wears the mantle of being the world’s oldest watch brand, with a legacy dating back to 1735. Its illustrious journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to innovation, making it a trailblazer in the world of horology.
Over the centuries, Blancpain has proven its mettle by crafting countless horological complications, showcasing a relentless pursuit of excellence. With each passing year, it has stretched the limits of watchmaking, venturing into uncharted territories to elevate this timeless art to unprecedented heights.
Central to Blancpain’s narrative is the Fifty Fathoms—a watch that transcends horology and takes a plunge into the depths of underwater exploration. This iconic timepiece has played a pivotal role in the evolution of diving and ocean discovery, forging deep bonds with the oceanic community.
Blancpain’s enduring legacy is not just a testament to its rich history but a promise to keep innovating and exploring new horizons in the world of watchmaking, ensuring that time itself remains an art that knows no boundaries.
Here are the specs of these magnificent watches :
Case
- Case material: Bioceramic case including crown
- Case diameter: 42.3 mm
- Water resistance: 9 bar
DIAL
Beige - Black and White - Blue - Green - Gray
BRACELET/STRAP
- Bracelet Material: NATO strap made from recycled fishing nets removed from the sea
MOVEMENT
- Movement: mechanical - SISTEM51
Retail Price
400$
Case
- Case material: Bioceramic case including crown
- Case diameter: 42.3 mm
- Water resistance: 9 bar
DIAL
Beige - Black and White - Blue - Green - Gray
BRACELET/STRAP
- Bracelet Material: NATO strap made from recycled fishing nets removed from the sea
MOVEMENT
- Movement: mechanical - SISTEM51
Retail Price
$400
In this groundbreaking collaboration, Blancpain and Swatch have not only paid tribute to horological history but have also set a new standard for innovation and design.
The Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection is not just a collection of watches; it’s a journey through the world’s oceans, a celebration of exploration, and a testament to the boundless possibilities of watchmaking.
It invites you to wear a piece of history on your wrist and become a part of a timeless narrative of discovery and innovation.
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