Blancpain Introduces The Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet In Titanium And Rose Gold

Combining a traditional complication with dive-watch aesthetics leads to classy results

July 01, 2022

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Say “Fifty Fathoms” and most people will immediately think of the classic dive watch from 1953. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms introduced the dive-watch aesthetic as we know it today. The Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, however, has been a regular part of the Blancpain collection since 2013. With its more modern and minimalist looks, it is a different line of watches than the more traditional Fifty Fathoms. Within the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe line, Blancpain introduces new materials and different complications. It’s safe to say that it’s the brand’s more progressive line of divers. The latest additions to the lineup are the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet in titanium and rose Gold.

When it comes to the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe line, I always regard it as a modern series of watches. That is, however, far from the truth in terms of its backstory. But Blancpain’s more experimental character can be found in the Bathyscaphe line. Back in 2020, I had a chance to review the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback. It comes with a black ceramic case, a green dial, and a green ceramic bezel inlay, creating a really modern aesthetic. For the two new introductions, the brand combines tradition with modern execution. The two Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet show a different aesthetic of the same watch. Both, however, are instantly recognizable as Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe models.

The Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe

Blancpain re-introduced the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe line back in 2013. The Bathyscaphe line of watches was first debuted in 1956 as the smaller brother to the regular professional divers’ Fifty Fathoms from 1953. The idea was to offer a smaller and easier-to-wear dive watch in order to reach a larger audience of recreational divers. Sixty years after introducing the first Fifty Fathoms, the new Bathyscaphe offered that same alternative once again.

But there is more to the story of the Bathyscaphe line. While the regular Fifty Fathoms models are very much a modern take on the 1953 original, the Bathyscaphe models take a slightly different direction. They have a much more modern and fairly minimalist look. On top of that, Blancpain has chosen the Bathyscaphe to introduce new materials and different colors, so it is definitely more than just the little brother of the regular Fifty Fathoms. Funnily enough, my personal favorites in the Bathyscaphe line are the ’70s-inspired Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Day Date models. They show an aesthetic that is less minimalist and the models have a distinct ’70s flair that I love.

The Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet

The two new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet watches show an aesthetic that falls somewhere between the modern looks of the Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback and the Bathyscaphe Day Date models. While they are very different in appearance, both watches combine traditional complications with the modern look of the Bathyscaphe line. These two releases follow the stainless steel model that was already part of the collection. Thomas Stover covered the steel model as part of his article on the very few moonphase dive watches that are on offer nowadays.

Let’s look at some shared specs of the two watches. Both feature a 43mm case size that is 13.4mm thick. The case has a lug width of 23mm and is water-resistant to 300 meters. While still very much a dive watch at its core, the complete calendar and moonphase complication transform both watches into sporty dress pieces. Inside the cases, Blancpain equipped both watches with its caliber 6654.P.4. This automatic movement operates at 28,800vph and delivers a power reserve of 72 hours. The movement comes with a circular pointer-date display placed just inside the hour markers, day and month indicators at 12 o’clock, and a moonphase indication at 6 o’clock.

The titanium Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet

The integration of all the different elements is very neatly done. All the different functions are incredibly easy to read and really complement the overall aesthetic of the watches. The first of the two models is executed with a Grade 23 titanium case with a brushed finish. It comes with a sunburst anthracite dial and an anthracite ceramic bezel to create a monochromatic presence. The ceramic bezel is also satin-brushed to create an overall matte effect. The bezel comes with a graduated Liquidmetal scale. The dial is graced with gold Super-LumiNova-filled hour markers and a rhodium-plated handset and moon. As you can see, the central seconds hand and the date indicator come with red tips to integrate small hints of color.

At first glance, the combination of colors reminds me of the iconic Rolex Yacht-Master. It’s understated and classy at the same time. The integration of the calendar and moonphase complications is fully in line with the understated overall presence. The model comes with a titanium bracelet or the choice of a gray NATO strap or sailcloth strap that comes with either a pin buckle or a folding clasp. Especially on the bracelet, the watch looks sporty and modern. It definitely would be my preferred version out of the three. At CHF 17,200, it is also the most expensive. The versions on the straps come in at CHF 14,800.

The rose gold Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet

The Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet in red gold comes with a satin-brushed case. It features a sunburst blue-gradient dial that contrasts really nicely with the rose gold case and creates a classy yet sporty aesthetic. The rose gold bezel features a blue ceramic inlay that comes with a Ceragold time scale. The hands and hour markers are also executed in rose gold and are also filled with Super-LumiNova. Just as on the titanium model, the hands for the central seconds and the date indication feature red tips for a nice hint of color.

If you turn the watch around, you will see the rose gold oscillating weight to align with the case color. For the titanium model, Blancpain chose to treat the rose gold oscillating weight with anthracite NAC coating to maintain the sporty aesthetic of the model. The rose gold Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet is available with a blue NATO or sailcloth strap, with the latter option also offering a choice between a pin buckle and a folding clasp. The version on the NATO strap has a list price of CHF 28,000. The version on the sailcloth strap comes in at CHF 29,500.

My impressions of the Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet models

Seeing these two new additions to the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe lineup shows the great versatility of the Bathyscaphe range. Both pieces look completely different despite being clearly part of the same line of watches. When it comes to the overall commercial appeal of these models, I think that they are definitely for a small group of fans. Both the aesthetics and the integration of the full calendar and moonphase in a dive watch seem tailored for a discerning group of dedicated Blancpain enthusiasts who are looking for a dive watch with some seriously classy looks. It’s those looks that will probably keep it far from the sea that it was initially intended for. But the enthusiasts who love this watch definitely won’t mind that at all.

For more information, visit the official Blancpain website.