Introducing: The Blancpain × Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean Of Storms
The new year had only just started when Swatch started sending new teasers into the world. “Ocean of Storms” ads were printed in various newspapers, and at the beginning of this week, the message was also published on the brand’s Instagram page. The ads also mentioned January 11th, 2024, the date of the first new moon of the year. Of course, all this information referred to an upcoming release, but what would it be this time — a new MoonSwatch, a new Scuba Fifty Fathoms, or a completely new collaboration? We now know that it’s the new Blancpain × Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms.
As soon as I saw the first ad, I suspected it would be a new watch in the Blancpain × Swatch collection. The font used was the same as the one for the packaging and marketing materials of the earlier versions. The “new moon” reference led me to think that maybe it had something to do with a new MoonSwatch. Then RJ said it might even be a completely new watch. However, I don’t think he truly thought so. I guess he just had high hopes (or knows something we don’t). We decided to ask the people at Swatch, and that’s when we got to see the first pictures of the black Blancpain × Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms.
Blancpain × Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms
In September of last year, the Blancpain × Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms collection debuted to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms. The watches are colorful Bioceramic representations of Blancpain’s signature dive watch. The five models are powered by Swatch’s automatic Sistem51 movement, come on NATO straps made of recycled fishing nets, and feature different nudibranchs on their rotors. Each version is inspired by one of Earth’s five oceans, so there is one for the Arctic Ocean (sand/orange), Pacific Ocean (yellow/black), Atlantic Ocean (blue), Indian Ocean (green), and Antarctic Ocean (gray).
The release of the Blancpain × Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms certainly wasn’t as disruptive as that of the MoonSwatch. Still, people lined up in front of the selected Swatch boutiques that were selling the watches on release day. I also got myself the Arctic Ocean version after hearing Gregory Kissling’s exciting story about the development of the Blancpain × Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms. And now, Swatch has released a black version named Ocean of Storms, which is inspired by the remains of the Moon’s largest sea. Called Oceanus Procellarum, it’s more than 2,500km wide and covers roughly 4,000,000km2, comprising 10.5% of the lunar surface’s total area.
The Blancpain × Swatch Ocean of Storms
The black Blancpain × Swatch Ocean of Storms has the exact case dimensions as the other versions of the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms. Therefore, it’s 42.3mm in diameter, 14.4mm thick, and spans 48mm from lug to lug. It has the same dial layout as the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean versions. That means it has characteristic and bold numerals at each quarter and features a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. Up until now, there haven’t been that many surprises. However, when you look at the finishing of the dial and, of course, the back of the movement, it does become more attractive.
All the earlier versions of the Scuba Fifty Fathoms had a fumé finish on the dial. The Ocean of Storms, on the other hand, features an evenly black dial with a subtle sunburst finish. When you turn the watch over and move the NATO strap to the side, you’ll see the unique finish of the Sistem51 movement. Of course, the rotor highlights a unique nudibranch (or sea slug). This time, it’s the Okenia luna, which, with its white color and name, matches well with the overall theme of the watch. Through the partly transparent rotor, you’ll see an image of the full moon with its sea printed on the back of the movement.
Oh, and why is it black? Well, that’s because the new moon is also often called the “black moon” as so little of it is visible. Besides, a black version of the Blancpain × Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms was definitely missing from the collection.
Antimagnetic and water resistant
Like the other Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms models, the Ocean of Storms houses an automatic Sistem 51 movement. The caliber’s production is fully automated, and, as the name suggests, it consists of only 51 components. It runs at a 21,600vph frequency and is antimagnetic because of its Nivachron hairspring and ARCAP (an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc) construction. It also holds a power reserve of an impressive 90 hours, and unfortunately, it’s not possible to service it. Opinions are divided on whether it can be replaced or not, but our understanding is that it can’t be.
As this is a dive(-style) watch, it is water resistant to at least 91 meters, equaling 50 fathoms. A fathom is the historical maritime measure of depth used in the English-speaking world. During your dive, the Super-LumiNova on the dial and bezel insert will help with readability in the dark. The black NATO strap with gray and white stripes will ensure that the watch stays on your wrist.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, the Blancpain × Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms is a logical addition to the collection. A black version was missing, and the dark sunburst dial it features is a welcome shift. Admittedly, I’m not a big fan of black watches in general. That’s why I’m still very happy with my Arctic Ocean version. Still, I hope that Swatch (or anyone else for that matter) comes up with a suitable non-NATO strap solution for this watch. It would make it more wearable on the wrist, especially when playing around in the pool.
The Blancpain × Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms will go on sale on January 11th worldwide. It will be sold at the same selected boutiques that already carry the original Blancpain × Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms versions. The price will also be the same as the others at €400 / £350 / US$400. Each person will only be able to buy one of these models daily per store, and it won’t be sold online. For more information, please check out the official Swatch website.
What do you think of the new Blancpain × Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms? And what other future versions can you think of? Maybe some in red, pink, or baby blue, as we’ve seen for the MoonSwatch? Let me know in the comments below.
