CIRCA: 1960
REF.: Fifty Fathoms Milspec I
CASE NUMBER: 4911
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIMENSIONS: 41 mm in diameter
DIAL: Black with luminous indices, and original color-change humidity indicator at 6 o'clock
BRACELET MATERIAL: Tan calfskin strap
BRACELET SIZE: 6-3/4 to 7-3/4 inches
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Time
CALIBER: R570
The year 1953 saw innovations in the dive watch industry that would resound and set the standards for future generations. This was the year when Blancpain released the Fifty Fathoms dive watch intended for the use of combat divers. To this day, the name Fifty Fathoms is synonymous with prestige in the dive watch industry. "Fifty Fathoms" comes from the unit of marine depth measurement and a fathom is equivalent to 1.829 meters. So, 50 fathoms is equivalent to 91.45 meters, which is the maximum depth that divers could achieve at the time given their equipment.
Originally intended for French combat divers, Blancpain went on to produce other pieces for different countries and their navy branches for the next few decades. The current example is an absolutely pristine, unpolished watch with perfect original dial and hands. The original luminous material has aged to a beautiful creamy yellow color and the dial retains its original black gloss finish. As a matter of interest, a renowned local watchmaker carefully removed the caseback to reveal for the very first time to anyone since its production, the internal mechanics of this watch. There are no watchmaker marks on the inside caseback.
This is an extremely rare opportunity to own, what we believe to be, the very finest example of a Blancpain Milspec I ever to come to market. We can only be jealous of its next owner.
Condition
Dial and hands in excellent condition. The luminous material in the hands and the dial appear to be original to the watch and in excellent condition. There is no chipping or degradation evident in the luminous material and it has aged to a beautiful creamy color. Very faint scratches are evident on the bezel but still in excellent condition. The case is unpolished, crisp, and in pristine condition. Overall this is the best example of a Blancpain Milspec that we have ever seen.
Any reference to condition in a condition report will not include a full description of condition, and for example, may not specify all faults, alteration, adaptation, mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, or dial. Colors and shades may look different online or in printed materials than they look on physical inspection, and images may not clearly show the condition of a lot. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot in person and make their own evaluation of the lot. They must understand that any statement made by Fortuna Auction LLC ("Fortuna") is merely a subjective, qualified statement and does not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Fortuna. All dimensions in catalog descriptions are approximate. No warranties are made that watches in water-resistant cases are currently water-resistant. Fortuna does not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets or leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
Pre-owned watches, unless still in original packaging or never worn, will likely have some degree of wear and scratches. This should be expected for many of the watches offered in auction. Even if a watch is running and keeping time, bidders and buyers should expect that all movements will require maintenance. Fortuna recommends that all successful buyers promptly take their watches to a professional watchmaker for evaluation.
Prospective buyers should also refer to any notices as well as the Conditions of Sale in Fortuna's print catalogs and made available on its website, digital bidding platform, and other third-party digital bidding platforms. Please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, including but not limited to customs regulations, duties, and lots incorporating materials from endangered species. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DESCRIPTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY FORTUNA, THAT ANY OF THE LOTS FOR SALE ARE MERCHANTABLE OR SUITED FOR ANY PURPOSE.
Any reference to condition in a condition report will not include a full description of condition, and for example, may not specify all faults, alteration, adaptation, mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, or dial. Colors and shades may look different online or in printed materials than they look on physical inspection, and images may not clearly show the condition of a lot. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot in person and make their own evaluation of the lot. They must understand that any statement made by Fortuna Auction LLC ("Fortuna") is merely a subjective, qualified statement and does not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Fortuna. All dimensions in catalog descriptions are approximate. No warranties are made that watches in water-resistant cases are currently water-resistant. Fortuna does not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets or leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
Pre-owned watches, unless still in original packaging or never worn, will likely have some degree of wear and scratches. This should be expected for many of the watches offered in auction. Even if a watch is running and keeping time, bidders and buyers should expect that all movements will require maintenance. Fortuna recommends that all successful buyers promptly take their watches to a professional watchmaker for evaluation.
Prospective buyers should also refer to any notices as well as the Conditions of Sale in Fortuna's print catalogs and made available on its website, digital bidding platform, and other third-party digital bidding platforms. Please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, including but not limited to customs regulations, duties, and lots incorporating materials from endangered species. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DESCRIPTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY FORTUNA, THAT ANY OF THE LOTS FOR SALE ARE MERCHANTABLE OR SUITED FOR ANY PURPOSE.