Introducing: The Swatch X Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms Is Real – And It Has Arrived (Video + Live Pics)
Named the "Underwater Fifty," the newest partnership between the Swatch Group is set to cause utter mayhem on September 9th.
Introducing the Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms - the latest collaboration that took us by surprise. While it may not have the same catchy name as its predecessor, MoonSwatch, this new collaboration, known internally as the "Scuba Fifty," is truly impressive. It's safe to say that they have exceeded our expectations once again, proving that anything is possible with Swatch's Bioceramic line. Many of us were anticipating the Omega Seamaster for this year's collaboration, given the anniversary occasion. However, Blancpain is also celebrating a significant milestone - the 70th anniversary of their iconic Fifty Fathoms dive watch. Although a Blancpain Swatch collaboration seemed unlikely, they have managed to make it happen.
I had the incredible opportunity to witness this exciting new release firsthand, and let me tell you, it's truly remarkable. The brand certainly knows how to make a grand entrance. Throughout the past week, we have been witness to an exceptional marketing campaign. It all began with mysterious advertisements spanning two pages in well-known newspapers worldwide, such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and LA Times. These advertisements hinted at something big happening on September 9th. Shortly after, the official announcement came that Blancpain and Swatch were joining forces, which was also featured in those same newspapers. Adding to the anticipation, yellow Pelican cases with the collaborated logo were carefully secured with zip ties in Swatch and Blancpain stores all over the world. The contents of these cases remained a mystery, until now.
So, what is it exactly? Well, it is precisely what it appears to be - a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms in the form of a Swatch watch. Last year, there were 11 MoonSwatches with celestial themes, but this year we have five Scuba Fifty watches inspired by the ocean, each available in a different color. The Atlantic model comes in blue, the Pacific in yellow-orange, the Arctic in beige with an orange bezel, the Indian in green, and the Antarctic in white. If you're curious about the choice of these colors and why there isn't a black Scuba Fifty, it's because Swatch has made the decision not to use any colors that they have previously used in their Bioceramic line.
The version of the model we currently have is the blue version that is associated with the Atlantic. It displays the modern Blancpain logo and wordmark at the top of the watch face, followed by the Swatch logo. The bottom half of the face includes the word "Scuba", the traditional Fifty Fathoms writing, and a depth rating that is very specific. The depth rating is 91 meters (300 feet), which is exactly equivalent to fifty fathoms. The watch has triangular markers and Arabic numerals at the positions of 12, 3, 6, and 9 (a design that we also used in our own Blancpain limited edition!). All of these elements are displayed on a dial that has a gradient coloration, starting with a darker shade at the edges and gradually becoming lighter towards the center.
The yellow-orange and green versions of the design have the same features, such as the black bezel insert and orange accents. However, the Arctic and Antarctic models have a unique and interesting design. They incorporate vintage elements, like circular indices and a classic Blancpain wordmark with a flat A letter. But that's not all. The Arctic model pays homage to the renowned No Radiation (No Rad) Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, while the Antarctic model includes a moisture indicator (found in one of our previous Blancpain collaborations). Both models also don't display the date.
All five watches have the exact same design. They have a diameter of 42.3mm and a depth of 14.4mm, with a lug-to-lug width of 48mm. The lugs have holes for easy attachment, and the watch comes with a strap made from recycled fishing nets in the style of a NATO strap. In the usual style of Blancpain, the Swatch logo is engraved on the side of the case.
However, there is an additional aspect to consider. You may be curious if the Swatch Group would take the step of producing a Blancpain timepiece and equip it with a quartz movement. Rest assured, the statement made by Jean-Claude Biver is accurate. To this day, there is no Blancpain watch with a quartz movement. Instead, it is driven by Swatch's Sistem51 movement, renowned for its distinctive one-screw design and airtight construction, providing an impressive power reserve of 90 hours.
The inner workings of the watch can be seen through a transparent back, showcasing a hidden surprise etched onto it. Each timepiece boasts a meticulously crafted image of a nudibranch, a sea creature native to the ocean associated with the watch. Additionally, the movement itself is adorned with laser-printed designs representing the body of water. It's not extravagant watchmaking; instead, it's simply delightful and enjoyable.
It is difficult to determine how well this watch will be received on September 9th. I cannot anticipate whether or not there will be a huge demand for the BlancSwatch (just trying out the name) all over the world, but what I can say is that I had a very favorable reaction when I saw this watch – it happened in two parts. The first moment was when I laid eyes on the five different models and saw how the high-end Blancpain was transformed into a bioceramic material. The second moment was when I realized that it was an automatic watch. Looking back, it was quite obvious that they would use a Sistem51 movement, but at that moment, it surprised me and elicited a gasp.
The strap that resembles NATO's design provides a cozy experience. However, it is considerably lengthy and I encountered difficulties in properly securing it through the keeper for a perfect fit. The positive aspect is that you always have the option to replace the strap, and thanks to the drilled lugs, this replacement process is effortless.
Listen, the MoonSwatch has a distinct design. It's essentially a Moonwatch with slight modifications to the dial arrangement, making it clearly different. On the contrary, this here is essentially a Fifty Fathoms that has been given the Swatch treatment. Because of this, it feels much more luxurious compared to the MoonSwatch. Naturally, this elevated feeling comes with a higher price. The Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms will be available in stores this Saturday at a retail price of $400. The increase in price from the MoonSwatch, which costs around $260, takes into consideration factors such as the movement and dial, as well as the high-quality luminous bezel.
Many of these details seem specifically targeted towards people who are really interested in this subject. However, it is clear that Swatch and Blancpain have a plan here. This watch is definitely going to generate a lot of attention for the Blancpain brand and their famous Fifty Fathoms diver. In the next couple of days, we will see just how much excitement there really is. One thing is for sure: if you wait in line on Saturday but end up arriving too late to get a watch on the first day, you will definitely be disappointed. Before I leave with that corny joke, I want to mention that these watches, like the MoonSwatch, will not be limited edition. They will be available in Swatch stores alongside their MoonSwatch counterparts.
Regardless of your stance on this release, it's fantastic to witness these partnerships persist in the effort to make luxury watches (as well as historically important timepieces) accessible to all. Furthermore, it sparks curiosity about which watch will be unveiled next. At the moment, we have the Scuba Fifty to ponder upon. If you intend to line up for one this weekend, share some pictures with us. And as usual, best of luck!
Manufacturer: Swatch collaboration with Blancpain Product: Scuba Fifty Fathoms Product Codes: Arctic Ocean/SO35N100, Pacific Ocean/SO35P100, Atlantic Ocean/SO35A100, Indian Ocean/SO35I100, Antarctic Ocean/SO35S100
Size: 42.3mm in diameterThickness: 14.4mmComposition of Case: Made from BioceramicColor of Dial: Options include blue, yellow, beige, green, and whiteApplied Indexes: YesGlow-in-the-dark Feature: PresentWater Resistance: Up to 91mStrap/Bracelet: Comes with a NATO-style strap
Movement: Sistem51 Features: Display of hours, minutes, seconds, and date Energy Reserve: 90 hours Winding: Self-winding Vibrations Per Hour: 21,600
Cost: $400 Release Date: September 9, 2023 Exclusive Edition: Not limited, however solely sold at Swatch brick-and-mortar stores.
The HODINKEE Store is a licensed seller of Omega and Swatch timepieces. To find additional details about the MoonSwatch, please refer to the official Swatch website.
