The original Blancpain Fifty Fathom MIl-Spec dive watch was first launched in 1957. Its uni-directional rotating bezel and the brand’s confidence in keeping the watch watertight by including an indicator on the dial was truly pioneering. The watch was a critical piece in watch development and was used by combat swimmers in the US Army. Blancpain is bringing this vintage watch into the modern era with the Tribute To Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec limited edition.

The key feature of the tribute watch is of course the watertightness indicator at 6 o’clock that works similarly to those in the 1950s. In the unlikely instance that liquid breaches the case, the upper half-circle will change from white to a matching orange of the lower half-circle, signalling the problem. Such an indicator, in terms of its functionality, probably is not necessary at all with today’s technologies and on a water resistant to 300 metres piece, but it is a nice touch for staying true to the original Fifty Fathoms. It gives an interesting appearance to the watch and is a nice talking point too.

The watch features a 40mm steel case and sitting inside is Blancpain’s in-house caliber 1151, an automatic movement with four-day power reserve, seen through the exhibition caseback. The balance spring is made of silicon, a material with great shock resistance and anti-magnetic properties. Three options are available for the strap: NATO strap, black sailcloth strap or steel bracelet. The piece is limited to just 500 examples.