Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5010-36B30-B64B — A Masterpiece Beneath the Waves
When you first lay eyes on the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5010-36B30-B64B, it’s hard not to feel a mix of admiration and intrigue. This isn’t just a timepiece; it’s a legacy wrapped around your wrist. It’s the kind of watch that doesn’t scream for attention—yet when someone notices it, they know they’re looking at something special.
The Fifty Fathoms name has been iconic since 1953, when it redefined what a diver’s watch could be. This modern reference takes that same pioneering spirit and dresses it in red gold, giving it a new identity—part rugged marine instrument, part understated luxury statement.
A First Impression That Lasts
At 42.3 mm, the case hits the sweet spot: large enough for a commanding wrist presence, yet proportionate enough for everyday wear. Crafted from brushed 18 kt red gold, the case radiates warmth that changes subtly in different lighting—sometimes glowing softly in the sun, other times looking almost bronze under muted conditions.
Framing the dial is a unidirectional sapphire-topped bezel, whose glossy surface and luminous scale make it both visually captivating and functionally indispensable. Rotate it, and you’ll feel the smooth, precise clicks that Blancpain has perfected over decades.
The Dial — Depth You Can See
The sunburst black dial is deceptively simple at first glance. But tilt it slightly and you’ll see fine radial brushing that plays with light like ripples on water. Luminous hour markers and hands ensure visibility in darkness, while the date window at 4:30 is discreetly placed so it doesn’t disrupt the symmetry of the design.
This balance between elegance and practicality is where the Fifty Fathoms really excels—it’s a watch you can wear to a formal dinner and on a deep-sea dive the next morning.
Engineered for Endurance — The Caliber 1315
Inside beats Blancpain’s in-house Caliber 1315, one of the most respected automatic movements in modern watchmaking. It’s a powerhouse in every sense:
- 120-hour power reserve (yes, 5 full days)
- 35 jewels and 227 components
- 4 Hz frequency (28,800 vibrations/hour)
- A silicon balance spring for anti-magnetic resistance
- A clever secured movement system to prevent accidental damage during setting
Through the sapphire exhibition caseback, you can see the rotor and finishing—proof that Blancpain treats even the parts you rarely see with the same level of craftsmanship.
Made for the Sea — And Everything Else
Let’s not forget: the Fifty Fathoms was born a diver’s watch, and this version takes that seriously:
- 300 m water resistance (30 bar)
- A robust screw-down crown
- The secure unidirectional bezel
- A comfortable Tropic-style rubber strap, designed to withstand saltwater and humidity without losing shape
(Alternatives in sail-canvas or NATO fabric are also available for versatility.)
Whether you’re diving coral reefs or navigating the city, the watch is equally at home.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5010-36B30-B64B |
| Case Diameter | 42.30 mm |
| Case Thickness | ~14.30 mm |
| Case Material | Brushed 18 kt red gold |
| Bezel | Unidirectional, sapphire-topped, luminous insert |
| Dial | Sunburst black with date at 4:30 |
| Hands & Markers | Polished, luminous |
| Case Back | Sapphire exhibition back |
| Strap | Black Tropic rubber (sail-canvas & NATO optional) |
| Clasp | Folding (deployant) clasp |
| Lug Width | 21.50 mm |
| Movement | Caliber 1315, automatic |
| Frequency | 4 Hz (28,800 vph) |
| Jewels | 35 |
| Power Reserve | 120 hours (5 days) |
| Silicon Balance Spring | Yes (anti-magnetic) |
| Movement Protection | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 30 bar / 300 m |
| Price (approximate) | $37,700 retail; ~$33,930 from select dealers |
Why This Watch Matters
Some watches are fashion statements. Others are feats of engineering. A few—like this Blancpain—manage to be both without compromise. The Fifty Fathoms 5010-36B30-B64B is not just for collectors; it’s for those who appreciate purposeful design that can handle the extremes.
Blancpain’s philosophy of “Innovation is our tradition” comes alive in this watch. The luxurious red-gold case might tempt you to keep it safe in a display box, but make no mistake—it’s built to be used, even abused, in saltwater and deep dives.
If you want a watch that’s as ready for an underwater expedition as it is for a black-tie gala, this is it.
Final Thoughts
The Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5010-36B30-B64B feels like the result of a decades-long conversation between Blancpain’s engineers, divers, and designers. It honors its history without living in the past, and it embraces modern luxury without sacrificing its original purpose.
It’s not an inexpensive piece—hovering near the $37k mark—but for those who understand what it represents, the value goes far beyond gold weight or movement specs. It’s a piece of horological history you can actually live with, every day, on land or at sea.
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