Blancpain’s ‘Rad’ New Timepiece

Horology has a sophisticated way of looking at what’s gone before in the delivery of exciting new references.

And Blancpain’s latest limited-edition piece does just that — the Fifty Fathoms ‘No Radiations’ paying firm homage to the ‘60s cult-classic diving instrument originally used by German Navy Combat Swimmers and stamped with a ‘No Radiations’ logo (indicating Blancpain’s timepiece was free from radium and to also differentiate those made for civilians and those made to meet military standards).

The original has subsequently become a highly coveted and collectible vintage piece — so little wonder, perhaps, that Blancpain is heading back to the future.

The new Fifty Fathoms ‘No Rad’ offers a 40.3mm stainless-steel case (a size now reserved for limited-edition novelties) fitted with a matte black dial and contrasting markings on the hour, chapter ring, hands, time scale and bezel in ‘old radium’- coloured SuperLuminova.

At 3 o’clock sits a date window highlighted by a white rim – as seen on the 60s Fifty Fathoms variants – while a yellow and red ‘No Radiations’ logo holds a certain central dominance on the dial.

The unidirectional rotating bezel is typical of Fifty Fathoms models and is fitted with a sapphire insert, with domed profile and water-resistant to 300 metres.

The timepiece comes powered by Blancpain’s Calibre 1151 –  a self-winding movement that boats silicon balance spring and four-day power reserve.

The watch arrives with a strap in ‘Tropic’-type rubber, a material popular with divers in the ‘60s due to its durability and general comfort.

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms ‘No Radiations’ is limited to 500 pieces and priced at $19,500.

Blancpain.com