Beschreibung:

FROM AN ASIAN COLLECTOR Blancpain Follow A rare and fine stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with humidity indicator and Bakelite bezel 寶珀，精細及罕有，精鋼自動上弦腕錶，配溼度計及「Bakelite」塑膠錶圈，約1968年製 Circa 1968 41mm. Diameter Case, dial and movement signed, case and movement signed Rayville
Manufacturer : Blancpain Year : Circa 1968 Case No : 301'472 Model Name : Fifty Fathoms Material : Stainless steel Calibre : Automatic, cal. 1700/01, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap : Leather Dimensions : 41mm. Diameter Signed : Case, dial and movement signed, case and movement signed Rayville Catalogue Essay Blancpain’s Fifty Fathom was the first commercially available modern dive watch when first released in 1953. It was an extremely robust timepiece featuring cutting edge technology like an anti-magnetic screw down caseback, automatic movement, double O-ring crown and rotating calibrated bezel. The watch was developed in association with the French Navy and their professional diver unit, the Service de Documentation Extérieure et de Contre-Espionnage. Named for what at the time was perceived to the greatest depth a combat diver could dive, the Fifty Fathoms today is a highly collectible mid-20th century watch. Presented in extremely nice overall condition, the present “Milspec 1” example features the humidity indicator, which was designed to turn pink when water [humidity] penetrated the case. The case and movement feature the “Rayville S. A.” signature denoting the watch was destined for the American market. While the “Milspec 1” signature on the dial would indicate military use it was made for civilian market. The watch is extremely well preserved, and features an equally nice Bakelite bezel. Today’s collectors seek watches that not only have a place in history, but are examples they can be proud. This Blancpain meets all the requirements a discerning collector seeks. Read More Maker Bio Blancpain Swiss • 1735 Follow As the watchmaking brand with the earliest founding date, Blancpain remains close to tradition, concentrating on classical mechanical watches. Established in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, the Le Brassus manufacturer today continues to innovate with the development of high-quality calibres and is proud of their heritage, having never made quartz watches. One of the firm's greatest successes was the Fifty Fathom wristwatch introduced in 1953 — the vintage models of which are now highly coveted by collectors. The earliest dive watch available to the market, Fifty Fathom came out a year prior to Rolex's Submariner. Another key model is the Air Command from the 1960s, considered one of the most mythical collector's watches due to their extreme rarity. Today, the firm specializes in creative innovated complicated timepieces. View More Works