WATCHES WITH PANACHE Blancpain 500 Fathoms Blancpain's newest diver's watch.
The Blancpain 500 Fathoms watch is
the newest entry in Blancpain's celebrated line of diver's
watches. Dubbed "the big sister" of its famous Fifty Fathoms
watch, the new 500 Fathoms is the most high-tech and most
high-performance watch in the collection.
Endowed with a new face, a new size and new performances, the 500
Fathoms is water-resistant to 1000 metres. It features a brushed titanium case measuring 48 mm in
diameter, equipped with a crown guard. Placed inside the case at 10 o’clock, a self-winding
decompression valve guarantees the security and the reliability of the watch, without requiring any
handling on the part of the wearer.
Blancpain 500 Fathoms watch, $22,100.
To enhance readability, Blancpain has designed large phosphorescent Arabic numerals that are hollowed
into the sunray-brushed metal appliques. The luminescent coating on the hour-markers, bezel markings
and hands, along with the red tip of the sweep seconds hand, ensure optimal readability in all
circumstances. The luminescent base of the black dial reveals its fluorescence only in the dark, while the
date appears in white against a black background at 4 o’clock. The unidirectional ratcheted bezel
facilitates handling and avoids any involuntary extension of the dive time. Crafted in titanium and
sapphire crystal, it features a gentle cambered relief that reduces the risk of impacts.
The 500 Fathoms is powered by the self-winding Calibre 1315, specifically designed to equip sports
watches. It incorporates a glucydur balance with micrometric regulating screws, which helps to prevent
any jarring from disturbing the smooth running of the watch. Three series-coupled barrels guarantee
constant energy and a five-day power reserve. The calendar system enables fast adjustment of the date at
midnight in both directions. Another noteworthy feature of the 500 Fathoms is its sapphire crystal
allowing one to admire its self-winding movement, as well as its engraved oscillating weight shaped like
a boat propeller, without compromising either water resistance or safety.
The new 500 Fathoms is equipped with a sturdy, sporty and watertight strap in rubber-lined black sail
canvas. A brand-new triple-blade folding clasp secured with two pushers on either sides sets the
finishing touch, while an additional rubber strap and the implement required to fit it complete the set
which comes in an ultra-rugged presentation box designed to withstand extreme conditions. The
performances and the reliability of the 500 Fathoms represent a major new technical accomplishment
bearing the unmistakable signature of Blancpain, which is thereby eloquently reaffirming the expertise
of its Manufacture in the demanding world of diver’s watches.
