A Tribute to Technical Excellence

Few timepieces strike a balance between refined elegance and rugged engineering as seamlessly as the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph. A descendant of the original Fifty Fathoms — widely regarded as the world’s first modern dive watch — this Bathyscaphe variation pays homage to a legacy that began in 1953 while introducing modern performance and design refinement for today’s discerning collector.

A Heritage Built Beneath the Waves

Blancpain’s association with underwater exploration is not merely symbolic. The Fifty Fathoms was born out of necessity when French combat divers required a timepiece that could endure extreme underwater conditions. What followed was a timepiece that would go on to define the dive watch category.

The Bathyscaphe collection, introduced decades later, refines that utilitarian DNA into a more contemporary, wearable silhouette — and the Flyback Chronograph variant elevates it with Blancpain’s signature horological innovation.

Chronograph Performance with Flyback Precision

At the heart of this model lies the Blancpain Caliber F385, a high-frequency automatic movement beating at 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour). This ensures exceptional accuracy and enables the flyback chronograph function — allowing the wearer to reset and restart the chronograph with a single press, ideal for timing events in rapid succession.

The movement boasts:

• A 50-hour power reserve

• Column wheel architecture

• Vertical clutch engagement for smooth start/stop functionality

• A sapphire caseback, revealing the beautifully finished rotor and bridges

For the seasoned collector, this is not simply another chronograph — it’s a precision instrument built with mechanical artistry.

Rugged Build, Refined Aesthetic

Housed in a 43mm satin-brushed ceramic case, this timepiece exudes stealth luxury. Ceramic, known for its scratch resistance and hypoallergenic properties, adds a modern touch while ensuring the watch remains impervious to harsh environments.

Key aesthetic features include:

• Unidirectional ceramic bezel with Liquidmetal® markers for fade resistance

• A clean, sunburst anthracite dial with luminescent hands and indices

• Integrated chronograph subdials and a date window at 4:30 for practical functionality

• A durable sail canvas strap offering both comfort and rugged appeal

Its 300-metre water resistance and screw-down crown affirm its readiness for serious diving, though most owners will find its elegance better suited to boardrooms than coral reefs.

Featured video | Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph

The Collector’s Choice

This model speaks directly to watch connoisseurs who understand Blancpain’s status as the oldest surviving Swiss watchmaker (est. 1735), and who value mechanical integrity over marketing flash.

Whether as part of a carefully curated collection or a statement of personal taste, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph asserts itself without shouting — a hallmark of true luxury.

Price in South Africa

At R279,900, this timepiece sits firmly within the high horology tier. For collectors seeking a Blancpain that fuses utilitarian heritage with contemporary finesse, few pieces deliver as completely.

This watch is available on the Luxury time store Now. Click Here.

Own a Legend

Blancpain’s motto, “Innovation is our tradition,” is exemplified in every detail of this exceptional chronograph. For the collector who demands authenticity, mechanical purity, and enduring style, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph represents a peerless acquisition.

Available now at LuxuryTime.co.za — trusted by South Africa’s most refined watch collectors.