Fifty Fathoms 'Barakuda', Steel

The ‘Barakuda’ was a later iteration of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms produced in only 150 examples. It was made with a German diving firm of the same name, to whom Blancpain supplied specialized diving parts with a unique dial featuring heavily-lumed, two-tone indices. ‘Barakuda’ Fifty Fathoms were first issued to the Bundesmarine (German Navy) though other militaries followed suit. Military issued examples often feature unique caseback engravings for ease of identification and tracking of the serialized equipment. This example was one purchased by the Polish Navy for their divers, as identified by the serialization engravings on the case side and caseback. These engravings begin with ‘MW’ an abbreviation of their Navy’s name in Polish, Marynarka Wojenna. 

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms marked a massive leap forward in the practicality of purpose built dive watches. Its design leveraged the unique combination of watchmaking prowess and diving enthusiasm of its creator, Jean-Jacques Fiechter. The limitations of previous offerings were clearly apparent to Captain Robert Maloubier and Lieutenant Claude Riffaud of the French Combat Diving School. In seeking a timekeeping tool for their most elite divers the pair tested a wide assortment of watches and found them lacking due to their small size, legibility, and water resistance. The two French officers found common ground with Fiechter of Blancpain, himself an experienced diver, who saw a commercial appeal to a more capable dive watch. In an effort that would result in 3 separate patents, he developed a dive watch with Fifty Fathoms, or ~90m, of depth rating.

The watch they created together was a massive 41mm to accommodate is rotating bezel, a first of its kind. The luminous dial was highly legible with an easily-distinguished 12 marker. Water resistance was accomplished through a screw down case back and reliability of timing was ensured through an automatic caliber. The crown would not have to be adjusted or wound to keep time. This was crucial, as Blancpain could not include a screw-down crown. While the technology existed, Rolex held its patent. The Fifty Fathoms utilized a free crown with gaskets, not to be adjusted whilst diving. While examples were purchased by the French Navy, the model proved wildly popular, particularly after Jacques Cousteau wore his in ‘Silent World’. 

The Fifty Fathoms stimulated dive watch development from other manufacturers in the late 1950s due to its unparalleled functionality. Its impact and historical significance are paralleled only by its numerous technical innovations. With its high-legibility red indices, true rarity, utilitarian appearance, and issued pedigree, the Barakuda has proven incredibly alluring now, decades later, for collectors.

This Fifty Fathoms Barakuda presents in good and original condition. The dial is showing light signs of patina but beautifully so. The tritium lume is original to the watch on dial and hands. The original bezel's bakelite has some cracks and bubbling with light wear throughout, which is common for the material. The case on this example is full and sharp, with wear on all surfaces and edges, exactly how you'd hope to find it. The original military serialization case engravings are present on both caseback and case side. The calibre AS 1902 is running well and winds extremely efficiently.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.