| Brand | Blancpain |
|---|---|
| Model | |
| Year of production (circa) | 1975 |
| Material | Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Dial color | Black |
| Movement | Automatic |
| Diameter | 41 mm |
| Bracelet/strap: | NATO |
| Lug Width | 20 mm |
| Set Content | Watch only |
Sports & Tool, Vintage Watches
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bund
A beautiful piece of military history in un-restored aesthetic condition. Something unique for those true watch lovers out there.
It was back in 1975 when Blancpain made this version of the Fifty Fathoms for the German Bundeswehr. The special frogmen division known as Kampfschwimmer was equipped with rebreathers, meaning they could stay submerged for much longer than before. This had a practical implication for their watch; the rotating dive time bezel no longer needed to be graduated in minutes. Knowing your dive time down to the minute was life-saving with traditional scuba gear. The rebreather technology meant this was no longer relevant. The result? A stark black dive time bezel with no markings other than a triangle at twelve.
The dial features an H3 icon, indicating the presence of Hydrogen-3, more commonly referred to as Tritium lume. Surprisingly, these Bund Fifty Fathoms featured an extremely crude application of lume. Messy lume like this is usually a dead giveaway of a poorly executed re-luming job, but in these watches, it is actually the way it was done. And let’s be honest, as a Kampfschwimmer you were much more worried about accurately timing your mission rather than looking smooth. The handset of this particular example has been relumed later on. The hour indices are original H3.
This is not a watch that was ever babied. This has never been a safe-queen. It was taken underwater and used as the tool that it is. This is why we opted to leave its battle scars in place. Of course the movement received a full-service, but the case, bezel and crystal all show their experience. And isn’t that just precisely how you would want it?
€ 21.500
Availability: In stock
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Details
Backstory
Shipping
Brand
Blancpain
Diameter
41 mm
Model
Fifty Fathoms
Bracelet/strap:
NATO
Year of production (circa)
1975
Lug Width
20 mm
Material
Steel
Set Content
Watch only
Crystal
Sapphire
Warranty
2 year (AWCo)
Dial color
Black
Movement
Automatic
All of our vintage watches have been carefully selected for you. Each watch is meticulously inspected on condition and originality. Furthermore, our watches receive a full service by our highly skilled and qualified watchmakers before hitting the store, so you can wear your special find with confidence. A statement we back up with a 2-year warranty.
With over two decades of experience in vintage watches, we have developed an eye for great quality and great stories. Because we believe every vintage watch tells a story through its unique design, history and patina. A vintage watch is a time-traveling device in that sense. A practical item for daily use, that connects us to something bigger than ourselves at the same time. In an age of single-use goods and quick consumption, a mechanical marvel that is designed to last for generations is quite simply a fantastic thing to have in your life.
At AWCo, we are a diverse team of watch experts, each with their own niche interests and expertise. From history buffs to tech geeks and style gurus, we all approach this beautiful passion from different angles. We operate under the mantra that every vintage watch is unique and so is every client. We get a massive thrill out of helping you find that one special watch that perfectly suits your personality, style and budget. To see you staring at your wrist with a big smile on your face, is what we get out of bed for.
So if you like what you are seeing here, give us a visit, a call or a message via email or Whatsapp. We are looking forward to helping you discover whether this is the watch for you or your loved one.
At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.
We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.
Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.