Blancpain Expands The Fifty Fathoms With A New 38mm
When Blancpain introduced the Fifty Fathoms in 1953, it wasn’t just launching a watch, it was writing the blueprint for the modern dive watch. Lockable rotating bezel? Check. Automatic movement? Check. Water resistance built for serious divers? Absolutely. Seven decades later, that same DNA continues to evolve, and this year the Fifty Fathoms takes another thoughtful step forward with the introduction of the new 38mm Reference 5007.
A Case For Every Wrist
The Fifty Fathoms has traditionally been associated with bold case sizes, 42mm and 45mm being the standards for decades. But the addition of 38mm is not simply a scaled down version. Blancpain has reworked the proportions entirely, ensuring that the balance, presence, and legibility remain intact. The result is a watch that feels instantly familiar yet refreshingly wearable, whether you have a slimmer wrist or simply prefer a more discreet diver.
The new lineup spans stainless steel, satin brushed grade 23 titanium, and 18k red gold. Dials are offered in classic black or a rich sunburst blue, each framed by the Fifty’s signature sapphire topped unidirectional bezel. The combination makes the 5007 both versatile and unmistakably part of the family.
A Legacy Beneath The Surface
It’s impossible to talk about the Fifty Fathoms without looking back to its origins. Born under the guidance of then CEO Jean Jacques Fiechter, a passionate diver himself, the Fifty-Fathoms was engineered to meet the practical needs of professionals venturing into a world still largely unknown. Today’s reference 5007 doesn’t just inherit that legacy, it carries it forward with details like oversized Super LumiNova markers, 300-meter water resistance, and a robust yet refined case construction.
At the same time, the new 38mm size speaks to Blancpain’s ongoing dialogue with modern watch wearers. Demand for watches that combine technical credibility with true wearability is at an all-time high, and the Fifty Fathoms has answered with a collection that’s truly for everyone.
Inside The Watch: Calibre 1150 vs. Calibre 1153
Depending on the execution, the new 38mm references are powered by either the calibre 1150 or the calibre 1153, both offering a 100 hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring for anti magnetic performance.
• Calibre 1150 drives the classic sunburst dial models in steel, titanium, and red gold. It consists of 210 components, measures 26.2mm by 3.25mm, and features an 18k gold rotor inspired by the 1953 original
• Calibre 1153 is reserved for the mother-of-pearl dégradé editions in smoky black and petal pink. With 186 components, it is slightly more streamlined but maintains the same four day power reserve and 3 Hz frequency. In both cases, the movements are visible through a sapphire caseback, highlighting Blancpain’s attention to detail and refined finishing.
Straps and Style
For strap options, Blancpain keeps it flexible: tropic rubber, sail canvas, NATO, or matching titanium or steel bracelets with alternating finishes. The red gold editions exude elegance with a warm presence on the wrist, while titanium keeps things light, contemporary, and adventure ready. The mother of pearl models add a playful twist with striped fabric straps or subtle monochrome pairings.
Why It Matters
The Fifty Fathoms is not just another dive watch, it is one of the foundational pillars of the category. By introducing a 38mm reference, Blancpain hasn’t diluted its icon, it has expanded it. The 5007 bridges history and modernity, technical excellence and everyday wearability.
As Blancpain President & CEO Marc A. Hayek put it: “The Fifty Fathoms is much more than a diver’s watch, it’s a symbol of exploration and innovation. With the addition of new models, we’re responding to a clear demand while reaffirming that this collection was always meant for all wrists.”
Discover Blancpain’s Fifty-Fathoms collection
The Fifty Fathoms 5007 references are not limited editions, making them accessible (though still highly coveted) additions to Blancpain’s core line. Explore the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms collection online or book a personal appointment with our experts at our Melbourne, Perth, or Sydney boutiques.