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A marketplace for chronographs, dive watches and other tool-type wristwatches and timepieces

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FS: 1953 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Ref. 2462 Aqualung 1000FT

FS: 1953 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Ref. 2462 Aqualung 1000FT

Offered at $21,850 USD We are always open to offers and trades. Please feel free to contact us at [email]cam@craftandtailored.com[/email] or by calling (213) 293-0555

The Blancpain series of dive watches have a history that is just as storied as some of the more infamous and famous dive watches of the same era. The vintage Blancpain dive watches are becoming increasingly rare as a result of collectors holding onto these specific timepieces and as a result of very small production numbers by Blancpain to begin with. The Armed Forces were early adopters of Blancpain dive watches. Including the French and American Navy as were the early underwater explorers such as Jacque Cousteau among many others. The early Blancpain dive watches embody the golden era of design and innovation that we love from the late 1950s into the 1960s. The idea for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was conceived in 1952 due to members French Navy who required a dive watch for their elite team of combat “Frogmen” divers. After testing numerous dive watches French Navy officers Captain Robert “Bob” Maloubier & Lieutenant Claude Riffaud, could not obtain one fit for the requirements of their elite team. The elite unit required a watch that was extremely water resistant and still visible underwater even at night. Capt. Maloubier created the blueprints required and sent them around to various watch companies. At the time Most of the watchmaking companies at the time focused on manufacturing piloting and aviation watches. Finally, Capt. Maloubier and Lt. Riffaud engaged with Jean-Jacques Fiechter, who was Blancpain’s CEO from 1950 to 1980. Being a diver himself, Fiechter took to the idea and agreed to develop the timepiece for the elite team of combat divers. Fiechter not only accepted the requirements to produce the specific timepieces but also added to the design features thus resulting in a product that adhered to the specifications set forth by the French Navy but also resulted in features and innovations for the dive watch industry as a whole.

This specific Blancpain Ref. 2462 Fifty Fathoms "Aqua Lung" is an extremely fine example. The glossy dial paired with the 3-dimensional bakelite bezel insert sets this Blancpain apart from other "Golden Era" Divers. The radium markers and numerals are unique and specific to the early Blancpain Fifty Fathoms This is an eye-catching piece that would most definitely stand out from the crowd but the piece possesses the simple and understated elements that make it so rare and unique.

Stock # BLNCP-FF50's
Brand Blancpain
Style Fifty Fathoms
Model Aqualung
Serial 29XX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Black (Glossy)
Millimeters 41mm
Strap Craft & Tailored Premium Nato Strap

CASE & BRACELET

The case remains in stunning condition showing the factory chamfers and factory finishing. The original bakelite bezel is in an absolutely stunning condition with the luminous indices within the bakelite showing a wonderful golden patina. The case back is also in original and unpolished condition properly displaying the engraved serial number, anti-magnetic, water proof, shock protected, and automatic engravings. The watch will come on a Craft & Tailored premium NATO strap

DIAL & HANDS

The original glossy dial is in immaculate and untouched condition. The dial is free of any cracks or blemishing and is downright stunning. When viewed under UV light the radium within the bezel and dial still retain glow for a brief moment as do the hands. The radium numerals and markers show the same golden patina and are fully intact with very minimal lume degradation if any at all. The minute hand shows some cracking but remains intact without any loss to the lume within the hand.

ACCESSORIES

None. The watch was recently serviced and is running at COSC spec.

















Return Policy: All item descriptions and pictures are accurate and of the actual watch you are viewing
One Year Mechanical Warranty: only on watches with warranty in the description. Watches marked As-is, cannot be returned.
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Craft & Tailored LLC is not affiliated with Blancpain

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