The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms often gets credited as being the world’s first dive watch, and it’s certainly among the most iconic ones to this day. But one of the most common gripes about it is its large size–a 45mm diameter (along with a case height greater than 15mm) isn’t for everyone. Blancpain has released some 40mm Fifty Fathoms variants, but because the prominent sapphire bezel takes up so much of that width, those can appear surprisingly small. To celebrate its 70th anniversary, some limited-edition “goldilocks-size” variants were released in 2023. And now, this Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 42mm size (actually 42.3mm) is available as a regular production model, in either titanium or rose gold, with a blue or black dial.
Fifty Fathoms 42.3mm vs. 45mm: Differences
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 42mm versions really don’t look much different than their classic 45mm counterparts. But aside from the 2.7mm smaller case, the lug width is also 1.5mm slimmer on the ref. 5010. That’s a good thing if 23mm straps and bracelets aren’t for you.
Visually, the main non-size difference is the dial. 45mm Fifty Fathoms models have a distinct three-dimensional “pie pan” look, while these 42.3mm models have more typical dials. Also, there is no regular production stainless steel option for this in-between size. Some people were hoping Blancpain would add micro-adjustment functionality to the clasp but that does not seem to be the case.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 42.3mm Specs
Model | Fifty Fathoms Automatique |
Reference | 5010 |
Case Material | Titanium or rose gold |
Case Diameter | 42.3mm |
Case Thickness | 14.3mm |
Water Resistance | 300m |
Movement | Blancpain 1315 (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
Power Reserve | 120 hours |
Dial | Blue or black |
Starting MSRP (Mar. 2024) | Titanium: $16,600 Rose gold: $30,900 |
Bracelet/Strap | Titanium: NATO strap with tang buckle Rubber or sailcloth strap with deployant clasp (add $1,800) Bracelet (add $2,700) Rose gold: NATO strap with tang buckle Rubber or sailcloth strap with deployant clasp (add $3,400) |
Blancpain really didn’t overthink it with this one, and that’s fine. The movement is the same familiar trusty Blancpain 1315 in use since 2007, 5-day power reserve and all. Although some find the $16,600 starting price high, don’t be surprised if you can find them on the secondhand market for $12,000-$13,000 soon.
More on Blancpain:
The Best Entry-Level Blancpain Watches
Blancpain x Swatch: Can Swatch Revive Blancpain?
Wristwatch History: A Timeline of Horological Firsts