Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Watch Enter Its Pink Era
So pretty in pink
A hot pink Fifty Fathoms by legendary Swiss watchmaker Blancpain? Not exactly a pairing you'd expect to hear in the same sentence. But when you realise it’s part of the Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms collaboration, it all starts to click.
Besides being crafted from Bioceramic, a ceramic-plastic hybrid, the Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms also features eco-conscious design elements, such as a NATO-style strap made from recycled fishing nets.
For those not in the know, Blancpain and Swatch – both part of the Swatch Group, the Swiss watch powerhouse – joined forces in 2023 for an unexpected yet exciting partnership. Their first outing saw five reimagined mechanical models of the Fifty Fathoms, each celebrating a different ocean and featuring a vibrant marine creature: the nudibranch. These colourful creatures are immortalised in digital prints on the watch’s movement rotor. This collaboration follows the success of Swatch's hyped partnership with Omega on the colourful, fun-filled Speedmaster series in 2022.
The hour markers, hour and minute hands, the tip of the seconds hand, and the bezel scale are all coated with Grade A Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in low light conditions.
The Fifty Fathoms is a true vintage icon. Released in 1953, it was one of the first dive watches specifically designed to withstand the pressures of deep-sea exploration, at a time when diving was becoming a growing trend. Fun fact: it launched the same year as the Rolex Submariner – talk about a legendary year for dive watches. The name "Fifty Fathoms" refers to the depth (about 91 metres) divers could safely reach at the time.
Fast forward to today, and Blancpain's and Swatch's take on this classic dive watch is all about fun, flair, and function – and environmental sustainability. Enter Bioceramic, a patented material that combines two-thirds ceramic with one-third castor oil-based plastic. Paired with Swatch’s Sistem51 mechanical movement, this version of the Fifty Fathoms ($570) is much more accessible – around 25 times more affordable than traditional Blancpain models.
The rotating bezel, case, and crown are all crafted from Bioceramic.
And here’s the kicker: It’s not a limited edition. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of adding a Blancpain to your collection, now’s your chance to do so without breaking the bank.
The latest Fifty Fathoms is bold. The pink Bioceramic case and crown make a striking statement, complemented by the pink unidirectional Bioceramic bezel and bio-sourced glass for added flair. Turn it over, and a transparent sapphire caseback reveals a digital print of pink-hued water and the Ceratodoris rosacea nudibranch, a stunning marine gastropod, captured in exquisite detail.
The Sistem51 mechanical movement is visible through a transparent caseback, which features an illustration of the ocean and a colourful nudibranch.
The strap features a NATO-style design crafted from recycled fishing nets – combining eco-consciousness with style. It also allows full visibility of the movement. The pin buckle and loops are made from Bioceramic, too. Inside, the Sistem51 mechanical movement provides an impressive 90-hour power reserve, meaning you won’t need to wind it all weekend long.