Fifty Fathoms Automatique Red Gold / Black / Brown Barennia

The Fifty Fathoms was created in 1953 by Jean-Jacques Fiechter, then CEO of Blancpain and an avid diver, in collaboration with the French Navy's combat swimmers. It is one of the original purpose-built dive watches — predating the Rolex Submariner's commercial release — and introduced features that would become industry standards: a unidirectional rotating bezel, luminous markers for underwater legibility, and robust water resistance. The name refers to the depth limit of early scuba equipment (approximately 91 metres). Modern Fifty Fathoms references maintain the original's proportions and tool-watch clarity while incorporating contemporary movements and materials. The collection represents Blancpain's most accessible and historically significant family.

2007 marked the introduction of the revamped Fifty Fathoms line for Blancpain. The 'FF' in reference 5015A-3630-63B is housed in a generous 45mm red gold case and powered by caliber 1315, which is shielded by an amagnetic cage. The bezel is sapphire.