This is an elaborate video of the actual Blancpain on sale at Second Movement, shot by our photographers in our in-house video lab.
We do not use stock videos or images
Boldy understated and highly functional, this contemporary Bathyscaphe in grey ceramic is one of the reasons Fifty Fathoms is still one of the most iconic timepieces ever made.
Why we love it
Fifty Fathoms is probably one of the most emblematic timepieces ever made, a watch that practically created a new watch genre. Robust, precise, and straightforward at the time of its introduction 70 years ago, it defined the dive watch category, equipped with features that became the cornerstone for all future innovations. While the original Fifty Fathoms was designed for more professional use, the house released its more casual counterpart with a smaller diameter - Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe in 1956. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the original Fifty Fathoms watch, Blancpain introduced a contemporary line of Bathyscaphe models in 2013. The result was a cleaner and more stunning version of the Bathyscaphe with a similar smaller diameter and other quintessential features. The watch we have here today takes after the 2013 series. It is a 2016 ceramic model, released on the heels of the first ceramic Bathyscaphe — a limited edition flyback chronograph introduced in 2015.
This Bathyscaphe 5000 0240 O52A epitomises Blancpain's avant-garde approach. The watch case is made of grey ceramic with a satin-brushed finish, which is surprisingly quite elegant to look and feel. The bright blue dial is kitted with luminous dot and index markers, and a date aperture between four and five, its sunburst finish made more appealing by the legible configuration. This reference is a notable 43.6mm with 13.8mm thickness, held by a fabric strap with tonal stitching.
Under the sapphire crystal caseback is the calibre 1315 that shifts this Bathyscaphe 5000 0240 O52A into the realm of high watchmaking. This calibre is extensively used in most three-hand Fifty Fathoms and Bathyscaphe models. It features an impressive 120-hour (or five-day) power reserve facilitated by three mainspring barrels. It also comes with a silicon balance spring and an engraved 18k gold rotor, with an application of NAC, a platinum alloy, giving it a blackened look. The finishing on the movement is excellent, giving a very subdued and understated appeal.
This Blancpain Bathyscaphe 5000 0240 O52A shows very good pre-owned condition with no visible scratches and a firm fabric strap.
Provenance
At Second Movement, the pre-owned division of Ethos Watches, we adhere to a rigorous verification process where expert watchmakers carefully inspect every watch to certify its authenticity, ensuring it is not counterfeit. We also go to the maximum extent possible to ensure that the timepiece is not a stolen property and that all duties are paid. However, in the absence of any central database, a 100% verification is unlikely for any pre-owned entity in India. Nevertheless, we can still provide a provenance guarantee for watches purchased from Ethos.
Please note all our transactions with sellers are conducted via registered banking channels, accompanied by a signed affidavit, banking proof, and PAN card.
A specific affidavit stating the watch is not a stolen property and that all applicable duties have been paid is also obtained from the seller and is available for buyers in case of legal requirements.
We strive to build trust through transparency and diligence, outlining our verification process and the inherent limitations. Our commitment to integrity shapes every transaction, prioritising your confidence while acknowledging the realities of the pre-owned watch market.