Blancpain Aqua-Lung (Pre-Bathyscaphe) Blue "Confetti" Dial, 1960s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Few companies carry a history that can rival Blancpain SA, which is recognized as being the first watch brand dating all the way back to 1735 with an extensive pedigree of inventions and innovations within the now vast world of horology. The Blancpain dive watches are one of the most important innovations of the brand's history. The idea for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was conceived in 1952, when French Navy members requested a wristwatch that was waterproof enough to withstand the pressures endured during the diving missions required of the elite team of combat “Frogmen” divers, also known today as a dive watch. The task of finding this watch was famously taken on by French Navy officers Captain Robert “Bob” Maloubier & Lieutenant Claude Riffaud, who, after testing numerous "waterproof" watches at the time, failed to find a fit for their tactical requirements. While these requirements may seem stock-standard today, in 195,2 they were groundbreaking. A wristwatch that was water-resistant enough to survive a diving-based combat mission, but was also visible enough to be easily read underwater, even at night. Since no watch like this existed at the time, Capt. Maloubier created the blueprints for what would become the world's first diving watch and sent them to various notable watchmakers to manufacture. Though at the time, most watchmaking brands were focused on manufacturing aviation watches, and weren't interested in making hyper-waterproof watches. However, their luck would come to fruition when Capt. Maloubier and Lt. Riffaud engaged with Jean-Jacques Fiechter, the CEO of Blancpain SA from 1950 to 1980. Being a diver himself, Fiechter not only accepted the requirements to produce the timepiece for the elite combat diving team but improved upon the design, resulting in a product that not only adhered to the specifications set forth by the French Navy but innovated the watch industry as a whole. Armed forces from around the world were early adopters of Blancpain dive watches, including the French and American Navies. Early underwater explorers adopted the new dive watch as well, most notably Jacque Cousteau became a major proponent for Blancpain among many others. (Capt. Bob Maloubier wearing a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms) This particularly unique specimen from Blancpain remains mostly undocumented, with only very few examples ever surfacing. Research suggests that this is the model that bridges the gap between the earlier Aqua-Lung and the more contemporary Bathyscape dive watches. While all Blancpain watches of this configuration are quite uncommon, the majority bear the "Bathyscape" nomenclature on the dial; however, a very small number of early examples were produced with the "Aqua-Lung" namesake along with a special paddle-style center seconds hand. While only minimal information is available for this Blancpain, one thing is certain: they are incredibly rare– but not only that, they possess an unbeatable sporty aesthetic with a whimsically beautiful "confetti" dial. SPECS Stock # BLCPALPB Brand Blancpain Style Aqua-Lung (Pre-Bathyscaphe) Model N/A Serial 206XXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Grey / Blue "Confetti" Millimeters 37 Straps Blue NATO Strap CASE & BRACELET The long angular lugs retain defined edges and geometry, showing no notable evidence of being previously polished, with only light signs of honest use present. The original acrylic bezel insert is in virtually perfect vintage condition, showing no cracks, notable wear, or delamination, with the tritium lumed triangle remaining intact and matching the hands. The case retains its original unsigned crown. The case back retains crisp finishing throughout with some gentle tool marks present, additionally, there is an inventory number located on the back of the bottom right lug. The watch comes supplied on a blue NATO strap. DIAL & HANDS The intricate, beautiful, and charming blue and grey confetti dial features an impressive depth and remains in exceptionally well-preserved condition, showing no damage and only virtually invisible aging. The tritium lume plots have achieved a deep beige patina, under UV light inspection, the 2 o'clock plot displays some degradation, with the rest of the lume remaining fully intact. The original tritium hands feature a creamy patina that coordinates perfectly with the lume in the bezel, under UV light inspection, the minute hand exhibits some minor cracking in the lume and remains stable with the hour hand displaying no degradation. ACCESSORIES