Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms Mil-Spec (Ref. 5008-11B30-NABA) "Hodinkee Limited Edition", 2021

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Few modern companies carry a history that can rival Blancpain SA, which is recognized as being the first watch brand dating 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 1952, 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 also improved upon the design, resulting in a product that not only adhered to the specifications set forth by the French Navy but also 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, Jacques Cousteau became a major proponent for Blancpain among many others. (Capt. Bob Maloubier wearing a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms) Following the success of the Blancpain × Hodinkee Bathyscaphe collaboration in 2019, the two returned to the drawing board once again, unveiling a modern reissue of the storied Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec at the end of 2020. A model highly regarded in its own right, the Mil-Spec traces its roots to Blancpain’s legendary dive watches produced for military use in the mid-20th century. Rather than pursuing a strict one-to-one recreation, this limited-edition reference 5008-11B30-NABA offers a thoughtful reinterpretation of the vintage Mil-Spec 1, translating its defining design cues into a contemporary format. Produced in a very limited run of just 250 examples, the Blancpain × Hodinkee Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec balances modern execution with unmistakable vintage character. The watch retains the iconic Mil-Spec dial layout, including the distinctive moisture indicator, while benefiting from Blancpain’s modern materials and finishing. Completing the package is a unique presentation set featuring a custom Pelican case and accessories, making this collaboration a compelling tribute to one of Blancpain’s most historically significant dive watches. SPECS Stock # BLCPFFMSH Brand Blancpain X Hodinkee Style Fifty-Fathoms Mil-Spec Model 5008-11B30-NABA Serial 1XX/250 Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Black Millimeters 40 Strap 2pc Blancpain Rubber/Canvas Strap CASE & BRACELET The wonderful, lightly worn case exhibits no signs of previous polished, with light signs of honest wear present. The sapphire bezel is flawless. The sapphire crystal is flawless. The sapphire case back is also flawless, displaying the beautiful Cal. 1154 movement. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc rubber canvas Blancpain Strap with a Blancpain tang buckle. DIAL & HANDS The semi-gloss black dial with moisture indicator and super luminova markers is flawless. The matching Super Luminova hands are flawless. ACCESSORIES