Rich Report Introduces Blancpain's Limited-Edition Tribute to '60s Dive Watches

An iconic dive watch from the Swiss brand is being celebrated.
Besides paying homage to one of Blancpain's most memorable releases, the newest exclusive watch is also a reminder of how much life has changed.
A modern reinterpretation of one of the most iconic diver watches of all time, the Swiss company has just revealed the limited-edition Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad.

In the mid-1960s, combat swimmers in the German Navy used the dial, earning it cult status. Today, the watch is known for its "No Radiations" symbol at 6 o'clock, and while this may seem odd, it wasn't then. It was a striking design flourish, but it wasn't at the time. In the mid-1920s, radium poisoning was still a big deal, not just after World War II, but after the radium scare as well. It was this symbol that made Blancpain's watch radium-free for watch enthusiasts and divers.
With a stainless steel case of 40.3mm, the tribute watch is slightly smaller than the original 41mm case, and a unidirectional rotating bezel allows divers to track their time underwater. In addition to the glassbox sapphire crystal insert, the matte black dial features the “No Radiations” symbol at six o'clock and a date aperture at three o'clock. This watch is unique in that it uses Super-LumiNova, a hue called "Old Radiation," on the bezel, which is complemented by an era-appropriate Tropic-style rubber band favored by divers of the time.

Blancpain's Calibre 1151 self-winding movement is encased in a 300-meter water-resistant case. The movement has a silicon balance spring and a four-day power reserve. Featuring a rotor with a “cartouche-shaped aperture,” the movement winds both barrels. The oscillating weight used to be more supple in years past, offering increased protection to the movement in case of impact, even though it isn't found on modern watches.
A limited edition of 500 copies of the stylish, retro-inspired Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad dive watch is available now for $14,100.