If Burberry and Blancpain were to ever have a baby, then I would see it as the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barakuda Watch. One look, the color pattern and design reminds me of the famous Trench Coat that I have in my closet (the signature Burberry print), which I love. Before I offend anyone, let’s move on to the watch at hand and see what it has to offer. Blancpain’s passion for divers and marine world dates back to 1953 when the watchmakers showcased their first modern diver’s watch.
The original timepieces were designed for the French Navy by Captain Robert Maloubier and Lieutenant Claude Riffaud. The key selling point at that time was the uni-directional timing bezel. The original Barakuda was worn first by the German Navy in the 1960s and later released for the general public and was much appreciated. The model is distinguishable for its radium luminant, however, in the modern versions we have faux-aged lume.
Working with divers, scientists and underwater photographers to refine their offerings, Blancpain has come out with some stunning watches with the Fifty Fathoms collection. The Fifty Fathoms Barakuda Watch is a fine example of innovation, technology, optimal use of materials and watch that satisfies the demanding requirements of a divers watch. As mentioned before, completely smitten by the color and looks of the watch, I’m ready to dive into the details now!
The dial sports two-tone hour markers, which in my opinion is the highlight of the watch and an attention-grabbing element. The red dashes at the bottom of each lume block complement the design and goes well with the black dial. A play on the case-glass is evident – it has a curvature that gives you the illusion that the dashes are intersecting the markers, when you view it from a particular angle.
Only 500 Ultra-slim watches will be available and Blancpain shouldn’t have any trouble selling them out. The case measures 40mm – smaller than the original. Under the hood you will find the automatic Frederic Piguet caliber 1151 and the promise of 95-hour power reserve. The case is crafted from steel and is teamed with a rubber strap. Sporting a sapphire caseback – your gateway for viewing the movement – 18k gold rotor with the classic cutout that we see on vintage Fifty Fathoms models.
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barakuda is priced at $13,200.
