The Fifty Fathoms is a true icon in the world of purpose-built tool watches. Introduced in the mid-1950s—shortly after the debut of the Rolex Submariner—it quickly established itself as a benchmark in dive watch design. Rolex had already revolutionized water resistance with the Oyster case in 1926, which paved the way for models like Panerai’s Radiomir in the 1930s. The Radiomir combined a waterproof case with a luminous dial, specifically developed for the Italian navy’s underwater missions. In 1948, Omega followed with the Seamaster, a gentleman’s watch that incorporated a double O-ring gasket for enhanced water resistance—an innovation inspired by military submarine technology. After World War II, diving shifted from a military necessity to a popular civilian hobby. This change, spurred by the invention of the Aqualung by famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau and engineer Emile Gagnan in 1943, allowed divers to remain underwater longer. But this new freedom came with a challenge: divers needed a reliable way to monitor their oxygen supply. Blancpain recognized this need early and responded with the Fifty Fathoms. Named after a British unit of depth, "fifty fathoms"—approximately 91 meters or 300 feet—represented the maximum safe diving depth for those using oxygen tanks in the 1950s. The Fifty Fathoms was built specifically for this purpose, at a time when most watches on the market were still dress-oriented. This made it a bold and innovative release. Because the market for dive watches barely existed, Blancpain didn't just sell through authorized watch dealers. They also supplied dive shops and, perhaps most significantly, military units. The French Navy’s combat divers, who were directly involved in the watch’s development, adopted the Fifty Fathoms. It would go on to be used by military forces around the world, including special operations units in Germany, Norway, Poland , and even the U.S. Navy Seals. In 1956, the Fifty Fathoms achieved cultural fame when Jacques Cousteau wore it in his Oscar-winning documentary Le Monde du Silence (The Silent World). With scuba diving growing in popularity—largely thanks to Cousteau’s influence—the Fifty Fathoms also gained a strong civilian following. By the 1960s, the dangers of radioactive luminous materials like radium became widely known, prompting the watch industry to seek safer alternatives. This led to the creation of one of Blancpain’s most distinctive Fifty Fathoms variants: the "No Radiation" dial. It made a clear statement—literally. The dial featured a bold red-and-yellow emblem with a crossed-out radiation symbol and the words "No Radiations," indicating that the lume was free from radioactive substances. The message was unmistakable. Fast-forward several decades: in 2021, Blancpain released a tribute to the original “No Rad.” This limited-edition reissue, capped at just 500 pieces, is nearly a 1:1 recreation of the original. The watch features a highly wearable 40mm polished case, while the bezel insert is made of sapphire—a hallmark of modern Blancpain dive watches. One subtle update is the inclusion of small crown guards, distinguishing it from the vintage model. The bezel is fully lumed, echoing the aged look of the dial markers. It has a domed effect that pairs beautifully with the boxed sapphire crystal, which creates a pleasing visual distortion at the dial’s edges, enhancing the vintage feel. On the reverse side, a sapphire display case back reveals the automatic Caliber 1151 in full view—modern, reliable, and a fitting tribute to a true classic. Fitted with a rubber strap ( again a nod to the early days of dive watches ) with a steel Bp pin buckle fitted .This one is in as new condition and comes full kit : the huge box , with a super strong Pelican box inside , booklets , the original warrantee booklet stating a sale in 2021. Fully checked by our watchmaker it is ready for new adventures. We see these as excellent everyday wearers—versatile, stylish, and built to last. Of course, a limited edition like this is also highly collectible. But if you're leaning more toward vintage, you're in luck—we’re on a roll right now. We’ve got some of its older brothers in arms, including the original models and the modern interpretation of the “Barakuda.” Feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to show you what’s available! Specifications: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms “No Rad “limited edition , reference 5008D 1130 40 mm case with sapphire bezel and display case-back Limited to 500 pieces, no 32x dating to 2021 Automatic wound movement Warranty card stating sale in 2021 Rubber BP strap , with steel pin BP buckle Outer and inner (Pelican), booklet Blancpain divers log Fully checked by our watchmaker One-year mechanical warranty Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping