As always, this review is completely self-funded, with no connection to any brand. I believe in only reviewing watches that I have personally owned and worn for a significant period. Quick overviews or sponsored content that don’t reflect authentic, in-depth experience aren’t real reviews.
1. Brand, Model Name
- Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 45mm
- Nageurs de Combat Limited Edition
- Model Reference: 5015-E1130-B52A
2. Specifications (Key Features)
- Case Diameter: 45 mm
- Water Resistance: 30 bar
- Lug Width: 23 mm
- Thickness: 15.7 mm
- Power Reserve: 120 hours
- Movement: Caliber 1315
3. Purchase Motivation and Process
My first experience with the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 45mm was in their boutique, where I was looking to mark my ten-year service anniversary with a special purchase. Just around the time when COVID-19 emerged, I rediscovered my interest in watches, which led me back to Blancpain.
After careful consideration, I initially purchased the Fifty Fathoms 40mm MIL-SPEC. Over time, I explored more of Blancpain’s collection and eventually set my sights on the Fifty Fathoms 45mm.
The decision to acquire the limited edition Nageurs de Combat came after my initial interest in the Aqualung model. While the regular Fifty Fathoms is outstanding, I wanted something rarer. Unfortunately, no boutiques in my country had it available. Just as I was about to give up, I discovered the Nageurs de Combat, which immediately caught my attention.
Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms has a long history with military diving units worldwide, beginning with the French Navy’s elite combat diving unit, Nageurs de Combat. This special edition commemorates Blancpain’s longstanding relationship with the unit, embodying two unique requests from the divers.
The first was the inclusion of the number “7” on the dial, marking the limit of safe diving with pure oxygen, a critical concern in early diving operations. The second request was for the insignia of the Combat Diver Corps to be embossed on the case back. This symbol is centered on a wood-grain-textured case back, encased in a satin-finished stainless steel shell.
After nearly a year of searching, I finally acquired this watch in February 2022, nearly a year after starting my hunt in April 2021.
4. Personal Evaluation
■ Distinctive, Antique-Inspired Design
The engraved “7” is only visible when the light hits the dial at a specific angle, subtly reminding the wearer of the early oxygen depth limits. This is a unique feature, adding a vintage touch that makes this model feel truly special.
■ Rarity
The Fifty Fathoms 45mm editions are typically limited to 500 pieces, but only 300 Nageurs de Combat watches were produced, with 60 reserved exclusively for France. It lacks some of the more vivid features of other editions, such as the Aqualung’s propeller rotor or the No Radiation’s vibrant markers, but the dial indices and hands are distinctively unique to this limited series, giving it a timeless, vintage charm.
5. Conclusion
With so many diver watches on the market, it’s refreshing to find a brand that remembers what truly defines a dive watch. Many brands focus on extreme depth ratings or overuse luminous elements while neglecting practical underwater features. There are even dive watches that aren’t suited for actual diving.
Having used this Fifty Fathoms for over a year now, I can confidently recommend it to anyone considering a high-end diver. If you’re looking for a serious dive watch from a premium brand, the Fifty Fathoms is worth every consideration.
