Hello, this is Classical.
As always, this is a hands-on, self-purchased review. I am in no way affiliated with the brand. I believe real reviews come from extended ownership and personal experience—not borrowed watches or marketing overviews.
This model is not the newly announced regular-production version, but the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 Series II released in 2023. Sorry for the clickbait title.
1. Brand & Model
2. Specifications
- Case Diameter: 42.3mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Thickness: Approximately 14.3mm
- Movement: Blancpain Caliber 1315 (in-house)
- Power Reserve: ~120 hours
- Water Resistance: 300m / 30 bar
- Bezel: Unidirectional sapphire insert bezel
- Strap: NATO (with optional steel bracelet, sailcloth or rubber strap with folding clasp)
- Additional Features: Anti-magnetic, sapphire caseback, triple-barrel architecture
3. Motivation & Ownership
I purchased this watch in 2023 shortly after its release. It has now been over two years of regular use.
Out of the three models from the 70th Anniversary collection, the Act 1 stood out the most to me. It captured the essential spirit of the original Fifty Fathoms while integrating the best of Blancpain’s modern watchmaking capabilities.
I’ve owned several Blancpain dive watches, but this particular model stands out for its perfect balance of vintage aesthetics and contemporary performance. The minimalist three-hand layout respects the pure function of a diver’s tool—no GMTs or chronographs here.
The 42.3mm case fills the sweet spot for many wrists: the 40mm version looks slightly undersized due to the domed bezel, and the 45mm can feel overwhelming. This size wears just right.
4. Personal Impressions
■ Comfort
As a dive watch, it is understandably thick, but the weight distribution is excellent. The watch sits securely and comfortably on the wrist thanks to a well-proportioned lug-to-lug length. It wears equally well on bare wrist or over a wetsuit.
■ Finishing & Details
The sapphire bezel is still a signature Blancpain highlight. It reflects light beautifully and offers a sense of depth that photos don’t quite capture. The matte black dial with block-style lumed indices is both refined and functional.
■ Movement
The Caliber 1315 delivers on every front: accuracy, robustness, and longevity. Its 120-hour (5-day) power reserve makes it easy to wear in rotation without needing constant adjustment. Anti-magnetic properties have proven beneficial in daily environments.
5. Comparison: Titanium vs Steel
After the release of this steel version, Blancpain introduced a titanium variant (5010 12B30 B64B). I had the chance to wear it and appreciated its feather-light comfort and matte, modern finish.
Still, I prefer the steel version for the following reasons:
- Appearance: Steel offers a richer, more classic sheen than the satin matte of titanium.
- Durability: While both materials are tough, steel is easier to refinish and polish.
- Value: The steel version is more accessible, priced approximately 2 million KRW (~$1,500 USD) lower than the titanium model.
6. Conclusion
If you missed the Act 1 limited edition or simply prefer a more traditional look and feel, the new regular-production steel model (5010 1130 B64B) is a fantastic alternative. From someone who’s worn an identical-spec steel version for over two years, I can confidently say this is likely the new go-to size for the Fifty Fathoms line.
Historically, Blancpain tends to release steel versions only in black, so if you’re hoping for blue, the titanium version may be your only option.
One small downside is the lack of pin buckle for rubber or sailcloth straps—currently, only folding clasps are offered.
With expected price increases on the horizon, this might be the best time to consider adding this modern classic to your collection.
