Considered by many as the original diver’s tool watch, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was the first wristwatch featuring a turning bezel and automatic movement. Launched in 1953 in collaboration with the elite French combat divers, the “Nageurs de Combat”, the military unit needed a reliable, durable, legible, and water-resistant wristwatch. Coincidentally, the CEO of Blancpain Jean-Jacques Fiechter had a tremendous passion for diving and quickly accepted the challenge. These early Fifty Fathoms watches featured radium luminescence, allowing for a constant glow in dark environments to help with legibility.
The present lot, a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Aqua Lung nicknamed “No Rad,” reigns from the early 1960s and is perhaps one of the most collectible and desirable vintage dive watches. This is in part to the large “No Radiations” symbol found at the bottom half of the dial. Radium utilized in the luminescence of early wristwatches was discovered to have destructive properties towards the human body, and many brands quickly converted to tritium, a much safer material with equally effective glow. In response, Blancpain utilized this symbol to clearly state that their timepieces were safe to wear.
In recent years, the desirability for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms “No Rad” has been so high that in 2021, the brand recreated the original wristwatch in a limited run of 500 examples. However, the present lot is a wonderful opportunity to own the rare, original timepiece and would be an incredible highlight in any serious watch collection.
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Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Movement: The movement is in working order at the time of cataloging, consistent with the age of the watch. The movement has not been tested for accuracy. A service is recommended given the age of the watch. Dial: The lacquered dial has light cracking at the hour markers and applied text, and the 3 o’clock lume has light flaking. The seconds hand and center of the hand stack have fading. Case: The case is in honest condition with light scratches and nicks throughout. The lower left lug and crown have moderate nicks. The bezel has light scratches and has developed a patina. Caseback engravings are crisp and defined. Strap: The strap has moderate wear, consistent with the age of the watch. Buckle: The tang buckle has moderate scratches and wear. Overall Condition: Very good
1. All lots are sold "AS IS", and this condition report is provided purely as a goodwill service and may not specify all mechanical replacements or defects. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in good condition and without defects, repairs or restoration. You are accordingly encouraged to view the lots personally or through your own professional advisor.
2. For further information on these issues, please refer to the terms and conditions.
We thank you for your interest in the forthcoming sale. We remind you again that all property is sold “as is” and should be viewed personally by you or by your professional advisor before the sale to assess its condition.
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Lot 226Sale 22017
BLANCPAIN, FIFTY FATHOMS AQUA LUNG “NO RADIATION,” A VERY RARE STEEL DIVER’S WRISTWATCHEstimate: USD 15,000 - 25,000
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