Did Blancpain x Swatch just drop the best Scuba Fifty Fathoms model yet? We think so, and we’re excited!
Launching on January 11th this week is the new Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms, most probably one of the best releases of this model line yet. For this model, Swatch has decided to go with an all-black bioceramic colorway which in essence is more like an original Blancpain Fifty Fathoms than the vibrant colours we have seen from the models released last year. One could almost be forgiven for mistaking this for an actual Fifty Fathoms!
The Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms takes its name from one of the oceans on the moon which in our mind is kind of cool given the fact there are only 5 oceans on earth so where else do you go? The obvious choice? The moon! This new non-limited model is dedicated to Oceanus Procellarum, the biggest lunar mare or “sea” on the moon. And whilst this may have been better for the MoonSwatch, it’s a nice touch for this piece, and given the colorway works unbelievably well!
And speaking of the colour, according to Blancpain x Swatch, the colour has been derived from the new moon which for those who may not be familiar with the lunar and astronomical terms, the new moon is essentially no moon at all, so the sky is black.
Flipping the watch over you can see the SISTEM51 movement through the clear case back, and on the case back glass like the other five models is the small sea creature known as a nudibranch. For this model, we can see the Okenia Luna – a dorid nudibranch with a broad body and up to twelve pairs of lateral papillae. Its defining feature is its milky colour with luminescent tips which inspired its lunar name. Again a nice tie into the lunar faming for this watch.
Dial side, it’s quite refined with a sun-brushed black dial and a very modern clean aesthetic with the Blancpain x Swatch logos at 12 o’clock and the Scuba Fifty Fathoms down below at 6 o’clock. This combined with indices and hands filled with Grade A Super-LumiNova® and on a watch at this price point is exceedingly good!
Outside these elements, the Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms is relatively similar to the other five models. Coming in a Bioceramic case measuring 42.3mm and a case thickness of 14.4mm, a domed black scratch-resistant bezel on top, and a black and white NATO strap to secure it to the wrist. The glass on both the dial and case back is made from a bio-sourced material with an anti-scratch coating.
Powering the Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms is the SISTEM51 movement, which if you have read all about the previous models, you will know that it is a non-serviceable automatic movement. This has drawn some criticism from the general public given you are not able to service it, so if it breaks it is essentially a throwaway watch and not all that eco-friendly. But having spoken to many people from Swatch boutiques, they assure us that the movement will last years and years so this should not be a problem.
Final thoughts
Whilst we are not ones to jump on the MoonSwatch or Scuba Fifty Fathoms hype train, this new version, the Ocean of Storms seems like a brilliant new addition to the Scuba Fifty Fathoms lineup. The fact that Blancpain x Swatch have done this model in an all-black bioceramic case with a matching NATO strap really gives this both a modern and clean look, with some throwbacks to the original Fifty Fathoms launched just over 70 years ago.
Priced at A$655, it may not be as cheap as the MoonSwatch, however with an automatic movement and in our opinion, a much better case construction, plus a bezel that actually feels relatively sturdy and smooth, these will be a great addition for any watch enthusiast and collector, or just those that want a nice and easy knockabout watch that looks cool on the wrist. Let’s see what the lines look like outside of Swatch boutiques in Australia and around the world come January 11!
Reference: SO35B400
Specifications
- Size: 42.3mm and 14.4mm thick with a 48mm lug to lug
- Case: Black Bioceramic case including crown
- Dial: Sunbrushed black dial with hands and indices with Grade A Super-LumiNova®
- Movement: SISTEM51 mechanical movement
- Water resistance: 50 fathoms (91 m / 300 ft / 9 bar)
- Glass: Biosourced material with an anti-scratch coating.
- Bezel: One-direction rotating bezel in black Bioceramic material with anti-scratch coating insert in black
- Strap: NATO strap made from recycled fishing nets. Black Bioceramic pin buckle and loops
