Switzerland is renowned for its watchmaking heritage, boasting a plethora of prestigious brands that have left an indelible mark on the horological world. Among these illustrious names,
Swatch and
Blancpain stand as two icons, each contributing significantly to the industry's rich tapestry. Now, the collaboration between these giants brings forth the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms, a remarkable timepiece that combines the innovation of Swatch with the legacy of Blancpain.
To fully appreciate this unique watch, it's essential to delve into the histories of both Swatch and Blancpain, as well as the legacy of the Fifty Fathoms collection on which this collaboration is based.
Courtesy of Swatch
Swatch was born in the early 1980s as a response to the Quartz Crisis, which saw Swiss watchmakers struggling to compete with the influx of inexpensive, mass-produced quartz watches from Asia. The founders of Swatch envisioned a watch that would be affordable, colorful, and embody Swiss quality. The result was the Swatch, a fusion of "Swiss" and "Watch."
Swatch disrupted the watch industry by introducing bold designs and innovative manufacturing techniques, all while maintaining Swiss craftsmanship. It was a revolution that democratized Swiss watchmaking, making it accessible to people from all walks of life.
Blancpain, on the other hand, has a storied history dating back to 1735 when Jehan-Jacques Blancpain founded the brand. Known for its commitment to traditional watchmaking and uncompromising quality, Blancpain has been a pioneer in the world of dive watches.
In 1953, Blancpain unveiled the Fifty Fathoms, considered by many as the first true dive watch. This groundbreaking timepiece featured innovative elements like a unidirectional rotating bezel and luminous hands and markers for underwater legibility. The Fifty Fathoms quickly became the go-to watch for professional divers, cementing Blancpain's reputation as a leader in dive watch technology.
The watch boasts a 48.2mm black Bioceramic case, a material developed and patented by Swatch. This unique blend of ceramic and biosourced material from castor oil results in a durable, scratch-resistant, and silky matte finish, a testament to Swatch's commitment to innovation.
Courtesy of Swatch
On the dial, a black sunbrushed finish adds depth and sophistication, while Grade A Super-LumiNova® on the hour indexes, hour, and minute hands, as well as the bezel scale, ensures exceptional legibility in low-light conditions.
The one-direction rotating black Bioceramic bezel and biosourced glass, treated with an anti-scratch coating, underline the watch's durability, making it a reliable companion for underwater adventures.
What sets this collaboration apart is its sustainability-focused design. The NATO strap is crafted from recycled fishing nets, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. Even the pin buckle and loops are made of Bioceramic material, further reinforcing the eco-friendly ethos of this timepiece.
But it's not just about materials; the watch carries a powerful message. Five inspirational inscriptions grace the case back: PASSION FOR DIVING – LICENCE TO EXPLORE – OCEAN BREATH – PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE and IMMERSE YOURSELF. These words encapsulate the shared vision of Swatch and Blancpain, to inspire a sense of wonder and responsibility for our oceans.
At the heart of the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms lies the SISTEM51 mechanical movement. This Swiss-made marvel features only 51 components, an homage to Swatch's roots in simplicity and sophistication. Among these components, a single central screw fixes the oscillating weight on the automatic device, an ingenious touch of elegance.
Courtesy of Swatch
Remarkably, the SISTEM51 movement is the first and only mechanical movement produced entirely through automation. An entire production facility in the Swiss Jura Mountains was dedicated to creating this masterpiece, ensuring every step of the manufacturing process met the highest standards.
The precision of the SISTEM51 movement is laser-adjusted during production, eliminating the need for a regulator and manual adjustments. This ingenious system ensures stable rates, guaranteeing precise timekeeping over the long term. Furthermore, the hermetically sealed modules protect the movement from impurities, dust, and moisture, ensuring the watch's precision stands the test of time.
In true Swatch fashion, the transparent display back reveals the SISTEM51 movement, offering a captivating view of its intricate workings. The watch also features an illustration of an ocean and the colorful nudibranch, Okenia Luna, adding a touch of artistry to its design.
The Ocean of Storms is a visual masterpiece that pays homage to Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms heritage while incorporating Swatch's innovation. Let's start with the case, a robust 48.2mm black Bioceramic marvel. This unique material is both sustainable and resilient, offering a silky matte finish that's resistant to scratches, ensuring your timepiece looks as good as new even after years of adventures.
The black Bioceramic crown adds to the watch's bold aesthetic, and on the left side of the case, the word "Swatch" is inscribed, reminding you of the collaboration's innovative spirit. This piece of art is not just a watch; it's a statement.
Dive watches demand exceptional legibility in low-light conditions, and the Ocean of Storms doesn't disappoint. The red dial features a sunbrushed finish that adds depth and character to the timepiece. It's both bold and refined, embodying the rugged elegance that characterizes dive watches.
Courtesy of Swatch
What truly sets this watch apart is its use of Grade A Super-LumiNova® on the hour indexes, hour, and minute hands, as well as the bezel scale. Whether you're deep underwater or in the dark of night, this watch ensures you can read the time with ease. It's a testament to the watch's functionality, a trait that Blancpain has always prioritized in its dive watches.
As a dive watch, the Ocean of Storms is designed to withstand the harshest conditions, and every detail speaks to its durability. The one-direction rotating black Bioceramic bezel is a key feature, allowing divers to time their underwater adventures accurately. It also boasts an anti-scratch coating insert in black, ensuring the bezel retains its pristine appearance.
The biosourced glass, also treated with an anti-scratch coating, further enhances the watch's resistance to wear and tear. Whether you're exploring coral reefs or scaling underwater cliffs, your watch remains unscathed.
With a water resistance of up to 50 fathoms (91 meters or 300 feet), this timepiece is more than just a fashion statement; it's a professional-grade diving instrument. It's ready to accompany you on your underwater journeys, letting you explore the depths of the ocean with confidence.
At the heart of the Ocean of Storms beats the SISTEM51 mechanical movement. Swatch has long been known for its innovation in watchmaking, and the SISTEM51 is a testament to this tradition. It's a Swiss-made movement comprising just 51 components, a symbolic number that harks back to Swatch's early quartz models.
These 51 components are divided into five pre-assembled modules, and an intriguing detail is the single central screw that fixes the oscillating weight on the automatic device. This transparent oscillating weight is a captivating feature, providing a mesmerizing view of the movement through the transparent sapphire glass on the back of the watch.
But what truly sets the SISTEM51 apart is its fully automated production. Unlike traditional mechanical movements that require skilled watchmakers to assemble and adjust, the SISTEM51 is manufactured entirely by machines. Swatch established a state-of-the-art facility in the Swiss Jura Mountains dedicated to automating every aspect of production, from component assembly to quality control.
The result is a movement that is not only precise but also consistently so. Laser adjustments during production ensure that the movement's rate remains stable, eliminating the need for a regulator. The hermetically sealed modules protect the movement from external elements, guaranteeing long-term precision.
Courtesy of Swatch
As with any exceptional timepiece, the Ocean of Storms doesn't stop at functionality; it incorporates artistry into its design. The transparent display back showcases an illustration of an ocean, a nod to the watch's aquatic theme. The colorful nudibranch, Okenia Luna, adds a vibrant touch, underscoring the watch's connection to the underwater world.
The Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms is more than just a watch; it's a fusion of innovation, sustainability, and artistry. With its Bioceramic materials, Grade A Super-LumiNova® legibility, and SISTEM51 mechanical movement, it's a testament to the commitment of both Swatch and Blancpain to push the boundaries of watchmaking.