Swatch Art
Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms
In 2023 Swatch and Blancpain turned the Fifty Fathoms, one of the first modern dive watches, into five Bioceramic automatics named after the oceans. Here is what you need to know if you own one.
- Year
- 2023
- Artist
- Blancpain (design collaboration)
- Brand
- Swatch
- Edition size
- not limited (regular collection)
- Reference
- SO35 series, e.g. SO35A100 (Atlantic Ocean)
Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms at a glance
The Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms went on sale on September 9, 2023. It marked 70 years of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, launched in 1953. Unlike the MoonSwatch, it has a mechanical automatic movement. There are five models: Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean and Antarctic Ocean.
The collaboration
After the success of the MoonSwatch, Swatch paired with another Swatch Group brand, Blancpain. The watch builds on Swatch's own Scuba diver line and adds the look of the Fifty Fathoms, with both brand names on the dial.
Design and details
- Case: Bioceramic (about two-thirds ceramic, one-third bio-sourced material from castor oil), 42.3 mm wide, 14.4 mm thick.
- Bezel: unidirectional rotating Bioceramic bezel.
- Movement: Swatch Sistem51 automatic, 51 parts, about 90 hours of power reserve, Nivachron hairspring for magnetic resistance.
- Water resistance: 91 m, which is 50 fathoms.
- Back and rotor: a sea slug (nudibranch) from that ocean is shown on the back and printed on the rotor.
- Strap: NATO-style strap made from recycled fishing nets.
The Arctic Ocean (SO35N100) and Antarctic Ocean (SO35S100) have a vintage Blancpain logo and no date. The Arctic carries a "No Radiations" logo, and the Antarctic has a moisture indicator. The Pacific (SO35P100), Atlantic (SO35A100) and Indian (SO35I100) have the modern logo and a date.
Edition size and release
The collection is not limited. At launch it cost CHF 375 or USD 400 and was sold only in selected physical Swatch stores. Some models were also shown in Blancpain boutiques.
Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms on the secondary market
Since the models remain in the regular collection, condition and completeness matter most. Collectors prefer an unworn watch with its original strap, packaging and store receipt. Some buyers look for the no-date Arctic and Antarctic versions because they are closer to vintage Fifty Fathoms models.
How to check a Scuba Fifty Fathoms
- Match the reference to the model name and dial layout (date or no date).
- Look through the back: a genuine watch shows the Sistem51 rotor with the nudibranch print, and it should run when moved.
- Check the bezel: it should turn one way only and click cleanly.
- Compare logo and print quality with photos from Swatch.
For more general tips, read how to spot a fake watch.
What is your Scuba Fifty Fathoms worth?
Upload photos of the dial, back and strap for a free watch value estimate. For an insurer or an estate, we can prepare a written appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blancpain x Swatch a real Blancpain?
No. It is a Swatch watch made in Bioceramic with a Swatch Sistem51 movement. It carries Blancpain's name as part of the collaboration.
Is the Scuba Fifty Fathoms a limited edition?
No. The five ocean models are a regular, non-limited collection.
Does it need a battery?
No. It has an automatic mechanical movement that winds itself when worn.
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