Blancpain “AquaLung No Rad” Fifty Fathoms Diver

Description

In the early 1950s, an elite unit of the French Navy, responsible for their own diving equipment and not satisfied with any of the current diving watches on the market, set out to make their own watch that they deemed suitable for diving, known as the “Frogmen”. The result was an inevitable partnership with Blancpain for the creation of the watch we know as the Fifty Fathoms.  Due to the popularity of the Fifty Fathoms, and with increasing regulations over the use of radium, Blancpain released a civilian-issue version of the Fifty Fathoms in the late 1960s/early 1970s, dubbed the “No Rad”, due to the large logo at the bottom of the dial, which prominently displays the fact that the watch was not lumed with radium.  On top of that, this particular “No Rad” Fifty Fathoms was made specifically for the retailer AquaLung, who at the time were a supplier of dive equipment.

The watch itself is in great vintage condition.  The case was likely very lightly polished in the past, showing strong, thick and even lugs.  The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, remaining glossy and with no visible damage. Additionally, the original tritium lume is present on the dial and hands, aged to a golden yellow.  Finally, the original rotating bakelite bezel shows no cracks or major wear.

This Blancpain Fifty Fathoms benefitted from a recent overhaul by Blancpain, and is accompanied by a full dossier of the work completed by them, as well as a new Blancpain “tropic” strap and matching Blancpain buckle.