1960s Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms "Barakuda"
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1960s
Maker / issuer
BlancpainThis 1960s Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms wristwatch, identified as the "Barakuda" model, is a stainless steel automatic timepiece. Originally supplied through the German aquatic equipment distributor Barakuda for use by the German Navy (Bundesmarine), this variant features a matte black dial with distinctive red accents at the base of the hour markers.
The watch is presented in a 41mm stainless steel case with an original acrylic rotating bezel and an unsigned screw-down crown. The dial contains zinc sulfide tritium luminescent indices and hands, which have developed a creamy and dark grey patina, respectively. The watch is currently fitted with a 2pc rubber strap. The auction description reports that while originally issued for military purposes, this model eventually entered civilian retail channels, with estimates suggesting a total production of approximately 150 examples.
The watch retains its original factory finishes on the case back.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Diving watch
- Brand
- Blancpain
- Provenance
- German Navy via Barakuda
- Case Diameter
- 41mm
- Case Material
- Stainless Steel
- Dial Features
- Matte black with red accents
- Serial Number
- 207XXX
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Luminous Material
- Zinc sulfide tritium
- Maker / attribution
- Blancpain
Design
- Case and Bezel
- The timepiece is housed in a 41mm stainless steel case. According to the auction description, the case retains its factory edges and finishing without notable evidence of previous polishing. The case back features deep, crisp engravings and shows signs of tool marks from prior handling. The watch is fitted with an acrylic bezel. Its luminous elements exhibit varied aging, with the right side showing a darker patina and the left side matching the dial's luminous indices. The crown is an unsigned, screw-down type and is original to the timepiece.
- Dial and Hands
- The matte black dial is characterized by red accents at the base of the hour markers. The indices utilize zinc sulfide tritium lume, which has aged to a creamy color. The auction description notes that the dial is in virtually flawless condition with no signs of age-related degradation. The tritium hands have aged to a dark grey color. UV light inspection indicates that the minute hand has a pin-dot of missing lume, though the structure remains stable. The hour and second hands exhibit no signs of degradation.
- Visible features
- • Matte black dial with red base accents on hour indices • Unsigned screw-down crown • Acrylic bezel with varied luminous patina • Case back shows evidence of tool mark scratches
- Historical Context
- The "Barakuda" variant of the Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms was produced specifically for the German Navy, historically referred to as the Bundesmarine. The watches were delivered to the military via the German aquatic equipment supplier, Barakuda. While these watches were intended for military utility, they eventually reached civilian retail markets. Although production records are not confirmed, it is generally believed that approximately 150 examples were manufactured, contributing to the model's status among collectors.
Identification
- Serial number
- 207XXX
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Exact production numbers remain unconfirmed
- Research required: Service history is unknown
- Research required: Originality of lume degradation status attributed to auction house inspection