Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 'Aqua Lung'
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa late 1950s
Maker / issuer
BlancpainThis Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 'Aqua Lung' wristwatch dates to approximately the late 1950s. It features a 41mm bead-blasted case intended to reduce glare and improve scratch resistance.
The watch includes a rotating bezel with a black bakelite insert and a glossy black dial marked with 'Aqua Lung' and '1000 FEET'. The hands are white-painted 'sword' style, showing oxidation and discoloration. The movement is an A. Schild automatic-winding calibre, which, along with the caseback and rotor, is signed by Blancpain. The piece is currently fitted with a black Tropic-style rubber strap featuring a Blancpain signature.
The auction description identifies the watch as unpolished, noting clear factory lug chamfers and signs of light wear throughout the case, bezel, and dial, which exhibits a 'confetti'-like patina.
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
- Dive watch
- Maker
- Blancpain
- Strap
- Blancpain-signed black Tropic-style rubber strap
- Movement
- A. Schild automatic-winding calibre
- Condition
- Unpolished
- Dial text
- 1000 FEET
- Reference
- Aqua Lung
- Case diameter
- 41mm
- Maker / attribution
- Blancpain
Design
- Case and Bezel
- The watch features a 41mm case with a bead-blasted finish intended to provide a tool-like aesthetic and increased resistance to scratching. The design incorporates lugs that taper and turn downward. According to the auction description, the case retains its original factory finishes, specifically the lug chamfers, and has not been polished. The bezel assembly, which the auction description states is correct for the reference, includes a black bakelite insert. The insert is reported to be without significant fractures and displays wear consistent with the rest of the watch.
- Dial and Hands
- The watch is equipped with a glossy black dial. The dial displays a 'confetti'-like patina attributed to aging. Text on the dial includes the 'Aqua Lung' signature and the depth rating of '1000 FEET'. The luminous indices are present on the dial face. The handset consists of white-painted sword-shaped hands. The auction description notes that these hands show discoloration and surface oxidation, consistent with the patina observed on the dial luminous elements.
- Visible features
- • Rotating bezel with black bakelite insert • Glossy dial with '1000 FEET' marking • Sword hands showing signs of oxidation • Bead-blasted 41mm steel case
- Movement and Signatures
- The timepiece is powered by an A. Schild automatic-winding movement. The movement is protected by a dust cover. Components of the movement, specifically the rotor, as well as the caseback and the dust cover, are signed by Blancpain. The watch is secured with a black rubber strap in a Tropic-style pattern. This strap carries a Blancpain signature.
Identification
- Reference
- Aqua Lung
- 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: Patina on dial and hands described as 'confetti'-like and oxidized, which may affect original appearance
- Research required: Exact manufacture date is estimated to the late 1950s rather than a specific year