Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Aqua-Lung 'No Radiations'
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1960s
Maker / issuer
BlancpainThis 1960s Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Aqua-Lung, known as the 'No Radiations' model, is a stainless steel dive watch measuring 41 mm in diameter. It features a glossy black dial marked with the 'No Radiations' symbol—a radioactive sign crossed out—which was introduced following the industry transition from radium to tritium luminous material.
The watch is categorized as 'triple-signed,' bearing the Blancpain, Fifty Fathoms, and Aqua-Lung branding on the dial. The timepiece is fitted with a rotating bakelite bezel and luminous-filled hands exhibiting gold-orange patina. It operates with a mechanical movement, though the service history remains unknown. The stainless steel case retains its original factory finishes, and the watch is presented on a two-piece handmade leather strap.
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
- Maker
- Blancpain
- Model
- Fifty Fathoms Aqua-Lung
- Serial
- 30XXXX
- Status
- Working condition
- Diameter
- 41 mm
- Features
- Tritium luminous
- Dial color
- Glossy black
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Blancpain
Design
- Visible features
- • Bakelite rotating bezel • Triple-signed dial: Blancpain, Fifty Fathoms, Aqua-Lung • Glossy black dial with gold-orange patinated indices • No Radiations crossed-out logo on lower dial
- Design and Case Construction
- The watch features a 41 mm stainless steel case with edges that are reported to maintain original factory finishes. A prominent component of the design is the rotating bakelite bezel, which the source describes as being in excellent condition for its age. The dial is finished in a glossy black with luminous markers and hands that have developed a gold-orange patina. This visual aging is attributed to the application of tritium, which replaced earlier radioactive materials in the 1960s. The dial is classified as a 'triple-signed' version, featuring the brand name, the model name, and the 'Aqua-Lung' designation.
- Operational State and Provenance
- It is presented on a two-piece handmade leather strap. The source emphasizes that the piece is considered an object of historical interest for collectors of military and diving watches, noting the significance of its factory-original condition and its place within the broader history of Blancpain's diving instruments. The information provided regarding the provenance and features of the watch is attributed to the auction house/seller. There is no independent verification of the watch's internal mechanics or full history outside of these provided details.
- Technical Significance and Markings
- The 'No Radiations' designation serves as a visual indicator of the transition to safer luminous materials in the 1960s. Blancpain incorporated a radioactive symbol with a cross marked over it to communicate the removal of radium from the watch components. This aesthetic choice is considered a specific feature of this model, acting as both a technical reference to safety standards and a design element. The watch includes the branding 'Fifty Fathoms,' which stems from collaboration with French naval officers Robert Maloubier and Claude Riffaud.
Identification
- Serial number
- 30XXXX
- 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: Service history is unknown
- Research required: Authenticity is unverified by the cataloguing body