Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 'Barakuda' Polish Navy-Issued

Technical characteristics

Type

Dive watch

Bezel

Black acrylic insert

Engraving

MW 7359

Provenance

Polish Military

Place recorded

Switzerland

Maker / attribution

Blancpain

Design

Dial and Handset

The dial is described as an 'exotic' variant, distinguished by the presence of red painted accents positioned beneath the Tritium-applied hour markers. The dial surface is black and retains its original printing, including the Blancpain and Fifty Fathoms text. The watch features a white-painted 'sword' handset, which the auction description notes matches the dial's indices in terms of aging and patina. The indices display a uniform, light patina, consistent with the age of the timepiece. Under UV inspection, the handset and dial markers are reported to be consistent in appearance. There is minimal evidence of damage or significant aging on the dial surface, which is protected by the crystal.

Visible features

• The dial features red painted accents beneath the indices. • The case side and caseback are both engraved with the identifier 'MW 7359'. • The rotating bezel is fitted with an acrylic insert.

Case and External Features

The watch is housed in a 41mm stainless steel case characterized by a bead-blasted surface finish. According to the auction description, this finish was applied to minimize glare and improve scratch resistance. The lugs demonstrate a downward, tapering geometry. The case is equipped with an oversized crown and a rotating bezel assembly, which retains its black acrylic insert featuring Tritium markers. This identification is supported by engravings on both the screw-down caseback and the left profile of the case, which read 'MW 7359'. The auction description indicates that the case is in good condition, retaining thickness and symmetry in the lugs, while showing normal wear.

Movement and Functionality

The watch operates using an automatic-winding movement manufactured by A. Schild, which is signed by Blancpain. The movement drives the central time-telling functions and a date complication visible at the 3 o'clock position on the dial. As with many vintage timepieces of this era, the auction description advises that the watch may not maintain time with the same precision as contemporary electronic devices.

Identification

Serial number

MW 7359

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.