WATCH: The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms in its natural habitat. 

Felix Scholz

You could be forgiven for thinking the natural habitat of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is the French Riviera or the casinos of Monaco – but it’s a watch that’s been at home in the murky depths since 1953, longer even than the iconic dive watches of Rolex and Omega (Check out this piece on the history of this criminally underrated icon).

These days Blancpain continues to build on their maritime legacy, but they’ve moved away from military combat divers and towards oceanographic science and preservation – partnering with the National Geographic Pristine Seas team – who explore and document marine ecosystems.

But it’s not just about doing their bit, and creating a feel good feeling for Blancpain wearers – it’s also a great opportunity to see the Fifty Fathoms doing what it was designed to do, strapped over wetsuits, and providing an accurate backup timepiece for the divers.

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This short video of the team at work studying the megafauna off the coast of Mozambique is a case in point, beautiful water, beautiful marine wildlife and beautiful watches. Perfect Friday viewing.