5 alternatives to the Swatch x Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

Nina Scally

Fun and affordable are two concepts that seldom collide with one another in the watch game, but new to Swatch, they are not. The Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch was a global phenomenon, and the Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms collaboration arguably came a close second. Though perhaps not to the same level of hype as the Speedy, it certainly made for a nice alternative to the Fifty Fathoms US$16,000 price tag, and a more wearable (42.5mm) case size compared to Blancpain’s 45mm behemoths (though there is now a smaller, 42.3mm size).

Of course, it wasn’t long before sceptics began tempering the enthusiasm. Would the watch’s Bioceramic case hold up under water? And what to make of Swatch’s sealed Sistem51 movement, which clearly wasn’t designed for repair? Enthusiasts were also quick to point out the watch’s scratchable bio-sourced glass. Despite these concerns, the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms Bioceramic did (and still does) have a lot going for it. The case is lightweight, it promises 91 metres of water resistance, glows like a torch in the dark, and boasts some pretty neat features that nod to Blancpain’s heritage and its work in the field of ocean conservation. Take, for example, its little nudibranch reference (a type of colourful sea slug) on the movement’s rotor, and the hex screws on the drilled lugs. Or the “Scuba” circle on the dial of the Antarctic version that doubles up as a moisture indicator? Nevertheless, if you’re curious to know what else is on the market for the same price bracket, you have options. Here are half a dozen of what we think are the best alternatives to the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms. You may notice none of these watches cost less than the Swatch, which goes to show the great value that piece still offers, but if you’re willing to stretch your budget, we have some more options.

Le Forban Malouine

Making modern watches that look like mid-century dive tools is Le Forban’s forte, so when it comes to Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms alternatives, you can bet there’s something suitable in the brand’s catalogue. The Malouine is a great example, since it has that all-important neo-vintage charm, backed by a really solid, practical design for everyday wear. Measuring in at 38.4mm in diameter, the watch doesn’t take up too much room, yet its black sector dial is sure to command a bit of attention. The silicone Tropic-style strap is a nice choice, too, when compared to the stiff fabric that Swatch offers. You can certainly enjoy a dip in the water without waiting an age for the strap to dry. Instead, the band is supple, robust, and compliments a respectable 150-metre water-resistant steel case. A nice touch of detail is the engraved caseback, depicting an image of a diving helmet, which conceals a Miyota 8215 movement behind its decoration. Price US$445

Spinnaker Fleuss 40 Automatic 145th Limited Edition

The seventh release of the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms range is the blue-hued Blue Lagoon, with a Bioceramic case that evokes the striking lagoon-dwelling nudibranch – the Tambja Mullineri. So, if colour is an element that appeals most to you, then a watch from Spinnaker may be worth some consideration. More specifically, you should take a look at the 145th Limited Edition automatics, released in honour of diving engineer Henry Fleuss’ rebreather test. The microbrand may have not taken direct inspiration from the Fifty Fathoms specifically, but the large, applied, luminous markers Fleuss along with a lume-treated bezel and curved mineral glass do bear a striking resemblance to the Swatch x Blancpain collaboration.

Although the bezel is the element that both models share so much in common with, it’s the Spinnaker Fleuss where you’ll see the better specs. Take a water-resistant rating of 150 meters, for example, or its Seiko movement, along with a more robust sapphire crystal glass top. The best thing about the Fleuss range, however, has to be its playful colour palette. You can enjoy these 40mm dive watches in dial-and-bezel combinations of orange and purple, deep blue and vintage rose, and coral and muted stone. Price: US$450

Baltic Aquascaphe Baltic Blue Gilt

French microbrand Baltic has been keeping its ear to the ground in the dive watch realm since 2018 when it released the Aquascaphe – the brand’s flagship diver. Its name subtly hints at the Blancpain Bathyscaphe model, and the more-than-manageable proportions of the 39mm Aquascaphe Classic Blue Gilt model are true to form as well. Reminiscent of the Bakelite bezels used in early dive watches, the Baltic Aquascaphe upholds the appearance of a dive watch from yesteryear but it is, in fact, made of sapphire to match the extra protective double domed sapphire crystal front. As a nice, no-frills alternative to the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms watch, this model supersedes the water-resistant capability of the Swatch collab, instead promising 200 meters of water resistance. The beads-of-rice bracelet is another classic diver-inspired touch, but with these advancements comes a higher price point. This luxurious bracelet was first developed by Swiss manufacturer Gay Frères, naturally moulding to the wrist and quite aptly captures the advent of the tool watch era. Price: starting from A$1,000 (T+T Shop AU), £590 (T+T Shop UK)

Héron Marinor Caribbean Blue

The hardened stainless steel case of the Caribbean Blue Héron Marinor, with an impressive 1200HV rating, won’t let you down, whether you decide to swim with it or not. If you’re considering the former, you’re more than safe to do so. The watch promises a water-resistant rating of 300 meters, making it one of the most impressive alternatives on this list. The dial has a subtle fumé effect finish, which does a grand job of reflecting the inviting colours of the ocean. There are diver-friendly adjustments on the clasp too, plus the blue Super-LumiNova details ensure great visibility underwater. Price: US$620

Bulova Mil Ships

Similar to how Blancpain nods to its 1950s French Navy tools with more modern interpretations, Bulova offers a modern recreation of its 1957 US Navy prototype with the Mil Ships. Sharing similar roots with the Fifty Fathoms, the Mil Ships oozes some serious mid-century military diver aesthetics, and even features a moisture indicator on its dial, similar to the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms Antarctic. What I feel makes the Mil Ships even more of an appealing proposition is the fact that this isn’t your average vintage re-issue. In fact, unlike the brand’s 2015 re-issue of the Lunar Pilot (which originally assisted astronaut David Scott in his NASA mission to the moon), the 1957 Mil Ships watch – a prototype for the Bureau of Ships – never even came to fruition. Indeed, the design was shelved, but the fact that there’s not a spot of polishing on this modern interpretation instils the notion that this watch is built for pure purpose. Price: US$895