Blancpain Sport Collection 500 Fathoms GMT; Ref. 50021-12B30-52B
For Blancpain, 2009 sees the introduction of several new movements from the Manufacture in Le Brassus. Self-winding Calibre 5215 – complete with GMT function – is one of these major new launches. It powers a diver’s watch that is set to attract attention on both sides of the international prime meridian.
- 500 Fathoms GMT
Derived from Calibre 1315 equipping the famous “Fifty Fathoms Automatique” watch, this innovative proprietary movement drives an eminently sporty and contemporary new Blancpain watch featuring a dynamic, cuttingedge appearance that befi ts this ever more high-tech, high-performance timepiece.
The 500 Fathoms GMT, equipped with an automatic helium decompression valve, is waterresistant to 1000 metres. Its 48 mm-diameter case is sure to attract notice on the wrist of demanding sports enthusiasts and devotees of exceptional creations.
More than half a century after creating the fi rst modern diver’s wristwatch, the famous Fifty Fathoms, the Manufacture in Le Brassus is unveiling its brand-new 500 Fathoms GMT. Its brushed titanium case houses an exclusive mechanical movement: Calibre 5215. This sturdy movement born from an ongoing quest for precision and performance was naturally destined to equip the brand’s sports watches. Featuring a delicately engraved oscillating weight shaped like a boat propeller, this self-winding calibre incorporates a unique system of micrometrical balance-regulating screws: the rate is controlled by means of inertia-blocks placed around the “felly” or rim of the balance.
A quarter-turn of two diametrically opposite screws results in a gain or loss of thirty seconds per day. This considerably heightens the level of precision and avoids any risk of movement operating being disrupted by jolting or jarring. To ensure optimal operating autonomy and constant energy, the new Calibre 5215 is equipped with three series-coupled barrels guaranteeing a 5-day power reserve. In keeping with the spirit of fi ne watchmaking, prestigious movement fi nishes such as “côtes paraboliques”, bevelling and circular-graining add an unmistakable touch of exclusivity.
The 500 Fathoms GMT model combines the time-honoured expertise and the spirit of innovation characteristic of the world’s oldest watch brand. The sporting vocation of calibre 5215 is reinforced by a highly contemporary function in the shape of a dual time-zone display – a useful complication greatly appreciated by cosmopolitan individuals.
- Blancpain 500 Fathoms GMT
The modern attributes and technical performances of the ultra-sporty 500 Fathoms GMT are vividly expressed by brushed titanium case measuring a generous 48 mm in diameter and waterresistant to 1000 metres, as well as by the uncompromising design of its rugged dial. Placed inside the case at 10 o’clock, an automatic decompression valve guarantees the security and the reliability of the watch without requiring any special manoeuvres on the part of its owner.
Large trapeze-shaped hour-markers ensure enhanced readability in all circumstances, while the oversized 6, 9 and 12 o’clock reinforce the ruggedly virile nature of the 500 Fathoms GMT. The date at 3 o’clock is displayed in white against a black background, and the dual time-zone indication is shown by a fourth red-tipped central hand pointing to a 24-hour scale around the circumference of the black dial.
The ratcheted bezel facilitates handling, while its unidirectional rotation system avoids any inadvertent extension of diving time. Made from titanium and scratch-resistant sapphire, the bezel is slightly convex to protect it from impacts. The new 500 Fathoms GMT is teamed with a rubber-lined black canvas strap complete with triple-blade folding clasp, and delivered in an ultra-rugged water-resistant presentation box designed to withstand extreme conditions. (Blancpain press)