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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diving watch

1960s Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms "Barakuda"

Partially verified

This 1960s Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms wristwatch, identified as the "Barakuda" model, is a stainless steel automatic timepiece. Originally supplied through the German aquatic equipment distributor Barakuda for use by the German Navy (Bundesmarine), this variant features a matte black dial with distinctive red accents at the base of the hour markers. The watch is presented in a 41mm stainless steel case with an original acrylic rotating bezel and an unsigned screw-down crown. The dial contains zinc sulfide tritium luminescent indices and hands, which have developed a creamy and dark grey patina, respectively. The watch is currently fitted with a 2pc rubber strap. The auction description reports that while originally issued for military purposes, this model eventually entered civilian retail channels, with estimates suggesting a total production of approximately 150 examples. The watch retains its original factory finishes on the case back.

Front view of the 1960s Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms "Barakuda", showing the matte black dial, red accents, and bezel.
Front view of the 1960s Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms "Barakuda", showing the matte black dial, red accents, and bezel. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Diving watch
Maker / attribution
Blancpain
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BLCPFFBK
Source-reported date
1960s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
207XXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bezel

The timepiece is housed in a 41mm stainless steel case. According to the auction description, the case retains its factory edges and finishing without notable evidence of previous polishing. The case back features deep, crisp engravings and shows signs of tool marks from prior handling.

The watch is fitted with an acrylic bezel. Its luminous elements exhibit varied aging, with the right side showing a darker patina and the left side matching the dial's luminous indices. The crown is an unsigned, screw-down type and is original to the timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “The impressively well-preserved case retains crisp factory edges and finishing throughout”
  • “The original acrylic bezel is also in excellent condition”
  • “The unsigned screw-down crown is original to the watch.”

Dial and Hands

The matte black dial is characterized by red accents at the base of the hour markers. The indices utilize zinc sulfide tritium lume, which has aged to a creamy color. The auction description notes that the dial is in virtually flawless condition with no signs of age-related degradation.

The tritium hands have aged to a dark grey color. UV light inspection indicates that the minute hand has a pin-dot of missing lume, though the structure remains stable. The hour and second hands exhibit no signs of degradation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original and beautiful matte black dial featuring the characteristic red "Barakuda" accents”
  • “The zinc sulfide tritium lume has achieved a creamy patina throughout”
  • “the minute hand features a pin-dot of missing lume and remains stable”

Historical Context

The "Barakuda" variant of the Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms was produced specifically for the German Navy, historically referred to as the Bundesmarine. The watches were delivered to the military via the German aquatic equipment supplier, Barakuda.

While these watches were intended for military utility, they eventually reached civilian retail markets. Although production records are not confirmed, it is generally believed that approximately 150 examples were manufactured, contributing to the model's status among collectors.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Fifty Fathoms "Barakuda" was originally issued to the German Navy”
  • “this special variant of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was delivered via the German aquatic equipment supplier Barakuda.”
  • “it's widely believed that only 150 examples were ever produced.”

Open research questions

  • Are there specific production years identified for serial number 207XXX?
  • Can the military issue provenance be verified through German maritime records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1960s Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms "Barakuda"
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandBlancpain“Brand Blancpain”
Serial Number207XXX“Serial 207XXX”
Case MaterialStainless Steel“Material Stainless Steel”
Case Diameter41mm“Millimeters 41”
Dial FeaturesMatte black with red accents“Dial Matte Black W/ Red Accents”
ProvenanceGerman Navy via Barakuda“The Fifty Fathoms "Barakuda" was originally issued to the German Navy”
Luminous MaterialZinc sulfide tritium“The zinc sulfide tritium lume has achieved a creamy patina”

Visible details

  • Matte black dial with red base accents on hour indices
  • Unsigned screw-down crown
  • Acrylic bezel with varied luminous patina
  • Case back shows evidence of tool mark scratches

Research qualifications

  • Exact production numbers remain unconfirmed
  • Service history is unknown
  • Originality of lume degradation status attributed to auction house inspection

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms مدل "Barakuda" دهه ۱۹۶۰

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 91d8f1480f

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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