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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dive watch

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 'Aqua Lung'

Partially verified

This Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 'Aqua Lung' wristwatch dates to approximately the late 1950s. It features a 41mm bead-blasted case intended to reduce glare and improve scratch resistance. The watch includes a rotating bezel with a black bakelite insert and a glossy black dial marked with 'Aqua Lung' and '1000 FEET'. The hands are white-painted 'sword' style, showing oxidation and discoloration. The movement is an A. Schild automatic-winding calibre, which, along with the caseback and rotor, is signed by Blancpain. The piece is currently fitted with a black Tropic-style rubber strap featuring a Blancpain signature. The auction description identifies the watch as unpolished, noting clear factory lug chamfers and signs of light wear throughout the case, bezel, and dial, which exhibits a 'confetti'-like patina.

Front view of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 'Aqua Lung' on a black Tropic-style strap.
Front view of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 'Aqua Lung' on a black Tropic-style strap. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dive watch
Maker / attribution
Blancpain
Reference
Aqua Lung
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa late 1950s
Source-reported place
Not established

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 watch features a 41mm case with a bead-blasted finish intended to provide a tool-like aesthetic and increased resistance to scratching. The design incorporates lugs that taper and turn downward. According to the auction description, the case retains its original factory finishes, specifically the lug chamfers, and has not been polished.

The bezel assembly, which the auction description states is correct for the reference, includes a black bakelite insert. The insert is reported to be without significant fractures and displays wear consistent with the rest of the watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “The cases were also bead-blasted to reduce glare and increase scratch resistance.”
  • “The case remains in excellent overall condition, spared of any polishing with clear factory lug chamfers and only light signed of wear present throughout.”
  • “houses a very nicely preserved black 'bakelite' insert.”

Dial and Hands

The watch is equipped with a glossy black dial. The dial displays a 'confetti'-like patina attributed to aging. Text on the dial includes the 'Aqua Lung' signature and the depth rating of '1000 FEET'. The luminous indices are present on the dial face.

The handset consists of white-painted sword-shaped hands. The auction description notes that these hands show discoloration and surface oxidation, consistent with the patina observed on the dial luminous elements.

Evidence for this section
  • “Inside, that glossy black dial exhibits a 'confetti'-like patina from age, with beautifully preserved text and luminous indices.”
  • “The correct white-painted 'sword' handset shows a similar patina in the form of surface oxidation and some discoloration with heavily patinated lume within.”

Movement and Signatures

The timepiece is powered by an A. Schild automatic-winding movement. The movement is protected by a dust cover. Components of the movement, specifically the rotor, as well as the caseback and the dust cover, are signed by Blancpain.

The watch is secured with a black rubber strap in a Tropic-style pattern. This strap carries a Blancpain signature.

Evidence for this section
  • “The caseback, movement dust cover, and rotor on the A. Schild automatic-winding calibre are all signed Blancpain.”
  • “It comes fitted to a Blancpain-signed black Tropic-style rubber strap”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific A. Schild calibre model number used in this production run?
  • Can the production date be further narrowed beyond the general late 1950s range?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 'Aqua Lung'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBlancpain“The caseback, movement dust cover, and rotor on the A. Schild automatic-winding calibre are all signed Blancpain.”
ReferenceAqua Lung“is what is known as an 'Aqua Lung' Fifty Fathoms.”
Case diameter41mm“the Fifty Fathoms range feature a much larger 41mm case size.”
Dial text1000 FEET“that glossy black dial exhibits a 'confetti'-like patina from age, with beautifully preserved text and luminous indices.”
MovementA. Schild automatic-winding calibre“the A. Schild automatic-winding calibre are all signed Blancpain.”
ConditionUnpolished“The case remains in excellent overall condition, spared of any polishing with clear factory lug chamfers”
StrapBlancpain-signed black Tropic-style rubber strap“It comes fitted to a Blancpain-signed black Tropic-style rubber strap”

Visible details

  • Rotating bezel with black bakelite insert
  • Glossy dial with '1000 FEET' marking
  • Sword hands showing signs of oxidation
  • Bead-blasted 41mm steel case

Research qualifications

  • Patina on dial and hands described as 'confetti'-like and oxidized, which may affect original appearance
  • Exact manufacture date is estimated to the late 1950s rather than a specific year

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms رفرنس Aqua Lung

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record bcdc525712

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

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