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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dive watch

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 'Barakuda' Polish Navy-Issued

Partially verified

This Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, often identified as the 'Barakuda' variant, is a stainless steel dive watch associated by the seller with the Polish Navy, or Marynarka Wojenna. Dating to circa the 1960s, the watch features a 41mm case with bead-blasted finish, designed to reduce glare and increase scratch resistance. It is powered by an automatic-winding movement produced by A. Schild. The watch is distinguished by an 'exotic' black dial featuring red painted accents beneath Tritium-lumed indices, paired with a white-painted sword handset. The case, which includes an oversized crown, a rotating bezel with a black acrylic insert, and a screw-down caseback, bears the engraving 'MW 7359' on both the caseback and the left case profile. The watch is presented on a period-style black rubber strap.

Frontal view of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, displaying the dial layout, rotating bezel, and rubber strap.
Frontal view of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, displaying the dial layout, rotating bezel, and rubber strap. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dive watch
Maker / attribution
Blancpain
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
OC3325
Source-reported date
1970s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
MW 7359

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 External Features

The watch is housed in a 41mm stainless steel case characterized by a bead-blasted surface finish. According to the auction description, this finish was applied to minimize glare and improve scratch resistance. The lugs demonstrate a downward, tapering geometry. The case is equipped with an oversized crown and a rotating bezel assembly, which retains its black acrylic insert featuring Tritium markers.

This identification is supported by engravings on both the screw-down caseback and the left profile of the case, which read 'MW 7359'. The auction description indicates that the case is in good condition, retaining thickness and symmetry in the lugs, while showing normal wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “The cases were also bead-blasted to reduce glare and increase scratch resistance.”
  • “The left case profile and caseback are engraved 'MW 7359.'”
  • “It remains in fantastic overall condition, with an excellent case, oversized crown, correct bezel assembly and black acrylic insert, and screw-down caseback.”

Dial and Handset

The dial is described as an 'exotic' variant, distinguished by the presence of red painted accents positioned beneath the Tritium-applied hour markers. The dial surface is black and retains its original printing, including the Blancpain and Fifty Fathoms text. The watch features a white-painted 'sword' handset, which the auction description notes matches the dial's indices in terms of aging and patina.

The indices display a uniform, light patina, consistent with the age of the timepiece. Under UV inspection, the handset and dial markers are reported to be consistent in appearance. There is minimal evidence of damage or significant aging on the dial surface, which is protected by the crystal.

Evidence for this section
  • “features what could be called an 'exotic' dial, with red painted accents under the Tritium.”
  • “The Tritium plots exhibit a light and largely uniform patina”
  • “The correct white-painted 'sword' handset matches perfectly to the naked eye and under UV inspection.”

Movement and Functionality

The watch operates using an automatic-winding movement manufactured by A. Schild, which is signed by Blancpain. The movement drives the central time-telling functions and a date complication visible at the 3 o'clock position on the dial.

As with many vintage timepieces of this era, the auction description advises that the watch may not maintain time with the same precision as contemporary electronic devices.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is powered by an automatic-winding movement from A. Schild”
  • “We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear.”
  • “We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage.”

Open research questions

  • What is the definitive production range for the 'Barakuda' variant of the Fifty Fathoms?
  • Is there extant documentary evidence linking the 'MW 7359' serial number to specific Polish Naval procurement records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 'Barakuda' Polish Navy-Issued
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
EngravingMW 7359“The left case profile and caseback are engraved 'MW 7359.'”
ProvenancePolish Military“This particular example is a Marynarka Wojenna, or Polish Military example”
BezelBlack acrylic insert“correct bezel assembly and black acrylic insert”

Visible details

  • The dial features red painted accents beneath the indices.
  • The case side and caseback are both engraved with the identifier 'MW 7359'.
  • The rotating bezel is fitted with an acrylic insert.

Research qualifications

  • The 'Barakuda' name is described by the source as a rumor regarding its origin.
  • The extent of polishing is described as 'probably' light, not confirmed.

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

Consulted source

Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms - 'Barakuda' Polish Navy-Issued Unpolished

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 71812c52bd

Terms in this record

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

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