Renowned Swiss watchmaker Blancpain launched its latest waterproof masterpiece yesterday (25 October) in the depths of the Aquarium at the Dubai Mall in the U.A.E.

The product of five years of intensive research and development, the new watch provides professional divers with all the accuracy of an electronic device, while employing the traditional skills of the Swiss mechanical watch industry. At the launch, company C.E.O. Marc Hayek wore an X Fathoms while suited-up in full diving equipment. As stunts go, Richard Branson, eat your heart out.

The chunky (55mm) titanium case carries the legendary ‘Fifty Fathoms’ DNA - seen in the professional working divers range since 1953 – and encloses a calibre 9918B movement. This enables the dial to display the depth to which the diver has descended (up to 90 metres, accurate to within +/- 30cm) and a five-minute counter. Over a lengthy ascent to the surface, the counter allows the vital decompression stages to be measured with great accuracy.

Further details on the new Blancpain X Fathoms are likely to be released at the Baselworld exhibition in March 2012. For the latest news, visit blancpain.com.

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Blancpain