Blancpain Rolls Out New Fifty Fathoms 38, Equals Luxury with Unfathomable Pricing

Blancpain took luxury watch enthusiasts by surprise when it unveiled its new Fifty Fathoms dive watch, now conveniently available in a smaller 38mm case size. After years of persistent requests to produce a smaller version of their dive watch, which initially had a substantial diameter of 45mm, the historic watchmaker finally agreed and rolled out the 42mm version recently. This year, they have continued their venture into compact design, presenting the Fifty Fathoms in a charmingly thin 38mm case size. Now, the celebrated dive watch is accessible in three sizes: 38mm, 42mm, and 45mm, catering to a broader audience of refined watch collectors.

The price tag, however, may prove to be a stumbling block. The base model in stainless steel and black sunburst dial on a strap comes at a hefty $16,700; escalating quickly to $19,500 with a stainless-steel bracelet. Titanium and red-gold versions go even steeper, challenging the perception of luxury in terms of price and value and opening up a contentious debate amongst critics and fans alike.

The Fifty Fathoms 38, while an engineering marvel and a testament to Blancpain’s fine watchmaking legacy, carries a legacy that goes beyond just the product. Its pricing lingers far above the Rolex Submariner—an industry benchmark-which in 2025 starts at $9,500 without a date, and $10,650 with a date. Blancpain might still need to make some strategic adjustments in their pricing and marketing to garner a larger customer base. The Fifty Fathoms 38, after all, is a pioneering dive watch and deserves to reach a wider audience who can appreciate its finer details without having to fathom exorbitant prices.