Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...

New York, Oct 17, 2008

LOT 214

Blancpain, "Fifty Fathoms, Milspec I," Ref. 3031. Made in the 1950s. Fine and rare, stainless steel, center seconds, selfwinding, water-resistant, anti-magnetic diver's wristwatch.

USD 1,500 - 2,500

EUR 1,100 - 1,800 / CHF 1,700 - 2,800

Sold: USD 5,040

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, bidirectional revolving graduated black bezel, screwed-down case back, anti-magnetic protection shield. D. Black with luminous round, baton and triangular indexes, moisture indicator at 6. Luminous white baton hands. M. Cal. 1361N, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, selfcompensating flat balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 41 mm. Thickness 14 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-7

Good

Oxidized
Movement: 3-6*

Good

Slightly oxidized

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

The Blancpain Fify Fathoms became an instant classic when in 1956 Jean Jacques Cousteau was seen wearing it in his film "Le Monde Du Silence" that won the Palme D'Or in Cannes that year. These legendary watches were constantly improved, which sometimes led to novel experimentation. On the present watch, for instance, Blancpain was eager to test the effectiveness of their moisture indicator, and installed it on the dial above the word Rotomatic.