The world’s oceans have met their match. Blancpain and Swatch are boldly expanding their horizons with the Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms, the sixth watch in their acclaimed collaboration. This timepiece doesn’t pay homage to coral reefs or crashing waves, but to the vast lunar mare known as Oceanus Procellarum – a fitting destination for a watch that combines Blancpain’s diving heritage with Swatch’s playful ingenuity.
Unlike its ocean-inspired siblings, the Ocean of Storms has a simple, monochrome aesthetic. Black bioceramic, as smooth as lunar regolith, forms the case, bezel and crown, echoing the mysterious depths of the moon. Crisp white markers, set against a black sunburst dial, ensure legibility like constellations against an inky night sky. This colour scheme whispers of lunar craters and cosmic dust, a stark contrast to the vibrant hues of its maritime counterparts.
While the other Scuba Fifty Fathoms models are inspired by vintage Blancpain designs, the Ocean of Storms is inspired by the contemporary Fifty Fathoms. Its 42.3 mm size, acrylic crystal and unidirectional bezel reflect the iconic diver and exude timeless elegance. The striped NATO strap, made from recycled fishing nets, is given a lunar makeover in black, grey and white to complete the celestial theme.
Beneath the sapphire crystal caseback is the Swatch SISTEM51 automatic movement, a marvel of innovation with a 90-hour power reserve. Its rotor is adorned with an enchanting print: the mare Oceanus Procellarum, adorned with an Okenia Luna nudibranch – a reference to the series’ tradition of associating each watch with a unique nudibranch. This lunar twist reflects the celestial inspiration of Ocean of Storms.
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While the MoonSwatch Moon version mirrored the Omega Speedmaster, the Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms collection lacked a truly faithful Fifty Fathoms design. The Ocean of Storms fills this gap, offering a blacked-out Fifty Fathoms with subtle Swatch touches. Its versatility and classic Fifty Fathoms aesthetic have the potential to make it a collector’s favourite, much like the MoonSwatch Moon.
Launching on January 11th, 2024, the day of the new moon, the Ocean of Storms will join the collection as a standard production model. However, as with Swatch collaborations, availability will be limited to selected Swatch retailers, adding to the aura of exclusivity. With a price tag of USD 400, the Ocean of Storms remains accessible without losing its collector’s appeal.
The Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms marks a bold chapter in this innovative collaboration. By venturing beyond the earth’s oceans, both brands demonstrate their creative prowess and willingness to push boundaries. As they leave the familiar blue for the celestial black, we can only wonder what aquatic and cosmic wonders await in future iterations of this captivating partnership.
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© Blancpain x Swatch
