Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Milspec 1

About this reference

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Milspec 1 was produced during the late 1950s and 1960s following the initial 1953 release of the standard Fifty Fathoms. Collectors prioritize this reference for its functional moisture indicator located at six o'clock, a circular disk designed to change color from blue to pink if water entered the 41mm stainless steel case. It typically houses the automatic Caliber AS 1361 or the upgraded Caliber R.310. This reference is historically significant as it met the rigorous technical specifications of the United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit. On the secondary market, authentic examples generally command prices between $80,000 and $150,000 depending on condition and provenance. A notable variant is the "US Navy" signed dial, which is particularly rare; a well-preserved Milspec 1 with this distinction achieved a sale price of approximately $125,000 at a 2021 Phillips auction.