Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 50th Anniversary

About this reference

Released in 2003 to commemorate the model's half-century milestone, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 50th Anniversary Reference 2200A-1130-71 was produced in three limited series of 50 pieces each, totaling 150 units. This reference is significant to collectors as it bridged the gap between vintage aesthetics and modern specifications, introducing the sapphire crystal bezel insert that became a brand standard. The 40.3mm stainless steel case houses the automatic Calibre 1151, offering a 100-hour power reserve. The dial features a date window at 4:30 and "71" style metal bracelet or rubber strap options. On the secondary market, these watches typically trade between $25,000 and $35,000 depending on set completeness. A notable production detail is the division into Series I, II, and III, which were allocated to the Asian, European, and American markets respectively, though the technical specifications across all three series remain identical.