After releasing it twice before as limited-editions, the new 45mm Tech now finds a permanent place in Blancpain’s lineup. And it’s honestly nice to see Blancpain double down on what made the Fifty Fathoms legendary in the first place. The brand that literally invented the modern dive watch in 1953 has been quietly perfecting its Tech variant — a serious diver that doesn’t feel the need to actually look super serious.
From Laboratory to Lifestyle
The Tech line started in 2023 as Marc Hayek’s answer to a fascinating question: What would the Fifty Fathoms look like if it were invented today? That first Tech Gombessa was a 47mm titanium beast built for saturation divers, complete with a patent-pending three-hour timing system for rebreather diving.
It’s now evolved to this 45mm version here, showing Blancpain unafraid to refine the concept already into something far more versatile. Where the original was pretty utilitarian, this (slightly) smaller iteration further recognizes that even serious divers have lives above water.
Classic Fifty Fathoms Through and Through
Still bearing the classic FF aesthetic, the watch features an “absolute black” dial that absorbs 97% of ambient light, maximizing legibility in murky depths where visibility matters most. Around that, the unidirectional ceramic 120-click bezel features deep grooves around the outside for gloved hands, while the helium escape valve helps this achieve 300m of water resistance.
Under the hood, this is still very much a serious diving instrument. The Grade 23 titanium case houses Blancpain’s reliable caliber 1315A automatic movement, delivering 120 hours of power reserve.
Different Straps for Different Chaps
The new 45mm Tech also arrives with the first-ever tool-free strap system in the Fifty Fathoms line, finally giving different strap configurations whether you’re putting this on a bare wrist or over a thick wetsuit. It comes with two of three integrated rubber strap options in black, white, and an attractive orange that matches the seconds hand and “TECH” inscription on the dial. Swapping takes seconds and, again, requires zero tools.
Obviously, this is just the beginning for the still relatively-new FF Tech, but we’re excited to see the inevitable iterations that will continue to roll out in the coming years.
Spec Sheet
Model: Fifty Fathoms Tech 45mm
Case Size: 45mm
Case Thickness: 14.1mm
Case Material: Grade 23 titanium
Movement: Blancpain caliber 1315A automatic
Power Reserve: 120 hours
Water Resistance: 300m
Strap: Interchangeable rubber system (black, white, orange options)
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
The Fifty Fathoms Tech 45mm is available now through authorized Blancpain dealers for $22,700. Each watch comes with two rubber straps of your choice and Blancpain’s signature water-resistant Peli case for storage and travel.
Recap
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech 45mm
Blancpain downsizes the Fifty Fathoms Tech to 45mm and adds it to the permanent collection. It also features the first-ever tool-free strap swapping system in the FF lineup.
