Dive Deep with Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Latest Editions | Watch Review
- By Harrison Brown
- 3 Apr 2024
Longines is renowned in the luxury watch industry for excellent timepiece accuracy and high-quality craftsmanship. Here's what you should know before you buy.
A brief history of Longines Watches
Derived from the Swiss Les Longines meaning long meadows, Longines pays homage to the first factory site built in Switzerland in 1867 to manufacture the luxury watches we know today.
The Longines brand started in 1832 when Auguste Agassiz and his two partners established the Saint-Imier establishment to make and sell pocket watches. After becoming head of the company and the watches finding success in the United States, Agassiz took on his nephew, Ernest Francillon, to run the company. Here, Francillon worked on ways to improve the manufacturing methods in watchmaking.
While under Agassiz, the brand used common procedures used in watchmaking whereby watchmakers would work at home and supply their products to the trading offices. However, Francillon wondered about how the industrial revolution would impact the manufacturing process so he decided to take all the different stages of watchmaking and bring them all under one roof.
To achieve this, Francillon bought two adjoining pieces of land in 1866 and built his factory which was completed a year later. The factory was built on the bank of the River Suze, known locally as Les Longines', meaning long meadows, and so Francillon adopted this name for his factory.
Francillon then took on Jacques David who helped develop the machines required for perfecting watch manufacturing. Because of his innovation and industrial thinking, Francillion continually expanded the factory until the early 20th Century.
The research into technology at Longines rewarded them with various prizes, the first of which was awarded at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1867 for its first pocket watch product - the 20A. Throughout the brand's history, technical research has allowed Longines to produce high-precision timekeeping and quality manufacturing.
Due to its precise timekeeping reputation, Longines is the official timekeeper in many sports, including equestrian, horse-racing, Formula 1, alpine skiing competitions and gymnastic competitions. To this day, Longines continues to be a reliable and precise timekeeping brand, not only for sports but for all the masses.
Who owns the Longines brand today?
Longines has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Swatch Group, formerly Socit Suisse de Microlectronique et d'Horlogerie (SMH), since 1983. Founded by Nicholas G Hayek, the Swiss Swatch Group is the world watchmaking leader, with other brands such as ETA, Omega, Harry Winston, Hamilton and more under the company.
The current president of Longines is Matthias Breschan who has previously worked for the Swatch Group sister brands, Hamilton and Rado, for a number of years.
Where are Longines items produced now?
Longines watches are still being made in Switzerland, St-Imier, where they were first produced and have remained there since. They are the only watchmaker to have stayed in their original hometown to this day.
What is in the Longines range?
Longines continues to produce one of the most precise timekeeping watches in the world, but their range also includes sunglasses and straps for watches. The Longines tradition of keeping to quality is evident with their ability to provide original straps for watches so you can keep the authentic look of your watch or you can customise it to your preference.
In 2019, Longines began designing, producing and distributing the new optical and sun eyewear range for men and women. This new range embodies the brand's aesthetic and technological know-how to provide exquisite products. The optical and sunglasses range was developed in compliance with the strictest quality requirements and meticulous attention to detail, much like the production of its watches.
Where can I buy Longines products?
Longines products are widely available both online and in-store“ thanks to the company's selected network of retailers. You can find approved retailers in your country that sell authentic Longines products on their websites. Select countries can also purchase from Longines' online stores. At Chisholm Hunter, we stock a wide range of official Longines products including the high-performance HydroConquest for professional divers; the exquisite La Grande Classique collection; the classically authentic Master collection and the impeccable design of the Spirit watches.
How much do Longines products cost?
As with any luxury watch line, prices are on the higher end however, in relation to the rest of the watch industry, Longine places itself as a more attainable and affordable luxury brand compared to its pricier competitors.
Many high street retailers will have Longines products starting from around the £600 mark for the Conquest or La Grande Classique collections and up to several thousands of pounds for collections with more advanced technology and design.
The technical precision and high-quality build of Longines watches coupled with its devotion to tradition and research have helped place the company as the successful luxury brand it is today.
How can I tell if a Longines product is genuine?
Many Longines watches have very small numbers and markings printed on the dial below the number 6. These small markings show the movement number and plate number, which you'll need a magnifying glass to see. Counterfeit Longines watches usually don't have these markings but the ones that do are often done improperly, with defects and have more scratches on the dial surface.
Another way to find out if your Longines watch is genuine is to check the back of the watch case. A genuine Longines watch will be engraved with the watch brand name, the name of the country the watch was manufactured in and special trademark patterns for the watch brand. An authentic Longines watch case is fine and exquisite with a high finish and consistent assembly. A counterfeit watch will have a rough and imprecise watch case. Usually, letters are engraved on the open position of the case to show the amount of gold plating but counterfeit products will not have this mark. You can also check for the authenticity of your watch by going directly to Longines. Since 1867, Longines has kept a record of every single serial number of its watches so you can receive detailed information about your watch and a certificate of authenticity if it is genuine. Longines serial numbers are found engraved on the back of the watch case and are 5 to 8 digits long. In some cases, the serial number may be found on the movement or inside the watch so you may have to remove the case to see it.
Where can I get my Longines watch appraised?
If you'd like to get an appraisal of your Longines products then look for a local jeweller or watchmaker who offers a valuation service.
Older pieces that are in excellent condition will hold their value the best and holding on to pieces that have complicated mechanical workings will give you the highest resale price.
How do I wear my Longines watch?
The beauty of the Longines collection is that a single watch is enough to lift any outfit. Each of the Longines collections will match the occasion, day and outfit. For formal events, many of the Longines collections provide the simple, minimalistic and elegant watch you need to match your outfit.
For casual wearing, you can wear a watch from any of the collections and match it to your outfit, ensuring your arms have the right amount of luxury with elegant dials, gold or silver accents and a classic strap to elevate your look.
How to clean a Longines watch?
Longines watches have been designed to be durable but once in a while, they can require some cleaning to maintain their sharp and elegant look. It's recommended to use a toothbrush and soapy water to clean the metal bracelets and waterproof casings. Then, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Your Longines watch should be looking as good as new.
Think a Longines watch could be for you? Take a look at their collection here today.
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STORY
Back in 2023, Blancpain released their Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 limited edition watches, marking the first ever true diving watch release by the brand. In 2024, Blancpain have released their latest additions to the collection. With colours and materials, the Fifty Fathoms collection has some new permanent models to admire. Let’s get into why these watches are the new focus of the Blancpain.
A Turning Point in Watchmaking History
Blancpain holds the title of the oldest watchmaker in the world. Founded in 1753, they have been at the head of the industry for generations. Started by Jehan-Jacques, the Swiss watchmaking brand rose to fame through their creativity in design and mechanics.
In 1953, Blancpain introduced their first diving watch and began the line of Fifty Fathoms watches. Coined after the term “fifty fathoms,” which is reminiscent of 300 feet, the collection and was adored by the Royal Navy for it’s incredible accuracy.
In 2023, the 70th anniversary of the first ever Fifty Fathoms watch came around, and Blacpain commemorated the celebration with their 42mm case trio. A year later, the Fifty Fathom watch collection is now welcoming some new members to the club. And as permanent additions, they are something to truly marvel at.
Quality Materials
While the previous launch featured large 45mm dials and bezels, this release sports a slim 42mm face. Crafted from grade 23 titanium, they are highly durable and lightweight making the perfect everyday watch.
One model is constructed from red gold, a combination of pure gold and copper, for a more eclectic feel.
Grad 23 titanium, which is renowned for being the purest of its kind, has anti-allergenic qualities, is lightweight, and is extremely resistant to scratches and corrosion. The sapphire-topped bezel that is characteristic of this series guarantees perfect legibility and is also linked to toughness.
All in all, Blancpain pulled out all of the stops when creating these watches.
Fifty Fathoms Movement
If there is one thing that Blancpain knows how to perfect, it is a highly-functional diving watch. The new Fifty Fathoms Automatique watches are powered by the renowned Calibre 1315. With unrivalled chronometric performance (it’s extremely precise) and a complete in-house construction, this collection is nothing short of exceptional.
This fully decorated watch, which adheres to Haute Horlogerie traditions, features an oscillating weight made of 18K red gold and has a NAC coating. The design of the weight is modelled after the rotor of the original 1953 watch for a gorgeous touch of heritage.
Key Specifications of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatiques
- Case Material: Grade 23 Titanium/Red Gold
- Case Diameter: 42.3mm
- Case Thickness: 14.3mm
- Water Resistance: 300 meters
- Movement: Automatic, Manufacture 1315
- Strap: Sail Canvas, NATO, Tropic Textured Rubber, or Titanium
- Gass: Sapphire Crystal
Timeless Aesthetics
While these models are sleeker and lighter on the wrist, they are also stylish. With a few options to choose from, you can create your own personalised watch without the added cost.
The dials are available in an inky ocean blue or deep black. Both dial colours are available with titanium and red gold cases making for an excellent contrast. And they both have various options of strap materials and colours including NATO, titanium, sail-canvas, or Tropic textured rubber.
For over 70 years, Blancpain has worked closely with the diving community, not only for their loyalty but also for their aid in building the brand into what they are today. The brand gives back in the name of Blancpain Ocean Commitment, where they showcase their dedications to ocean preservation.
Think Blancpain could be the one for you? Take a look at our Fifty Fathoms collection today!
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique Mens Watch 5010_12B40_O64A
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Mens Watch 5010_36B30_B64A
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Mens Watch 5010_36B40_O64
BlancPain Fifty Fathoms Automatquie Mens Watch 5010_12B30_B64B
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Mens Watch 5010-12B40-98S