205.
A highly rare and attractive stainless steel divers’ wristwatch with “Double Swiss” dial, humidity indicator and exhibition certifcate
Manufacturer
Blancpain
Year
1968
Case No.
2832
Model Name
Fify Fathoms Milspec 1 “Double Swiss”
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Automatic, cal. AS 1361, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Tropic Rubber
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel pin buckle
Dimensions
41mm. Diameter
Signed
Case, dial and movement signed
Estimate CHF 35,000-70,000 $36,200-72,300 €30,200-60,400 Accessories Accompanied by Blancpain Fify Fathoms exhibition certifcate, original paper tag from the 275th anniversary exhibition and Kubik winding box with Fify Fathoms Exhibition logo.
Since its launch in 1953, the Blancpain Fify Fathoms is has remained one of the most iconic dive watches in history. Conceived by fulflling a gap in the market for a reliable diver’s watch, the Fify Fathoms featured high water resistance, a robust protecting crown system, an automatic winding movement, legible luminescent markings and a rotating bezel with timing markings.
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The present example is the very sought afer Milspec 1 with a humidity tester at 6 o’clock. It displays other military specifcations such as a three part body case and a diamond at 12 o’clock on the revolving bezel. The inside caseback displays “Rayville S.A”, denoting the watch was made for the American Market. While this watch does display military specifcations, research shows that it was made for civilian use. An even more interesting feature is the “Double Swiss” designation at 6 o’clock. Like Rolex’s “Double Swiss Underline” reference 6239, we can surmise that the bezel had originally obscured the Swiss signature. As a result, Blancpain had to print it again, as to make it legible. This theory makes particular sense as the watch, was made for the American market, hence the importance of having a “Swiss” signature for importation reasons. Research shows that the present watch is the only Milspec 1 with this dial confguration to appear on the auction market. The present watch has furthermore been displayed at the Fify Fathoms exhibition commemorating the 275th anniversary of the brand.
29/09/17 15:08