As we approach the end of 2019 and prepare for 2020 ? surely destined to be another interesting year in the world of watches ? we take a look back at some of the most noteworthy timepieces that came out this year, in various popular categories. Today, we look at some of the past year’s most significant dive watch releases.
Blancpain introduced several new and notable, historically inspired takes on its iconic Fifty Fathoms dive watch this year, but it was difficult for us to turn away from this luxuriously appointed, blue-and-gold version of the flagship Fifty Fathoms collection, which made its U.S. debut at our own WatchTime New York event in October. The 45-mm, 18k rose gold case, water-resistant to 300 meters, is the first made of precious metal to be used for a Fifty Fathoms watch, which made its groundbreaking debut way back to 1953. Also a first in the collection is blue ceramic dial, which boasts a shimmering cobalt hue for the sunburst-finish center and a more matte appearance for the surrounding chapter ring. The ratcheting unidirectional divers? bezel has a scratch-proof domed insert made of sapphire. The hour markers and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova for easy legibility in low light or deep beneath the waves. Blancpain?s automatic manufacture Caliber 1315, a movement of proven sturdiness and a high level of chronometric performance, beats inside, behind a clear sapphire caseback. Its three series-coupled mainspring barrels provide an impressive powe...