Swatch x Blancpain: when haute horlogerie dives into pop culture

Dive into the world of the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms, the collaboration that reconciled Swiss haute horlogerie with the street. On one side, Blancpain, the oldest watch manufacture in the world, founded in 1735. On the other, Swatch, the accessible, colourful icon that saved the Swiss watch industry in the 1980s. Together, they turned the legendary Fifty Fathoms — the first true modern dive watch — into an accessible, colourful and deeply collectable object of desire. At MTHOR, we curate the most sought-after references in the collection, from the five original oceans to the special editions, all authenticated by our team of experts before shipping. Whether you are a diver at heart, a watchmaking enthusiast or a day-one collector, the Scuba Fifty Fathoms is a unique gateway to a 1953 icon.

The story of an icon: from the 1953 Fifty Fathoms to the Bioceramic Scuba

The story begins in 1953. Jean-Jacques Fiechter, then CEO of Blancpain and a passionate diver, designed with Robert "Bob" Maloubier and Claude Riffaud, founders of the French Navy's combat swimmers, a watch capable of accompanying divers on missions: the Fifty Fathoms. Its name comes from its depth rating, fifty fathoms, roughly 91 metres. Unidirectional rotating bezel, ultra-legible dial, proven water resistance: it set the codes for every modern dive watch, even before the Rolex Submariner. Adopted by navies around the world and worn by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his team, it became an absolute legend of watchmaking.

Seventy years later, on 9 September 2023, Swatch and Blancpain — two houses of the Swatch Group — struck a major blow: the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms. After the MoonSwatch phenomenon launched in March 2022, which caused queues outside boutiques worldwide, the recipe was reinvented ocean-side: five models named after the planet's five oceans, sold only in Swatch boutiques, and instantly impossible to find. The collection has since grown with highly sought-after special editions that keep collectors' fever running high.

A unique technology: how does the SISTEM51 movement work?

Unlike the quartz MoonSwatch, the Scuba Fifty Fathoms houses a true automatic mechanical movement: the SISTEM51. Made up of just 51 components and assembled in a fully automated process — a world first — it offers a power reserve of around 90 hours and a Nivachron alloy hairspring resistant to magnetic fields. The 42.3 mm case is made of Bioceramic, Swatch's signature material blending ceramic and bio-sourced plastic, topped with a domed, vintage-style box glass. True to the diving spirit, the watch is water resistant to 91 metres — fifty fathoms, exactly like the 1953 original. A detail collectors adore: the oscillating weight visible through the caseback is decorated with a nudibranch, a spectacularly coloured sea slug, different for each ocean.

Three major benefits: a Swiss automatic movement at an accessible price, where an original Fifty Fathoms exceeds €15,000; a light and resistant Bioceramic case, comfortable for everyday wear; and a real 91-metre dive capability with a functional rotating bezel and a NATO strap made from recycled fishing nets.

The iconic models in the collection

The original collection consists of five references named after the oceans. The Arctic Ocean SO35N100 with its washed-out polar tones, the Atlantic Ocean SO35A100 in deep blue, the Antarctic Ocean SO35S100 with its glacier shades, plus the highly sought-after Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean completing the 2023 quintet. Swatch and Blancpain then expanded the family with special editions that became instant cult classics: the Ocean of Storms SO35B400, entirely black, a nod to the Moon's "Ocean of Storms" bridging the MoonSwatch universe, or the Green Abyss SO35G100 with its mesmerising abyssal green. Each reference carries the Fifty Fathoms codes — graduated bezel, luminescent hands, day/date display — with its exclusive nudibranch on the caseback. These are precisely the references MTHOR strives to keep in stock for European collectors.

Why buy your Swatch x Blancpain from MTHOR

MTHOR Shop specialises in selling authentic products. Every watch in our Swatch x Blancpain collection goes through a rigorous check carried out by our team of experts: we verify the consistency of the box and documents, the case, dial, hands, bezel and strap, as well as the transparent caseback and its nudibranch. For the most advanced checks, we rely on specialised tools such as a UV lamp or microscope. Every order ships with a seal, tangible proof that the quality check has been performed and authenticity validated. Learn more about our authentication process.

We offer worldwide delivery in 2 to 8 days to your door with signature, real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, interest-free payment in 4 instalments via Klarna or Scalapay, and a customer service team based in France available Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. If anything goes wrong, our 14-day return policy protects you.

FAQ — Swatch x Blancpain at MTHOR

How do I verify the authenticity of a Swatch x Blancpain?

Every watch is checked by our team of experts before shipping: consistency of the box and documents, quality of the Bioceramic case, dial and strap, verification of the caseback and nudibranch, with a UV lamp and microscope when needed. Your order arrives with an MTHOR seal attesting to the check. Discover our authentication process.

Does the Scuba Fifty Fathoms wear large?

The case measures 42.3 mm in diameter, but Bioceramic is so light that the watch wears very comfortably, even on slimmer wrists. The NATO strap is adjustable and suits the vast majority of wrists.

What box comes with my watch?

Your Scuba Fifty Fathoms comes in its original Swatch x Blancpain box with all original accessories and documents. The specifics of each edition (ocean, nudibranch) are kept intact.

What is the delivery time?

We ship worldwide, with home delivery against signature within 2 to 8 days. You benefit from real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, whatever your destination.

Will I have to pay customs fees?

No, no customs fees are charged to you. MTHOR covers all customs duties and taxes, whatever your destination in the world. The price displayed on the site is the final price you pay: no nasty surprises on delivery.

Can I return my watch if it doesn't suit me?

Yes. You have 14 days after receipt to return your watch, provided it is in its original condition (never worn, box intact, seal unbroken). Refunds are processed within 24 hours of receiving the return.

Going further

Also discover our Swatch Omega MoonSwatch and Swatch Audemars Piguet collections. To learn everything about the quality of our products, see our detailed authentication process.