Hands-On: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ceramic In Green

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe used to be seen as something like a younger sibling to the classic Fifty Fathoms but after more than a decade in production (of the current iteration, at least) I would now classify it as the more modern sibling. The clean lines and sleek angles work particularly well in what is typically the bulkier category of diver chronographs, let alone flyback chronographs. But, the Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback Chronograph seen here, done in a ceramic case and green colorway, manages to exceed expectations and defy any baggage or preconceptions the category may bring with it.

One thing you won’t get from the images alone is just how lightweight the watch is, due to its black ceramic case. Ceramic is one of my favorite materials for a watch case (in addition to titanium) not just because of the weight but also the scratch resistance that comes with it. It also looks great, especially contrasted against that wonderfully vibrant green used on the dial and bezel here.

Divers' chronographs are a particular challenge because, well, operating a chronograph underwater presents some serious water-resistance issues. That said, Blancpain is confident in its assertion that the chronograph can safely be activated underwater. And for those not familiar, a flyback is significantly more complex than a typical chronograph because it does not have to be stopped before resetting.

While we’re on the topic, the F385 caliber deserves some love because it has so much going for it that movement nerds will love. This is a high-beat movement which operates at 36,000 vph (5 Hz) which means that it can time events up to 1/10 of a second. It has a column-wheel chronograph with vertical clutch so the tactile feel is solid and the hands are steady. With 50 hours of power reserve, the F385 is adjusted to six positions, which is actually one more than the chronometer standard of five, so accuracy is ensured. As for finishes, there is subtle snailing, perlage, and beveling throughout. I like that the finishes aren’t too overtly decadent given the real tool vibe here.

The case (300 meters of water resistance) measures 43.6mm wide and 15.4mm thick, which is not small, but the 49.6mm lug-to-lug measurement is actually quite manageable. For example, the Omega Seamaster 300M Chronograph comes in at 44mm wide, 17.2mm thick, with a 52.8mm lug-to-lug measurement while the Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph comes in at 44mm wide, 15.6m thick, with a 54.5mm lug-to-lug measurement. Dive chronographs are inherently going to be a little larger than a typical dive watch or chronograph because they have a very difficult job to do when one considers the risks involved with activating a pusher underwater. Finally, the lug width is 23mm and the watch comes on a highly durable sail-canvas strap that is inlaid with rubber and, notably, has a matching black ceramic buckle, which is a true sign of attention to detail.

Design-wise I love the use of non-uniform green on the bezel and dial. The bezel is a darker, almost forest-green while the dial has a lighter green with sunburst finish that has dynamic shades depending on the lighting conditions. The large hour and minute hands are really legible and of course there is ample lume on the hands, indices, and pip. The date window matching the dial is another detail that does not go unappreciated.

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback is a real purpose-driven diver chronograph that has the heritage to back it up. Considering the black ceramic case, finishing, movement, toughness, and brand heritage, the price of $18,400 is honestly quite fair.