in a letter to the editor published in The New York Times in 1959, a reader responded to a recent article reporting that traces of radiation had been found on a Pan Am transatlantic flight – but that a Public Health Services investigation found the radiation levels to be less than that of a wristwatch coated in radium paint. This reader was curious, "If the statement is based on fact, shouldn't the Public Health Service also be investigating radium dial watches?"
The use of radium in watches became a hot button safety issue in the 1960s, as our New York Times reader was somewhat early to point out (though the dangers were certainly known at that time).1:1 replika The mid-century radium scare, however, did result in one of the most iconic dive watches ever produced by Blancpain.
Now, Blancpain's entry into the world of dive watches is a fascinating story, and one highlighted in a recently released documentary – one that I found to be immensely entertaining. In short, Blancpain was an early contractor with the American (under the name Tornek-Rayville), French, and German military – supplying its Fifty Fathoms for underwater use by their various navies. These watches, referred to as Mil-Spec, were designed to – well – military specifications. Those specifications outlined a litany of requirements such as an automatic winding movement, as well as the materials used.
When it came to the luminous application, the brand was effectively bound by those specifications which called for radium. However, as the 1960s arrived, and it became evident just how dangerous radium was (and the negative health effects it could have on those who became exposed to it), the brand made a change.
This is when Blancpain introduced one of its most iconic versions of the Fifty Fathoms – the "No Radiation" dial variant. The watch was designed to clearly identify that the dial wasn't using radioactive materials for its lume. And how did it communicate that? By including a large colorful stamp, in yellow and red, with lines crossing through the radiation trefoil symbol, reading "No Radiations." Pretty clear.
Well, now, Blancpain is introducing a "No Radiations" revival: The Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad Limited Edition.
This is an almost – almost – 1:1 reproduction of the original model. It comes in a very wearable 40.3mm case (the same case used for the HODINKEE Mil-Spec LE), and brings so much of the spirit of the original model to life.
It's worth noting that in 2010, the brand released another tribute to the original "No Radiations" watch – with the same general dial layout – only in a larger 45mm wide case. This was released in a limited run of 500 pieces and has since become quite collectible in its own right.
In some ways, the new Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad Limited Edition represents a bit of fun irony. The treatment of the lume is done in "old radium"-colored Super-LumiNova, meant to recreate the look of patina on the original "No Radiations" model. Say what you will about faux-patina, but on a watch so deliberately calling back to its past, the effect works here.
This watch is something of an exercise in celebrating the old by rebuilding it with all things new. To that point, the bezel insert is made of sapphire – a design flourish consistent with all modern Blancpain divers. The bezel is lumed, with the same patinated look as the markers,replika órák and has a domed effect to it which plays off of the vintage-aesthetic boxed sapphire crystal. That crystal creates a distorting effect to the outer edges of the dial. The case itself is water resistant to 300 meters.
The date aperture placement at three o'clock is effectively identical to the original model, as are the matte black dial and the presentation of the painted makers. The watch comes fitted to a Tropic-style strap, and the case has lug holes (which, weirdly, is a vintage feature, but also just massively practical for removing a strap). Lest we forget the iconic "No Radiations" stamp which takes center stage here.
One thing worth noting is the fact that the case is entirely polished. While consistent with Blancpain's design language, it would have been cool to see a brushed case with this model. Another aspect which many will be sure to point out is the Blancpain engraving on the side of the case. This was not present on the original model, and it goes without saying that this watch might very well be near-perfect in its execution if not for that one design choice.
The No Rad LE features the Blancpain Calibre 1151 – an automatic movement (a necessary feature for a dive watch as to not put excess stress on the crown) that we’ve seen used by the brand for years. It was even present in the Fifty Fathoms 50th Anniversary model back in 2003. It uses a silicon balance spring and provides an impressive four-day power reserve. Both barrels in the movement are wound by a rotor with what's called a cartouche-shaped aperture. According to Blancpain, this is "a nod to some of the historic timepieces in the collection, including the very first Fifty Fathoms. This now atypical detail was formerly used to increase the suppleness of the oscillating weight in order to safeguard the movement in the event of impacts."
It can be difficult to iterate on old designs because oftentimes they necessitate using old materials in their execution. Here, Blancpain has balanced the essence of a classic collectible model with modern build and movement quality. This combination results in a watch that could surely become as collectible as its fore-bearers. Just like the LE in 2010, this Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad Limited Edition is limited to 500 pieces.
The Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad Limited Edition Reference 5008D-1130-B64A. Stainless steel case measuring 40.3mm in diameter and Tropic-style strap. Black ceramic lumed bezel.rolex replika Blancpain Calibre 1151 with a power reserve of four days (100 hours) and 28 jewels. Matte-black dial with painted markers and lume on hands and plots. Water resistant to 300 meters. Limited to 500 pieces. Price: $14,100.
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