Blancpain

Buying guide

About Blancpain

Blancpain traces its history to 1735, when Jehan-Jacques Blancpain began making watches in Villeret, which makes it one of the oldest watch brands. It is now based in Le Brassus, in the Vallée de Joux, and is part of the Swatch Group.

The brand is best known for the Fifty Fathoms of 1953, one of the first modern dive watches, designed for military divers. Blancpain also makes complex complications, such as full calendars and tourbillons.

Signature models

Fifty Fathoms

The 1953 diver and its modern versions, including the Bathyscaphe.

Villeret

Classic dress watches, including full calendars with moon phase.

Air Command

A pilot's chronograph revived from a 1950s design.

What to know before you buy

• Fifty Fathoms come in several sizes; the Bathyscaphe is slimmer and suits more wrists.
• Many Blancpain movements have long power reserves; check the specifications on each listing.