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Blancpain 500 Fathoms Only Watch - Unique in the world !

For the third ONLY WATCH charity auction held to raise funds for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Blancpain unveils a one-of-a-kind 500 Fathoms model. The exceptional 500 Fathoms Only Watch N°1/1 was specially conceived and developed for this cause. This world-class sports model featuring an uncompromising design and accomplished performances celebrates its legendary origins in the world’s first modern diver’s watch, the famous Fifty Fathoms by Blancpain*.

Loyal to an almost decade-long commitment to the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy, Blancpain is reaffirming its support by introducing an exceptional model: the 500 Fathoms Only Watch N°1/1, a unique diver’s watch intended for demanding and refined connoisseurs. Endowed with a new face, new dimensions and new performances, the 500 Fathoms may be considered the “big sister” (in size terms) of the famous Fifty Fathoms*.

More imposing than its predecessors, the 48 mm-diameter 500 Fathoms Only Watch N°1/1 is water-resistant to 1000 metres. An automatic decompression valve housed inside the brushed titanium case, guarantees the watch’s security and reliability without any intervention by its owner. Unique in the world, the anthracite grey dial of the 500 Fathoms Only Watch N°1/1 is adorned with a carbon fibre centre. A tinted blue sapphire ring provides a transparent view of the date disc rotating beneath a window at 6 o’clock. The luminescent coating applied to the hour-markers, bezel markings and hands, along with the red tip of the central seconds hand, ensure optimal read-off in all circumstances. The easy-grip raised notched unidirectional rotating bezel facilitates handling, while the titanium and scratchproof sapphire crystal bezel is slightly domed to reduce the risk of impacts.

The sapphire crystal case-back enables one to admire the self-winding Calibre 1315, as well as its entirely hand-decorated oscillating weight shaped like a boat propeller. The 500 Fathoms Only Watch N°1/1 is equipped with a rubber-lined black sail canvas strap, while an additional rubber strap and the dedicated instrument required to fix it complete the set, delivered in an ultra-sturdy watertight presentation box able to withstand extreme conditions.

* Reminder: First launched in 1953, the Fifty Fathoms gained its pedigree by facing up to the extreme conditions prevailing during underwater military missions. The water resistance of the original model, guaranteed to 50 fathoms (91.45 metres) lent its name to this mechanical masterpiece which soon earned a sterling reputation for reliability and ruggedness, asserting itself as the archetypal modern diver’s watch. In 2007, this iconic model returned to centre stage when Blancpain presented an entire range of Fifty Fathoms models water-resistant to 300 metres.

About ONLY WATCH

Under the high patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Only Watch 2009 is an exceptional charity auction initiated by Luc Pettavino,
Founder of United Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (UPMD) and President of the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy (AMM). The Only Watch auction will be held on September 24th 2009 in the Principality of Monaco during the prestigious international MONACO YACHT SHOW. The Only Watch concept brings together the famous Patrizzi & Co Auctioneers and 34 of the most renowned watch brands. The operation consists in auctioning unique pieces or first in series. The entire proceeds will be donated to AMM, created by parents of children suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Technical Data

SPORT, “ 500 Fathoms Only Watch N°1/1 ”, date and seconds, dark grey and carbon fibre dial, decompression valve, one-way rotating bezel, self-winding

Caliber : 1315

Thickness : 5,65 mm

Diameter : 30,60 mm

Power-reserve in hours : 120

Jewels : 35

Components : 222

Limited edition of : 1/1

Case : brushed titanium

Thickness : 16,95 mm

Diameter : 48,00 mm