Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech (45mm): Now a Permanent Fixture, Still Built Like a Submarine

Blancpain has just made a bold move: the Fifty Fathoms Tech, their most capable dive watch, is no longer limited edition. That means the same heavy-duty specs, modern tool-watch design, and serious underwater credibility - but now available year-round. The new 45mm titanium model slots into the main collection and brings a couple of smart upgrades to the table.

It’s still big. Still overbuilt. Still all business. But now with a touch of everyday versatility that might win over even the non-divers among us.

Source: Hodinkee

What’s the Deal?

The Tech line kicked off in 2023 with the Tech Gombessa, a 47mm monster made to celebrate the Fifty Fathoms’ 70th anniversary. It had a three-hour bezel system and looked like something Jacques Cousteau’s crew would’ve worn - if they had titanium and 120-hour power reserves back then.

Then came the Ocean Commitment IV in 2025, downsized to 45mm but still limited to 100 pieces. It was more wearable, but just as serious. Now Blancpain seems to be saying: we're done testing - this is the real deal.

The new Fifty Fathoms Tech Ref. 5029-12B30-94A keeps the 45mm case and core features but adds a quick-change strap system, more colour options, and a permanent place in the catalogue. And it’s priced at around €20,500.

Source: Hodinkee

Specs (Because You Know You Want Them)

• Case: 45mm wide, 14.1mm thick
  
  

• Material: Grade 23 brushed titanium
  
  

• Water Resistance: 300 meters
  
  

• Bezel: Unidirectional ceramic, 120 clicks, aggressive knurling for gloves
  
  

• Dial: “Absolute Black” (absorbs 97% of light—basically Vantablack for tool watches)
  
  

• Strap: Integrated rubber with quick-release system (black, white, or orange options)
  
  

• Movement: Blancpain Caliber 1315A
  
  

• Automatic
  
  

• 4 Hz
  
  

• 120-hour power reserve
  
  

• Sapphire caseback
  
  

• Price: approx. €20,500
  
  

• Other Stuff: Comes in a waterproof, shockproof, reusable Peli case
  

Source: Hodinkee

What’s Actually New?

1. Quick-Change Strap System

This is the first time Blancpain is offering a tool-free strap swap on the Fifty Fathoms line. It's not a gimmick. It makes sense for a dive watch - go from desk to wetsuit without pulling out spring bar tools or swearing at your lugs.

You get three straps:

• Black - traditional and versatile
  
  

• White - clean, modern
  
  

• Orange - loud, matches the seconds hand and the "TECH" text on the dial
  
  

Not just for fun - this kind of colour contrast makes reading time easier underwater. But it works on land too, especially if you’re not afraid of standing out.

2. Not a Limited Edition

For collectors, that might sting. But for everyone else, it’s good news. This isn’t something you’ll need to chase or pay 30% over retail for. It’s a proper production model now - just not mass-produced. Blancpain is still Blancpain.

Source: Hodinkee

Why This Watch Matters

The 45mm Tech isn’t trying to be elegant. It’s not for black-tie galas. It’s for people who care about real performance. It has a helium escape valve, full 300m water resistance, and five days of power reserve. You could take it diving in the North Sea, forget it on the kitchen counter all weekend, and it’d still be running when you picked it up Monday morning.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t look like a standard-issue dive watch. The design has its own language - sharp, bold, and minimal. The dial’s matte finish, the cut of the lugs, the thickness of the markers - it all feels like a watch designed to do a job, not chase a trend.

In an era where a lot of “tool watches” are more jewellery than instrument, the Tech feels refreshingly honest.

Source: Hodinkee

Who’s It For?

You don’t have to be a diver to appreciate this watch. But it helps to like gear. The kind of gear that’s built with purpose - like a proper flashlight, a well-machined pen, or a 4x4 that’s been to Iceland.

The 45mm size isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Blancpain makes plenty of smaller models for that. But if you’re looking for a serious dive watch that can still look good on land - and you’ve got the wrist to carry it - this is worth a look.

And no, it’s not cheap. €20,500 is serious money. But unlike some other luxury sports watches in that price range, you’re getting technical specs to match.

Source: Hodinkee

Final Thoughts

The new Fifty Fathoms Tech is Blancpain doubling down on its roots. It doesn’t care about being vintage-inspired or dressy. It’s modern, functional, and built to go deep. And now, with the quick-change straps and slightly more compact footprint, it fits better into daily life too.

If you’re after a dive watch that takes itself seriously - but not to the point of being boring - this one delivers. It’s not loud. But in a sea of retro reissues and faux-patina, it’s kind of refreshing to see something this unapologetically modern.

Source: Hodinkee