Blending Heritage with Cutting-Edge Watchmaking Technology
We are thrilled to unveil our latest interpretation of what we consider a genuine diver's watch, drawing inspiration from the 1950s divers while incorporating modern watch technology. Named the 1956 Marine, this watch pays homage to the tool watches that were integral to the diver's experience in that era, relied upon for measuring time underwater and ensuring sufficient oxygen for continued diving.
Unveiling the History of 1956 Marine
In 1955/56, Blancpain forged a historic alliance with the French Navy, the Marine Nationale. This partnership marked a pivotal moment in dive watch history, symbolizing the convergence of the watch world with elite underwater units. The result was nothing short of legendary.
Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms, released in 1953, was a revolutionary timepiece, the first purpose-built and designed dive watch ever introduced to the market. The French Combat Swimmers Corps adopted the Fifty Fathoms as their watch of choice, solidifying this collaboration as a cornerstone in the evolution of dive watches.
Blending Vintage Aesthetics with Modern Tech
When crafting the 1956 Marine, our objective was clear: infuse the watch with vintage-inspired aesthetics while avoiding a purely retro design. We aimed to pay homage to classic details while integrating contemporary materials and a modern perspective.
The watch features a simple sandwiched dial adorned with round hour markers, including our signature cut-outs at 12H and 6H. A frameless date window at 3H adds functionality and aesthetics. Hour markers and hands coated with white Super-LumiNova ensure exceptional visibility in all conditions.
The overall case design of the 1956 Marine draws inspiration from vintage divers of the 1950s and 60s. The slim, nearly straight profile of the lugs pays tribute to iconic timepieces of yesteryears, although achieving a completely straight profile wasn't possible due to the 1956 Marine's more modern 41mm size, chosen for optimal wearability.
The wide, flat unidirectional bezel and relatively small dial opening contribute to the vintage diver appearance. Notably, a generous gap between the case and the bezel edge serves as both a nod to vintage aesthetics and a practical feature, aiding in gripping the finely toothed bezel.
For the first time in our watchmaking journey, we've utilized a ceramic bezel inlay. This choice adds a captivating contrast of glossiness against the entirely brushed steel case, bringing a level of ruggedness that's virtually scratch-resistant. Ceramic is a premium material widely recognized in high-end divers, marking this addition as a true incorporation of modern technology in a timeless design.
Last but not least, the sapphire crystal of the 1956 Marine presents a domed appearance that rises gracefully above the flat bezel. This design choice is a deliberate nod to the highly domed hesalite crystals of divers' watches from the 1950s and 60s, further connecting this timepiece to its storied lineage.
The color palette of the 1956 Marine is significantly influenced by the available ceramic bezel inlay colors. Developing a consistent color in ceramic material for production takes around two years.
We couldn't get every color, hence the introduction of a black version to establish the watch as an instant classic diver's appearance. Alongside the black version, we offer a stunning blue-colored dial and bezel that stands out against the classic black.
If you pre-order before October 25th, you'll receive a free signature bracelet and a complementary Cordura strap with your new 1956 Marine Automatic. The launch of these two variants is on October 11th, and the first batch is limited to 100 pcs each. Set your alarm and don't miss out on this release.
Exclusive Limited Edition
The last version of the 1956 Marine is a limited edition in Steel / Ceramic White, and there will only be 100 pcs produced ever. The watch comes with a white dial and white ceramic bezel, on our signature bracelet, making the watch stand out from the other versions and, in our opinion, even cleaner than the other colors.
Take a look for yourself and join us in celebrating these remarkable timepieces, a true reflection of the past and the future.
