Swatch x Blancpain Unveils Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms “Pink Ocean” in Bold Bubblegum Hue
In an audacious fusion of playful design and horological pedigree, Swatch and Blancpain have rekindled their collaborative flame with the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms “Pink Ocean”—a timepiece that dares to subvert expectations. A year after their last joint release, this vibrant iteration arrives as a bold statement, cloaked in gradient shades of bubblegum pink and engineered for both the depths and the streets.
True to the Fifty Fathoms’ legacy as the archetypal dive watch, the Pink Ocean retains the collection’s robust 42.3mm case, now rendered in Swatch’s signature bioceramic—a lightweight blend of ceramic and bio-sourced materials. The sun-brushed dial transitions from soft blush to vivid magenta, evoking the otherworldly hues of the Ceratodoris rosacea, a pink-hued nudibranch immortalized on the sapphire caseback. Functionality remains uncompromised: Grade A Super-LumiNova® coats hands, indices, and the unidirectional diving bezel, ensuring legibility even in the abyssal dark.
Beneath the surface lies the beating heart of this collaboration: Swatch’s SISTEM51 mechanical movement, visible through the exhibition caseback. This self-winding caliber, renowned for its 90-hour power reserve and precision, is framed by five aspirational phrases—“Passion for Diving,” “Licence to Explore,” “Ocean Breath,” “Protect What You Love,” and “Immerse Yourself”—a poetic nod to Blancpain’s oceanic heritage.
Sustainability threads through every detail. The NATO-style strap, woven from recycled fishing nets, underscores Swatch’s commitment to eco-conscious innovation without sacrificing durability. Water resistance remains steadfast at 9 ATM (90 meters), a testament to the Fifty Fathoms’ 1953 origins as the first modern dive watch.
Priced at $400, the Pink Ocean bridges accessible luxury and haute horology, inviting a new generation to engage with Blancpain’s legacy through Swatch’s irreverent lens. Available exclusively at select Swatch boutiques starting February 1, this timepiece is as much a call to adventure as it is a wearable manifesto for ocean conservation.
FAQs:
1. What makes the Pink Ocean watch water-resistant to 9 ATM?
The watch adheres to Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms standards, featuring a screw-down crown, robust case construction, and seals tested for pressures equivalent to 90 meters underwater.
2. How does Swatch incorporate sustainability into the Pink Ocean design?
The NATO strap is crafted from recycled fishing nets, aligning with Swatch’s eco-initiatives while maintaining durability for diving.
3. Is the SISTEM51 movement serviceable?
Unlike traditional mechanical movements, the SISTEM51 is sealed and not designed to be disassembled, prioritizing affordability and longevity over repairability.
4. Why feature the Ceratodoris rosacea on the caseback?
This pink nudibranch symbolizes the collaboration’s oceanic inspiration and ties to Blancpain’s legacy of supporting marine conservation.
5. Will the Pink Ocean be a limited edition?
Swatch has not confirmed production limits, but past collaborations suggest high demand and limited boutique availability.