Blancpain Fifty Fathoms: Flyback Precision Underwater

A chronograph complication is a mechanical work of art and one of the most notable examples of watchmaking craftsmanship. An engineering marvel that is easily operated. The first press of the pusher starts the complication; the second stops it, while the third one resets it.

The flyback chronograph does all those three operations with a single click. It's as close as it gets to controlling time, at least for that crucial instant.

2025 is a year when the first flyback chronograph will celebrate its 100th birthday. That we live in a day and age when things happen more rapidly than ever before is a fact. Things were much slower and more humane 10 and 20 years before, let alone a century ago.

So, why on Earth would anyone back in the day go through so much trouble to invent something that saves a mere couple of seconds in an age when time moved way slower than now? For a fundamental reason. That second, or even a fraction of it, could mean the difference between life and death in certain situations.

The initial requirements for quicker chronograph setting and resetting originate from the start of the 20^th century. Those came from aviators, especially military pilots, who needed to promptly reset and set their chronographs in response to a sudden change of conditions during their flights. Professional divers quickly followed shoulder to shoulder with astronauts and all others who deal with situations where a fraction of a second can be crucial.

Trying to picture timeless elegance in the watch strap combination. There's undoubtedly one in Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph matching up with a 23 mm CrocoCalf (Croco Grain) Matte Black Semi-Curved Watch strap with Black Stitching

The complication quickly found its place among collections that were not even remotely associated with any of the above mentioned professions. As an example of sophisticated craftsmanship and groundbreaking innovation, a flyback chronograph is a functional tool with a specific purpose and an embodiment of diligent mechanics, genius engineering, and authentic design. Consequently, flyback chronographs also became a feature of luxury watch brands and collections, each giving a personal touch to their design and utilization.  

Utter black elegance of Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph 5085F 1130 52A, paired with  23mm Pilot Black Woven Brushed Texture Rivet Lug Watch Strap with Beige Stitching and 23mm Pilot Black Woven Brushed Texture Watch Strap with Beige Stitching waiting to be paired

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph

Our featured watch, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph, proudly wears all the epithets associated with this marvelous complication and its timeless, elegant design. Let's dive into the specifics of this incredible watch.

First, there is a minimal chance that wearing the Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph will go unnoticed. Two significant features are responsible for such stage presence: the dominant 45mm wide case and the prominent unidirectional sapphire bezel that radiates a bright, luminous glow.

Since this flyback chronograph is part of the infamous Blancpain Fifty Fathoms divers' collection, both features come naturally. Its designers made sure they covered every detail when it came to improved visibility in all conditions. The large case, the profound black lacquer-colored dial, the curved surface of the bezel, the white gold and enlarged indexes, and oversized hands also polished in white gold all add to it.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph sportier edition in combination with a 23mm Gunny X MT Denim Blue Washed Canvas Watch Strap

The dial features three subdials, two chronographs to the left and right – at 3 and 9, and the running seconds one at 6. They all run flawlessly thanks to a Blancpain’s automatic self-winding caliber F185. It has a 40-hour power reserve and a flyback chronograph complication.

The crown and two pushers sit comfortably on the right side. The first press of the 2 O'clock pusher starts the central chronograph second hand, the second stops it, and the third restarts it. The pusher at 4 O'clock controls the flyback chronograph. A single press stops, resets, and restarts the chronograph.

Aviators find this flyback function particularly useful for timing flight legs. As they reach each waypoint, a quick press of the 4 O'clock pusher instantly resets the chronograph to zero and restarts it. This allows pilots to time consecutive legs of their journey efficiently, without taking their hands off the controls or their eyes off the instruments for more than a split second.

The ingenuity of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph pushers and crown design is revolutionary. Unlike other chronograph divers, this watch's flyback complication can safely be operated and used underwater.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph looks and feels great, too, when complemented by a 23 mm Q.R. Military Green Sailcloth Watch Strap with leather lining

Other notable features of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph are:

• 5 mm thick Stainless Steel Case
• Scratch-resistant Sapphire Glass
• 300m water resistance
• 23mm lug width
• Antimagnetic cage

The first Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph was released in 2007. Its continued production and availability in several variants prove the success of the idea behind its design. Blancpain also offers several different variants of the flyback chronograph. One of them, which also comes in a dozen variants, is the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph. Here's what makes it particularly interesting and different from its older brother from 2007.

A 23mm Q.R. Black Sailcloth Watch Band with leather lining adds a touch of casual without taking any of the utter elegance of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph

The Latest Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph

The Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph unmistakably follows in the footsteps of its older brother, and you can easily see the resemblance. It has a dominant and perfectly readable case with three subdials, a unidirectional bezel, and two pushers next to the crown. In addition, both watches feature a 23mm lug width, which entails high versatility regarding a palette of available watch strap replacements. That's another great feature enabling their owners to accommodate various settings with a single watch paired with a strap that matches the occasion.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph Grade 23 Titanium

However, upon closer inspection, the differences between these two flyback chronographs are also clearly identifiable and yield individual authenticity.

The Bathyscaphe's case is 43mm wide and 14.85mm thick. Its bezel has a ceramic insert with Liquidmetal markers, and its overall appeal combines business and casual vibe. The fact that it features a flyback chronograph, annual and complete calendar, coupled with a 300m water resistance, makes the Blancpain Bathyscaph Flyback Chronograph somewhat more attractive to a broader audience than its predecessor.

Apart from visual appeal and additional complications, a crucial difference exists under the hood. The powerhouse driving the Bathyscaph Flyback Chronograph is the in-house-made Calibre F385 automatic movement. The full glory and operation of this 50h reserve and a 5Hz (36,000bph) operating frequency movement, which are truly unique features for a diving watch) can be seen through the transparent backcase. Finally, the movement features a silicon hairspring that adds to prolonged durability and accuracy, making the Bathyscaph even more appealing.

Blancpain´s in-house Calibre F385 automatic movement in its full glory, as well as seen through the transparent caseback of the Blancpain Bathyscaph Flyback Chronograph

The Blancpain Bathyscaph Flyback Chronograph collection comes in many variants. Also, it features unusual and limited-edition watches, such as the Ocean Commitment I and II, grade 23 titanium and 18K red gold case models.

In summary

Watches with flyback chronograph complications are of multiple natures. They are romantic reminders of the early days of aviation and the golden age of watchmaking progress, emblems of innovation, advancement, pristine mechanics associated with watchmaking in general, and status symbols per se. Such important and demanding roles. Still, flyback chronographs shine in all of them effortlessly without jeopardizing their fundamental and crucial function, measuring time with utmost precision.

Written by S.K., images by Toni and others as noted

External References:

• Review: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph
• Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph: The Cadillac of Divers
• Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On
• The Updated Blancpain Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph