Every two years, the watch industry unites for a great cause - the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy, providing unique watches for auction during one of the year's main events - Only Watch. The idea is to create special models that will never be repeated, and truth be told, all brands certainly play this game by releasing stunning watches. As always, there are a few models that catch our attention even more, like this year’s unique model from Blancpain, done in orange (this year's theme) and dedicated to the Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad model.
The name No Rad is certainly important for dive watch enthusiasts, especially those who collect military models. Among the numerous suppliers of watches for special forces and frogmen, Blancpain has always been one of the best options, as the brand was a pioneer in diving instruments. In 1953, Blancpain and its president Jean-Jacques Fiechter introduced watches that would become known as one of the earliest diving watches, granting the brand incredible legitimacy and attracting various military forces worldwide. For example, in the mid-1960s, Blancpain developed watches for the German military - or the 'Bundeswehr' - the so-called Fifty Fathoms RPG 1 model, or 'Bund No Rad.' These watches were equipped for the 'Kampfschwimmer,' elite German special forces frogmen, until the early 1970s. A distinguishing feature of the RPG 1 model was the 'no radiation' logo at the '6 o'clock' position on the dial.
These Blancpain 'No Radiations' watches, whose dials indicate the absence of radium, have since become collector's items. For this reason, in 2010, the brand introduced a watch paying homage to these 'No Rad' models - the ref. 5015B Tribute to Fifty Fathoms.
And earlier this year, Blancpain introduced another re-edition, this time in a more compact steel case with an even more tool-like appearance - a very attractive edition.
The Blancpain watch dedicated to Only Watch 2021 is based on the No Rad watch introduced in March 2021. Most of the technical specifications and proportions are identical, yet there are many elements making this OW model unique - and quite bold yet attractive. What has remained? Well, the case of these No Rad for Only Watch 2021 remains the same, meaning a rather compact polished stainless steel case measuring 40.30 mm, with a screw-down crown and case back and a water resistance of 300 meters. The bezel with a discreet side knurling also remains identical, though the insert differs, as does the dial.
For each Only Watch edition, a specific color scheme is developed, and this year the fundraising is based on an orange theme. While not all brands chose to use this color in their unique watches, Blancpain effectively uses this bold color to create a unique No Rad design. Firstly, on the bezel insert, which is still made of domed and glossy sapphire crystal, the fully graduated 60-minute scale is done in orange with a luminescent material beneath it.
The dial of this Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad for Only Watch 2021 model has also been slightly modified. Obviously, the orange color is present on the markers and hands. Both have a completely different profile than the classic, non-limited Fifty Fathoms watches, as the markers are a combination of dots and rectangles applied to the dial. The hands are also painted white instead of being polished metal. Another distinction of this OW model is the No Rad logo, which now has an orange background with a yellow logo. The matte black base also remains identical, but on closer inspection, you can see that this unique model is a no-date watch, whereas the March 2021 release had a date window at the '3 o'clock' position.
Orange is not the easiest color, and sometimes watches can become too flashy. But in this case, I must admit that Blancpain used it stunningly. The orange color makes the watch almost tropical, ultra-patinated, and even more vibrant than the traditional model. Not to mention, the no-date indication will undoubtedly please many enthusiasts. As for the rest, the watch still has a large size and a comfortable rubber strap reminiscent of a tropical style.
Under the hood, there is also a slightly different movement. The standard production model is equipped with the caliber 1151. For this OW edition, Blancpain uses the caliber 1154, which has the same technical base but is a true no-date movement (there is no ghost position here). It operates at a frequency of 3 Hz, has a 100-hour power reserve, and is beautifully decorated: a solid gold rotor with a black coating and a special 'Only Watch' inscription.
This Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad for Only Watch 2021 model is among the 53 lots to be auctioned in November. It is estimated at CHF 12,000 - 18,000, which is undoubtedly a very conservative range for this obviously very cool FF edition.
Created in 2005, Only Watch biennially raises funds for research into muscular dystrophy - Association Monégasque Contre les Myopathies (AMM). The 9th edition of the watches, organized under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, will be auctioned by Christie's on Saturday, November 6, 2021. More information at www.onlywatch.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - BLANCPAIN TRIBUTE TO FIFTY FATHOMS NO RAD FOR ONLY WATCH 2021
Case: Diameter 40.30 mm x Height 13.23 mm - Stainless steel case, polished - Unidirectional bezel with sapphire crystal, 60-minute orange scale - Screw-down case back and crown - Water resistance 300 m
Dial: Matte black, orange markers, hands with orange lume, no-rad logo at 6 o'clock
Movement: Caliber 1154, in-house developed - Automatic, central rotor - 27.40 mm x 3.25 mm - 28 jewels - 190 components - Power reserve 100 h, with 2 barrels - 21,600 vibrations/hour - Hours, minutes, seconds
Strap: 20 mm Tropic-style rubber strap with steel pin buckle
Reference: 5008E-1130-B64A
Availability: Unique piece for the Only Watch 2021 charity auction
Price: Estimate CHF 12,000 - 18,000