The latest collectors book of underwater photography, from Blancpain;
Ever since the launch of the first Fifty Fathoms in 1953, Blancpain has been consistently
associated with the sea. Twelve years ago, to share its passion for diving, exploration and the
beauty of the world’s oceans, the Manufacture launched the Edition Fifty Fathoms project, a
collection of annual publications dedicated to the most stunning underwater photographs.
Blancpain is convinced that public awareness is vital to achieve its goals of preserving and protecting
the world’s oceans. In continuation of the important role played by the Fifty Fathoms watch in the
history of diving, the Manufacture collaborates with Editor Dietmar W. Fuchs, and invites renowned
photographers to share the wonders of the underwater world.
The result, Edition Fifty Fathoms, is an annual limited-edition publication launched in 2008 which presents four underwater photography portfolios. Fifty photographers have published their work, starting with the patriarch of underwater photography, Ernest H. Brooks II, who notably uses light and shadow to display his passion and creativity.
The Edition Fifty Fathoms concept
Edition Fifty Fathoms has been methodically designed to pay tribute to the first modern diving watch, the iconic Fifty Fathoms. Each book consists of 50 double-page spreads, each measuring one fathom around its perimeter when open, hence a total of 50 fathoms, and comprises a selection of 50 underwater photographs.
“Edition Fifty Fathoms epitomizes Blancpain’s genuine passion for the ocean and illustrates our
commitment initiated with the creation of the first modern diving watch almost 70 years ago.”
Marc A. Hayek, President & CEO of Blancpain