A Legend on the Wrist – Did Polish Navy Officers Wear the Iconic Blancpain Fifty Fathoms?

Recently, a client approached us with an extraordinary request – to help sell a rare timepiece that’s not only a legend among diving enthusiasts but also… a part of Polish Navy history! Before we delve into this remarkable specimen, let’s travel back to the origins of this fascinating story.

A few years after World War II, France began rebuilding its armed forces following the losses suffered in the war against Germany. While equipping a new unit of combat divers, they faced an unexpected challenge – the lack of a suitable watch. Today it’s hard to imagine, but in 1952, creating a military-grade timepiece was no small feat. It needed to be waterproof, shockproof, resistant to extreme temperatures and pressure, all while maintaining split-second accuracy. Picture a underwater explosives operation where team members’ timers are off by even a few seconds – the consequences could be catastrophic!

The French army announced a tender, but the requirements were so stringent that finding a manufacturer proved difficult. The watch needed a large (for the era) case, a black dial with bold indices, a rotating bezel with large numerals, and luminous hands. The challenge was accepted by Jean-Jacques Fiechter – a diving enthusiast and then-CEO of Blancpain. In 1953, the first Fifty Fathoms was born (the name refers to 50 fathoms, ~91.45 meters – the depth limit of early oxygen tanks, though the watch could withstand much more). Interestingly, this was the same year the competing Rolex Submariner debuted, but that’s a story for another article.

Where Does Poland Fit In? The Fifty Fathoms’ success in France made it a hit among navies worldwide and civilian divers. By the 1960s, it had become standard gear for military divers. But how did it end up in communist Poland, where Western military equipment was scarce and luxury watches virtually unobtainable? For decades, rumors swirled that the Polish Navy used Blancpain watches, but evidence was lacking. The legend was finally confirmed in the 2010s when dozens of Fifty Fathoms watches with distinctive „MW” engravings (Marynarka Wojenna – Polish Navy) and inventory numbers appeared at a military surplus auction!

The photos in this article show one of these legendary specimens, for which we found a new owner. The case and caseback reveal its military provenance with the „MW” signature and serial number. The tritium indices, once brightly glowing, have developed a subtle patina over the dial, adding vintage charm. Despite its adventurous past, the watch remains in excellent condition. Remarkably, despite its high value, the transaction was completed in just a few days! We hope to encounter more such unique pieces – perhaps even meet a former owner who wore this Blancpain during their service.