1950’s Vintage Blancpain Aqua Lung Tropical Dial

Up for grabs is a Blancpain Aqua Lung

1950’s model with radium lume

This is a 41mm watch with steel case

The name “Aqua-Lung” found on the dial derives from the first open-circuit self-contained underwater breathing apparatus invented in the winter of 1942 by Jacques Cousteau and Émile Gagnan, who later founded the company La Spirotechnique to manufacture and distribute their SCUBA equipment. The name AquaLung was chosen as it would be more appealing for American audiences, rather than the original French name of “scaphandre autonome”. To complicate these issues of nomenclature, the American sister company of La Spirotechnique was called U.S. Divers, which later changed their name to Aqua Lung and then to Aqua Lung America. As the Fifty Fathoms was a tool watch for those customers of Aqua Lung, Blancpain partnered with the SCUBA equipment company, and the first known cosigned wristwatch appeared on the cover of a US Divers catalogue in 1958.

Extremely well preserved case condition without dings, dents, or deep scratches. Original acorn winding crown.

The original crystal has very minor surface marks.

The original bezel shows awesome orange patina

Original dial and hands show aging and patina, but the dial still remains glossy. No relume, no refinish. The dial has even “tropical” aging throughout

Caseback is original with fully legible engravings.

The watch comes on an unworn NATO style strap.