The latest chapter in the Blancpain × Swatch collaboration takes a more serious turn. With its deep green tones, functional nods to vintage divers, and a subdued aesthetic, the new Green Abyss edition may be the one that finally bridges the gap between playful Swatch energy and true tool-watch heritage.
A Story Rooted in Dive Watch History
Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms, launched in 1953, wasn’t just another dive watch—it defined the category. Born to meet the needs of French combat divers, it went on to become an essential instrument for underwater explorers, including Jacques Cousteau. When Swatch teamed up with Blancpain in 2023, it wasn’t to replicate this legacy but to reinterpret it. The result was the Scuba Fifty Fathoms, a vibrant, affordable, and fully mechanical dive watch that brought Bioceramic cases, bold colors, and the SISTEM51 movement into the world of one of Switzerland’s most respected maisons. With the arrival of the Green Abyss, the collection matures—visually and thematically.
Built to Dive, Designed with Purpose
The Green Abyss retains the core specifications of the collection: a 42.3 mm Bioceramic case (a mix of ceramic and bio-sourced plastic), a unidirectional bezel, and a water resistance of 91 meters—exactly fifty fathoms. But what sets it apart is its visual restraint and the reintroduction of one of Blancpain’s most distinctive historical features: the moisture indicator. Located at 6 o’clock, this small circle changes color when water enters the case, echoing the MIL-SPEC Fifty Fathoms issued to military divers in the 1950s.
Inside, the watch is powered by the SISTEM51—Swatch’s fully automatic movement, assembled with a single central screw, offering 90 hours of power reserve and featuring a Nivachron antimagnetic hairspring. Through the sapphire caseback, you can spot a stylized image of Felimare picta, the nudibranch associated with this model, as with every ocean-themed piece in the Scuba Fifty Fathoms series.
An Everyday Diver with a More Refined Edge
Visually, the Green Abyss is less about standing out and more about fitting in—just not in a boring way. The matte forest green case and dial, paired with beige Super-LumiNova markers, give the watch a military-inspired look that feels purpose-built. It’s a world away from the vibrant, almost toy-like palette of some earlier models, which makes it more appealing to collectors who appreciate subtlety and balance.
The strap, made from recycled fishing nets, stays true to the eco-conscious approach of the collaboration. Lightweight, comfortable, and practical, it reinforces the Green Abyss’s identity as a versatile dive-style watch that can be worn on the beach, around town, or even in the office—assuming your dress code allows for a 42 mm green diver.
Final Thoughts and Availability
Launched on June 7, 2025, the Green Abyss will be available exclusively through Swatch stores, following the same limited distribution model as previous editions: one piece per customer, per day. Retail price is set at $400, making it accessible while still packed with technical and historical appeal.
In a collection that started with color-forward exuberance, the Green Abyss introduces maturity and intention. It’s not a drastic redesign, but it’s a clear evolution. And for those who’ve admired the Scuba Fifty Fathoms from a distance—perhaps waiting for a version with a more serious tone—this might just be the most compelling release yet. Unless you have the budget for the real think because – if that’s the case – Blancpain just released the Fifty Fathoms in 38mm !
