1,581 words
Introduction:
Though opinions on Swatch Group’s execution of releasing the MoonSwatch models during the pandemic may vary, their success cannot be disputed. Over the years, I have seen countless wrists adorned with a MoonSwatch. Amazingly, almost every single stranger I talked to who wore one expressed no desire to ever own an Omega or Speedmaster one day, and very few of them were collectors. The demographics ranged from mothers in their thirties, a civil engineer in his fifties, a dental technician in her twenties, to a scuba diving student in his early thirties, about to do their open water course while wearing one. Don’t worry, I made sure they didn’t dive with their Jupiter-Edition Moonwatch.
The benefit of being an extreme extrovert is that, if given enough time, one can conduct one’s own market research and discern in what exact manner a product was a success. Most people, whether within the watch industry or as seasoned collectors, said with the utmost confidence that the MoonSwatch was designed to be a gateway drug to a real Speedmaster. Outside of the collectors and owners of Speedmasters I spoke to, this did not seem to be the case.
Thus, when gauging the potential success and merit of the newest collaboration between Swatch and another luxury brand from within the Swatch Group, this time with Blancpain and their historic Fifty Fathoms model, the waters can get murky. However, if one bothers to dive in for a closer look, they will find that the visibility immediately clears once below the surface, and it all comes to light rather easily.
Experience:
When it comes to one’s time with any one of the nine Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms models, the total number at the time of writing, there are two very different experiences. There is that of seeing it and wearing it. Then there is merely handling the watch.
Thanks to the explosion of ceramic and Cerakoted watches on the marketplace, this particular Green Abyss model looks expensive. From a distance, this particular model does not look like a plastic watch, but a variant of the Fifty Fathoms in Blancpain’s own lineup.
Then there is the matter of proportions, for both the Speedmaster Professional and the Fifty Fathoms are widely regarded to be perfect in this respect. The Scuba Fifty Fathoms does not suffer from the awkward dimensions imposed on the MoonSwatch by a stock ETA G10.212 chronograph module, and thus retains the flawless proportions of the original, which has been comprehensively copied thousands of times over the decades. The bezel’s lumed numerals and inlay, along with the “biosourced” crystal, whatever that means, give this watch a rich yet vintage aesthetic. Operating the 120-click bezel is also an absolute joy, and once again, does not feel inexpensive.
As the days passed, I found myself gazing down at this watch and truly appreciating what makes the actual Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe so enjoyable in real life. Its design is perfect. Every proportion is realized perfectly.
This watch makes for a beautiful companion, and the only hiccup presented is when one first picks up the watch. Its plastic construction does make for a poor initial impression, but over time, you will come to appreciate the fit and finish that Swatch was able to achieve with the materials at hand. Those who complain about the quality of these watches did not spend enough time with them or have an alternative motive in making such statements.
I did not have a chance to dive with this watch, but I have no doubt it would perform well within the confines of recreational diving.
Design Elements:
What separates this watch from the nine other models is its colourway and how the SISTEM51 movement is decorated. Here, the movement’s clear rotor has a printing of a sea slug, or nudibranch if you’re technical, and the words “SCUBA Fifty Fathoms GREEN ABYSS”. Behind the clear plastic rotor is the underwater scene in which this slug lives. The artwork reminds me of the illustrations in great children’s books, and I am glad they did not resort to a photo-realistic representation of the slug and its environment. This sets the tone correctly, for it is a Swatch, after all.
On the topic of the movement, the SISTEM51 movement in the example here was accurate to within +9 seconds per day, which almost brings it within the old chronometer standards. I own two other Swatches that use the SISTEM51 movement, and their accuracy ranges from +14 to +32 seconds per day. It should also be noted that the SISTEM51 cannot be serviced, and it, along with the entire watch, is regarded as a disposable.
Unlike the dozens of MoonSwatches I have handled, every Scuba Fifty Fathoms I have encountered has been flawless. The quality control, fit, and finishing of the case, bezel, dial, hands, and the uniformity of the Super-LumiNova are all truly impressive.
The strap too impresses with its use of high-quality, tightly woven nylon, exemplary stitching and a sense of durability that makes one think that it could outlive the watch. We’ll touch on this topic and that of perceived value in the closing section of this review. The plastics used for the strap’s hardware are of high quality, and the buckle has an incredibly handsome “Fifty Fathoms” etched into it in the brand’s cursive font. At first, when comparing the Scuba Fifty Fathoms and the MoonSwatch, the delta between the quality of the straps is where the Blancpain collaboration leaps ahead. Its case, bezel, and other details deserve just as much, if not more, attention.
The one element that truly conveys a sense of aggrandizement is the three-dimensional, fully lumed indices at every hour. This can easily go unnoticed, but the aura of quality that emanates from these indices is intense. You will have trouble not staring at them once you notice them.
Conclusion:
The Scuba Fifty Fathoms Green Abyss is a flawless watch when one takes into account its materials and the mission of the watch. The only issue I have heard echoed mainly within enthusiast quarters is that this Scuba Fifty Fathoms is a poor value given its price tag, especially since it is a disposable product. There are many accounts of quartz Swatches still being worn decades after their purchase, but the certainty around the SISTEM51’s longevity is not as strong or substantiated by data.
At $530 Canadian, there is merit to this concern, as there are many options available for those looking to simply buy a dive watch at this price. Within Swatch Group’s own catalogue, Tissot offers the truly excellent Seastar 1000 (T120.210.11.051.00) for $575. I’d argue that if you are cross-shopping the Scuba Fifty Fathoms with a normal watch, you are probably missing the point of this watch. This is not a normal watch and should not be held to the same standards and concerns as typical offerings.
If by chance, you were in this camp and are now a little lost as to what else to look at, there are plenty of options. If you are willing to expand your budget, Swatch Group’s Hamilton has you covered with the Khaki Navy Scuba Quartz (H82201131) at $850 Canadian. I have handled and worn both this and the Tissot mentioned above, and both will serve you well for many years to come. There are also plenty of models on offer from industry incumbents such as Seiko and Citizen.
The Tornek Rayville TR660 – made by the legendary Bill Yao
If you want the aesthetic of a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, then there is a gem in the market that requires a little extra legwork. Tornek Rayville has you covered with their truly magnificent TR600. I wrote an extensive review on the TR660, and it is truly your best option for a non-disposable watch with the desired aesthetics of the Blancpain. The fact that it is made by a legend in the industry also helps, and it costs twice as much as the Scuba Fifty Fathoms. What you are giving up in quirky charm of the Scuba Fifty Fathoms, you are gaining in quality and a lifelong companion with the Tornek Rayville. You will need to sign up for their newsletter on Tornek Rayville’s website to get a chance to buy one, for they sell out quickly.
For those who can easily afford a disposable piece of jewelry that doubles as a watch, your money will not be wasted in these collaborations between Swatch and Blancpain. Every person I know who owns one is happy with their ownership experience, for they know exactly what they are getting into. That is the key to determining whether this watch is right for you. Any one of the colourways of this perfectly proportioned timepiece will look excellent on your wrist. You will just have to come to terms with the fact that your time with this watch will not be the same as with traditional watches, which are meant to be serviced over the years.
In closing, the Scuba Fifty Fathoms serves as a beautiful example of what Swatch is capable of. As someone who collects normal Swatches, this collaboration with Blancpain offers a true halo product and experience for the brand. It is obvious that the lessons from the MoonSwatch were applied here, and that Swatch’s manufacturing might is only getting stronger. As much as I love this watch, I am eager to see what Swatch’s next collaboration will be. I am keeping my hopes up for a Swatch x Hamilton Ventura in the not-too-distant future.
The Hamilton Ventura
Time of writing: March 3rd, 2026
You can find more information on the Swatch x Blancpain Fifty Fathoms here.
Specifications:
Reference: Green Abyss S035G100
Case Width: 42.3mm
Thickness: 14.4mm
Lug-to-Lug: 48.0mm
Strap Width: 21mm Nylon
Case: Green Bioceramic
Dial: Dark Grey
Lume: Grade A Vintage Super-LumiNova
Crystal: “Biosourced material”
Water Resistance: 91 metres
Movement: SISTEM51
Weight: 41 grams
Price: $530 CDN
