A Rare and Very Collectible Vintage Blancpain Aqua Lung Steel Cased Dive Watch Movement Caliber:  No: R585, Case Serial:10558

Blancpain is the OLDEST WATCH BRAND in the world. Founded by Jehan-Jaques Blancpain in 1735, the company built its success by producing a limited amount of watches per year.

Blancpain is famous for being the creator of one of the most complicated mechanical watches ever made, the Blancpain 1735, which is a true grand complication (Tourbillon, minute repeater, perpetual calendar, split Chrono), a limited edition of 30 pieces only, production of just one piece per year. Aqua Lung was the name of Jaques Cousteau's line of diving equipment, and the Blancpain watches that were sold in his shop bore the name “Aqua Lung” on the dial. From early 1950 to 1970, more than 20 different variations of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms were made.

What’s On Offer 

This example is a real beauty with its glossy black dial and bakelite bezel which are both in extremely fine fettle. The applied hour markers with Arabic numerals at 6, 9, and 12 are intact with the original tritium lume aging to a beautiful caramel hue. The pencil hands also boast a beautiful lume which has aged to a slightly darker caramel colour giving the dial a charismatic depth. The Blancpain and Aqua Lung signatures are crisp and the tritium framed date aperture at 3 balances out an altogether handsome dial. 

There are slight signs of wear to this watch, just a couple of blemishes on the bezel but nothing too notable and certainly nothing unexpected for a watch of this vintage and something that was likely used for its intended purpose. The lugs and crown are in good shape and it is running well and keeping good time having being serviced in the last few months - what is not to love about this watch? A rare find indeed, beautiful on the wrist and an asset to any collection. Don't pass this one by and be quick as I don't really want to sell this piece having had it on my wrist for the last few weeks before being listed. I could still change my mind!! 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: Rich Black

Crystal: Plexi

Bracelet: Original Vintage Rubber Tropic with Pin Buckle

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual/Automatic

Movement Type: Mechanical

Calibre: R585

Jewels: 17j

Waterproof: When new

Power reserve: 38 hrs

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference Number: Aqua Lung

Date of issue: c.1960

Guarantee: 12 months by VWS 

Dimensions

Width: 37mm

Lug width: 18.5

Lug height: (lug to lug) 44mm

Wrist size:  Adjustable