New Edition of Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

Throughout the history of the brand, Blancpain has won the hearts of many devotees of the sea, having established strong ties with the maritime world, both above and below waves. This year, in Cannes on the occasion of the Cannes International Boat Show 30th anniversary, the Manufacture established in Le Brassus revealed the first thirty production pieces of its newly developed timepieces to join the iconic Blancpain Fifty Fathoms line. Fifty Fathoms caused a real sensation at Basel 2007.

The launch of the new Fifty Fathoms has marked Blancpain's third year of sponsorship of the prestigious yachting event. Now those greatly attracted by the world above the waves are given the first chance to become the owners of the finest diving watch ever created.

Acting as an official partner of the Cannes International Boat Show, the Blancpain Manufacture held an exclusive presentation of the 'new-wave' Fifty Fathoms watches, meant to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the high-profile event.

The brand invited a group of guests to join a cruise and witness at sea the introduction of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. The brand's CEO Marc A. Hayek invited a special guest to take part in the event - world free-diving champion Gianluca Genoni. The Italian diver is proud to be the holder of 12 world championship titles. Gianluca Genoni has dedicated his life to free-diving for the past decade.

The guests who found themselves on the perch on the Blancpain yacht and with the help of underwater cameras used for filming the event had an exclusive chance to watch the 'launch dive' performed by Marc Hayek and Gianluca Genoni. Right underwater, Mr. Hayek, a passionate scuba diver himself, presented the diving champion with the Fifty Fathoms, the timepiece with serial number '0' that was inscribed with his name, and specially marked 'Piece Hors-Serie'.

Following the most unconventional presentation ceremony, Gianluca Genoni surfaced with the historic Blancpain timepiece on his wrist and then participated in a press conference held aboard the yacht. The event was finished by an elegant luncheon at sea.

The first series Blancpain Fifty Fathoms have been made available for sale in the brand's booth at the Festival. The timepieces were snapped up by the show attendees.