Description
Here is a very rare, vintage 37.5mm stainless steel 1960s Blancpain Aqua Lung! This watch is completely original! The Aqua Lung was one of the first recognized diving watches, made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1956 while filming the movie “The Silent World.” Prior to that, in 1952 it was chosen as the first commercial diving watch by many countries including the USA (Navy Seals), France (Les Nageurs de Combat), Germany (Bundesmarine), and Israel to name a few. This is a later (but still early) variation of the 50 fathoms watch and has become the most sought after due to the ‘no radiations’ symbol in bright yellow and red on the dial. Due to its desirability, this version has also suffered the unfortunate fate of being ‘faked’ out of Asia. This is an absolutely original Blancpain Aqua Lung that came from Australia – completely original signed case, movement, and fabulous dial. It is not without flaws, but the flaws are desired by serious collectors, further enhancing its originality. The original glossy black dial is fantastic with only a circular stain visible on a high angle between the date aperture and the middle of the dial (barely noticeable), along with patina in the numerals. There is some crazing in the original acrylic crystal and general (desired) patina, along with a tiny ding in the “35” mark on the bezel, but again, not detracting at all! The original and automatic Blancpain movement was recently cleaned and is keeping accurate time. Notice, this Blancpain retains its original movement dust cover.
