Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 3H Bundeswehr
The Inside Story
This is a very rare and interesting Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms that was made for the German Bundeswehr frogmen in the 1970s. These watches were never commercially available, only issued ! You will notice this watch doesn't look like your stereotypical Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, due to the bezel insert. The Bund divers were using re breathers so didn’t need the gradiated dive bezels we know from Rolex Subs and so the insert was plain , without numerals..
It is very unusual to find one of these watches in good and original condition, especially the bakelite bezel .
This one cracked at the tritium triangle at 12 , so it actually is a proof of use as intended- the bakelite under the triangle is almost not existent so this is were they all crack normally !
The 41mm case is very strong all-round and has fixed strap bars and a winding crown at five o’clock. The case back has the Bund engraving: 6645 -12-4162.
The original hands contain tritium lume ( with some “military life on them “ ) that are good match with the hour plots, which are tritium as denoted by the 3H on the dial.
We really love the funky orange minute hand ! Coming on the photographed Nato strap. The Automatic movement has been fully checked and regulated by our watch maker .
Finding examples like this in this condition is not easy, this is a very special watch indeed, please get i touch to get this tool vibe wrapped around your wrist !
We love issued watches and this is a great find. Let’s talk and do a deal!
Specifications:
- Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
- Issued to German forces (Bundeswehr ) in 1970s
- Serial 12xx
- Miltary case back engravings
- Steel 41mm case
- Black Dial with 3H marking
- Original blank bakelite bezel insert
- Original funky hands with orange minute hand
- Comes on the pictured Bulang and Sons nato strap
- Fully checked by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping
Service & Warranty
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Service & Warranty
Our Service
Each vintage timepiece is individually selected and carefully inspected by our team of experts. After we buy a watch it is mechanically inspected and fully checked by our watchmaker. If necessary, the movement will be fully serviced and tested to ensure it is running to our exacting standards.
We will always describe the watch as fully as we can in our sales texts. Our zoomable images are of the highest possible quality and form an important part of each watch’s description. We will never hide or cover up any element of any watch we sell.
Key to our unparalleled service is Fedex Priority shipping, fully insured. Once you have received your watch, we encourage you to inspect it thoroughly. If you are not 100% satisfied, please let us know. We offer a 14 days return policy. Simply return the watch to get a full refund of the original purchase price.
Our Warranty
We offer a one-year warranty on the mechanical function of the watch, starting from the day of purchase. We do not guarantee the waterproof nature of any (vintage) watch, unless expressly made in writing. Therefore, our warranty will not cover any damage done to the case and/or movement by water or moisture entering the watch. Our warranty does not apply to accidental damage or mishandling of your watch and does not extend to the bracelet, case parts (including pushers, winding stem, crown and bezel), watch glass, dial and hands.
Why Buy From Us?
We Love Watches
We are passionate about vintage watches and we love talking about them! That is why we don't sell our watches with a simple "Add to cart" button, but instead try to emulate a truly boutique experience online. Helping you find your perfect vintage watch is our Watch Department’s raison d’etre. Whatever you would like to ask, please do. Building our community of watch lovers is central to our mission at Bulang and Sons.
We Know Watches
At Bulang and Sons we have sold thousands of watches over the years. We are a small team of experienced collectors and connoisseurs who are all part of an extensive global network of buyers and sellers. We have a great reputation for offering only the highest quality watches. We have one simply rule: we only buy and sell watches we want to own ourselves. And yes, we are still collectors too.
We Guarantee Watches
As collectors, we know how intense the search for a specific vintage watch can be. Once you find it at Bulang and Sons, we want to make things easy, safe and fast for you. Therefore, we offer the most comprehensive return policy and warranty; you will not find a safer place on the internet to buy a vintage watch. You can relax and enjoy your deal with Bulang and Sons.