Grail Watches

With so many watches out there, there is a wish list as long as you arm, which the more you search, grows longer day by day. Here is the first of our Grail watches.

“Watches were made to be worn. Made to be enjoyed. Made to fall in love with.”

BLANCPAIN FIFTY FATHOMS NO RAD

Launched in March 2021, this tribute to the first ever dive watch is a stunner. Limited to 200 pieces, this No Rad Limited Edition has shot to the top of my Grail watch list. A very wearable 40mm case and stunning faux patina make this watch stand out from the crowd.

 

There is something magical about Blancpain, and this Fifty Fathoms No Rad is sheer perfection. I have always loved this model however the 45mm case diameter is too big for me. Making this at a more wearable 40mm puts this right on my radar. Faux patina can work on the right dial and this case, it works perfectly. The warm cream used on the indicies and the bezel markers really work. The ‘No Radiation’ stamp on the dial provides a splash of colour to make this a real conversation point.

Originally produced in the mid 1960’s for the elite combat divers of the West German navy, the Fifty Fathoms No Rad provided rugged functionality and great underwater legibility without the use of radium lume. This was still the standard at the time but had been discovered to cause potential health issues. 

The No Rad Limited Edition features an elegant sapphire caseback displaying the 1151 Caliber movement, a very impressive 100hour power reserve, 300m water resistance and pairs perfectly with a tropic rubber strap. At £11,800, it is out of the reach of many (including me), however until I win the lottery, I will continue to admire from afar and dream.

We’ll be sharing more of our Grail watches in the future. Don’t forget to let us know what’s your Grail and why in the comments below.