Throughout the brand's history, Blancpain has built strong links to lovers of the sea and the maritime world. In Cannes, as a remarkable way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Cannes International Boat Show, the Blancpain Manufacture revealed the first thirty production pieces of the newly-designed Fifty Fathoms line, which was highly appreciated at BaselWorld 2007.
The new Fifty Fathoms historic launch highlighted the third year of the brand's sponsorship of the prestigious yachting event. The world-above-the-waves aficionados have enjoyed a great chance to become owners of the finest diving watches one may think of.
Acting as official partner of the Cannes International Boat Show, the Manufacture from Le Brassus held a unique presentation of the first newly-developed Fifty Fathoms watches that coincided in time with the 30th anniversary of the event. The brand invited highly-respected guests to participate in a cruise and the launch of the Fifty Fathoms personally performed by Blancpain CEO Marc A. Hayek, a passionate scuba diver.
World free-diving champion Gianluca Genoni was specially invited by Mr. Hayek to join the occasion and become his diving partner for the launch of the new timepieces. During his remarkable career Gianluca Genoni has won 12 world championship titles, having dedicated his life to free-diving.
The guests sailed on board the Blancpain chartered yacht, having watched the 'launch dive' excellently performed by Marc Hayek and Gianluca Genoni with the help of special underwater cameras installed to film the event. Right underwater, Mr. Hayek presented the champion with the Fifty Fathoms watch, featuring his name's inscription, and bearing serial number '0'.
Having taken part in the unique Blancpain presentation ceremony, Mr. Genoni surfaced with the diver's watch on his wrist and then participated in a press conference organized aboard the yacht. At the end, all the guests enjoyed an elegant luncheon at sea.
As for the remaining new Fifty Fathoms, the distinctive timepieces were offered for sale in the brand's booth at the Festival - no wonder the watches were snapped up by the visitors of the show.
