Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 3H Bundeswehr
The Inside Story
This is a rare and fascinating Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, crafted for the German Bundeswehr frogmen in the 1970s. These watches were not available for public sale but were exclusively issued! You'll notice that this watch departs from the typical Blancpain Fifty Fathoms appearance due to its unique bezel insert. Since the Bund divers used rebreathers and didn't require the graduated dive bezels seen on Rolex Subs, the insert is plain and numeral-free.
It's uncommon to find one of these watches in such good and original condition, particularly with the bakelite bezel intact. This one has a crack at the tritium triangle at 12, a testament to its use as intended. The bakelite beneath the triangle is almost nonexistent, as this is a common stress point.
The 41mm case is strong and features fixed strap bars, with a winding crown positioned at five o’clock. The case back displays the Bund engraving: 6645-12-171-41xx. The original hands contain tritium lume, showing a bit of “military life,” and they match well with the tritium hour markers, indicated by the 3H on the dial.
We especially love the vibrant orange minute hand! It’s shown here on a single pass strap. The automatic movement has been thoroughly serviced by our watchmaker.
Finding pieces like this in such condition is a rarity. This is indeed a special watch—please get in touch to experience this tool watch vibe on your wrist!
Issued watches like this are true gems, and we’re thrilled about this find. Let’s chat and make a deal!
Specifications:
- Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
- Issued to German forces (Bundeswehr) in the 1970s
- Serial 12XX
- Military case back engravings: 6645-12-171-41xx
- 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 single pass strap
- Fully serviced by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Includes a handmade leather watch pouch
- Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping
Service & Warranty
Why Buy From Us?
Which watch strap?
Choisir les options
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.