On Holden’s list, Thinking About
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 45 mm
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 45 mm (5015-1130-52A) is a dive watch from Blancpain: a 45 mm stainless steel case, 15.5 mm thick and 50.8 mm lug to lug, with an automatic Calibre 1315 movement and 300 m water resistance.
Going by its 50.8 mm lug to lug, it should sit within the flat top of a wrist of about 6.9 inches (17.5 cm) or larger.
Research found it at $19,900 list in the US (checked August 2026).
Specifications
From the research, with the sources for each group of facts. Unknown means no source confirmed it.
| The watch [1][2][3] | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Blancpain |
| Reference | 5015-1130-52A |
| Category | Diver |
| Production | Current |
| Case and size [1][2][3] | |
| Case diameter | 45 mm |
| Lug to lug | 50.8 mm |
| Thickness | 15.5 mm |
| Lug width | 23 mm |
| Case material | Stainless steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Water resistance | 300 m / 30 bar |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Movement [1][3] | |
| Movement | Calibre 1315, automatic |
| Power reserve | 120 hours (5 days) |
| Accuracy | Unknown |
| Bracelet [2][3] | |
| Bracelet or strap | Black waterproof sail-canvas (sailcloth) strap |
| Clasp | Stainless steel pin buckle |
| Price and warranty (US) [1][2][3] | |
| List price (US) | $19,900 (Topper Fine Jewelers, US authorized, 2026-08) |
| Street price (US) | At/near MSRP from authorized dealers (August 2026) |
| Used price (US) | Unknown |
| Warranty | Unknown |
Will it fit?
A watch wears comfortably when its lugs stay on the flat top of the wrist. Here is the 50.8 mm lug to lug against the flat top estimated for common wrist sizes.
| Wrist | Flat top | Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 6 in 15.2 cm | 47 mm | Likely overhangs |
| 6.5 in 16.5 cm | 51 mm | At the edge |
| 7 in 17.8 cm | 55 mm | Comfortable |
| 7.5 in 19.1 cm | 59 mm | Comfortable |
| 8 in 20.3 cm | 63 mm | Comfortable |
Check it against your own wrist An estimate, not a guarantee; how the method works is on the tool page.
What the research found
These are the research’s judgments, scored against Holden’s priorities, not his own words.
Strengths
- The direct descendant of the original 1953 modern dive watch — maximal design provenance with no homage question [1]
- Calibre 1315: in-house 5-day automatic with silicon balance spring — real engineering substance for a diver [1][3]
- Sapphire-covered luminous bezel and 300 m spec executed at haute level [3]
- Historical used pricing around 40% of retail makes the used route exceptional execution-per-dollar
Weaknesses
- 45 mm x 15.5 mm x 50.8 mm with 23 mm lugs — very large; likely oversized for most wrists and cuffs
- Odd 23 mm lug width narrows strap options
- 15.5 mm thickness is justified by diver architecture but still substantial
Research scores, 0 to 10
| Execution and feel in the hand | 8.8 |
|---|---|
| Design identity | 8.7 |
| Value at a realistic price | 7.0 |
| Long-term ownership | 8.0 |
| Movement and engineering | 8.7 |
| Wearability and proportions | 5.3 |
| Versatility and durability | 6.3 |
| Fit with Holden's collection | 7.2 |
Also on Holden’s list
Other diver watches on his list.
- Tudor Pelagos LHD 25610TNL-0001
- Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver SLGB023
- Rolex Submariner 124060
- Traser P67 Diver Blue 109375
- Squale 1545 Grey 1545GG.AC
Sources
- Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5015 1130 52A — official product page blancpain.com · read August 26, 2026
- Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique (5015-1130-52A) Review — hosted video page watch.the1916company.com · read August 26, 2026
- Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatic 5015 1130 52A — authorized dealer listing topperjewelers.com · read August 26, 2026
Personal research, not a source of truth. Spotted an error? Email a correction.