About NATO Strap Watches
A NATO strap is a single-piece woven nylon strap threaded under the watch movement, a configuration with military roots that keeps the watch secured to the wrist even if a spring bar fails. In the luxury segment, brands like Blancpain have adopted the NATO presentation for certain limited and special editions of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, leaning into the dive and field watch heritage the format naturally evokes. The Fifty Fathoms line itself debuted in the 1950s as one of the first purpose-built modern dive watches, and the Bathyscaphe variant refines that legacy with slimmer proportions and contemporary movement architecture. When paired with a NATO strap directly from the manufacturer, these watches carry a cohesive, intentional aesthetic that differs from simply swapping an aftermarket strap.
What to Look For
Within this collection buyers should pay close attention to case material, since Sedna gold, ceramic, and bronze-gold references carry meaningfully different price points, wearing characters, and long-term availability. Reference numbers such as 5000 36S40 NAOA in blue dial Sedna gold or 5000 0240 NAOA in ceramic help pinpoint the exact configuration, while the limited 70th Anniversary Act 3 reference 5901 5630 NANA in a 41.3mm bronze and gold case represents a commemorative piece with distinct collector interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Blancpain Fifty Fathoms NATO strap watches brand new?
Yes, every watch in this collection is listed as brand new, meaning it comes unworn in original manufacturer packaging with all accompanying documentation. Bizak and Co. authenticates each piece before it ships, so buyers receive a genuine, factory-fresh watch.
What is the difference between the Sedna gold and ceramic Bathyscaphe models on NATO straps?
The Sedna gold Bathyscaphe, seen in references like 5000 36S40 NAOA and 5000 36S30 NABA, uses Blancpain's proprietary rose gold alloy for the 43mm case, making it a precious-metal sports watch with significant intrinsic value. The ceramic versions in references 5000 0240 NAOA and 5000 0130 NABA use a 43.6mm high-tech ceramic case prized for its scratch resistance, lighter feel on the wrist, and sportier, more technical aesthetic.
Why do luxury watches like the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms come on NATO straps from the factory?
Factory NATO configurations are deliberate design choices that align with the dive and military heritage of the Fifty Fathoms lineage, giving the watch a purposeful, tool-watch character that complements the dial and case materials selected for each reference. It also signals to collectors that the pairing is an official, curated presentation rather than an aftermarket modification, which can be relevant for resale value and authenticity.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
