Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Retailed by LIP

The original Blancpain Fifty Fathoms  was introduced in 1953.  In 1954, the French retailer LIP and Blancpain  signed an agreement to allow LIP to be the sole retailer of the Fifty Fathoms. This collaboration is seen in the watch  we have here with its double signed dial by  Blancpain and the retailer LIP.  The original black dial has gorgeous  creamy original lume on the hands and dial.  The dial also features the words ' Incabloc Automatic' above 6 o'clock. Incabloc is a type of shock protection for the movement which was developed in the 1940's.  Not all models carry these words on the dial, but this one does.  This was a significant innovation in watchmaking  at the time. The waterproof stainless steel case is in strong  condition with all hallmarks and writing intact. LIP is also engraved on the back of the case back along with Blancpain.   The wide acrylic bezel is in pristine condition.  A Fifty Fathoms is highly collectible to begin with but having it double signed by LIP and in this type of oustanding original condition make this watch a real prize.