Fifty Fathoms-style watches are built around a familiar vintage-diver formula: a highly legible dial, broad rotating bezel, strong lume and purposeful case proportions. The current Watchdives catalog includes several interpretations of that style, but the important differences are not cosmetic alone. Case size, movement type, material, thickness and water resistance vary enough that the right choice depends on how you plan to wear the watch.
This guide compares five current models using live product specifications checked on September 23, 2026. These are independent watches with Fifty Fathoms-inspired styling; they are not official Blancpain products or presented as affiliated film, military or brand merchandise. For the full category, browse our Fifty Fathoms-style watch collection.
Five Current Fifty Fathoms-Style Watches Compared
| Model | Case | Movement | Material | Thickness | Water resistance | Best fit for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watchdives WD50Q V2 | 38mm | VH31 quartz | 316L steel | 11mm including crystal | 200m | Compact size and low-maintenance quartz |
| Thorn T006-T009 | 38mm | PT5000 automatic | Grade 2 titanium | 13mm including crystal | 200m | Compact titanium automatic |
| Watchdives WD50FS V3 | 40mm | SL3001 4Hz automatic | Steel | 12.2mm including crystal | 300m | High-beat automatic movement |
| Watchdives WD50Ti | 40mm | NH35 automatic | Grade 2 titanium | 13.25mm including crystal | 300m | Lightweight 40mm automatic diver |
| Octopus FF Homage | 40mm | PT5000 automatic | 316L steel | 11mm including crystal | 300m | Thin 40mm automatic profile |
1. Watchdives WD50Q V2: Best for a Compact Quartz Option
The Watchdives WD50Q V2 is the most compact and lowest-maintenance option in this comparison. Its current listing specifies a 38mm polished 316L stainless-steel case, 46mm lug-to-lug length and 11mm thickness including the bubble sapphire crystal.
Inside is the Japan VH31 sweeping quartz movement. That gives the watch battery-powered convenience with a smoother-looking seconds hand than conventional one-step-per-second quartz. The listing also specifies a 120-click unidirectional bezel, sapphire or ceramic bezel insert depending on the selected variant, screw-down crown and stated 200m water resistance.
Choose the WD50Q V2 when: you want the Fifty Fathoms-style look in a smaller 38mm case, prefer quartz convenience, or want a thinner 11mm profile. The FKM strap and bracelet versions also make it easier to choose between a sportier or more vintage presentation.
2. Thorn T006-T009: Best for a Compact Titanium Automatic
The Thorn T006-T009 combines a 38mm Grade 2 titanium case with the PT5000 automatic movement. Its listing gives a 45.8mm lug-to-lug length, 13mm total thickness including the bubble sapphire crystal and a listed weight of 69g including the FKM rubber strap.
The watch uses a sapphire bezel insert with vintage C3 lume, a screw-down crown and stated 200m water resistance. Four current dial executions are listed under the T006, T007, T008 and T009 references.
Choose the Thorn when: you want a compact automatic rather than quartz, but also want the lower mass of titanium. It is especially relevant for buyers comparing 38mm tool watches where diameter alone does not describe wrist presence.
3. Watchdives WD50FS V3: Best for a High-Beat Automatic
The Watchdives WD50FS V3 uses the Peacock SL3001 automatic movement running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4Hz. The current listing specifies a 40mm case, 48mm lug-to-lug measurement and 12.2mm thickness including the top-hat crystal.
Depending on the selected version, buyers can choose K1 mineral or sapphire crystal and C3 or BGW9 lume. The watch also uses a ceramic bezel and carries a stated 300m water-resistance rating.
The main reason to choose this model is the movement and case combination. Its SL3001 is a slimmer high-beat automatic option, helping keep the complete watch at 12.2mm despite the prominent vintage-style crystal. For more movement detail, read our SL3001 vs PT5000 comparison.
4. Watchdives WD50Ti: Best for a 40mm Titanium NH35 Diver
The Watchdives WD50Ti takes the larger 40mm route but uses a Grade 2 titanium case rather than stainless steel. Its listing specifies the Japan NH35 automatic movement, a 48mm lug-to-lug length and 13.25mm thickness including the bubble sapphire crystal.
The current product page lists a 120-click unidirectional bezel, sapphire or ceramic bezel insert depending on the selected version, screw-down crown, C3 or BGW9 lume and stated 300m water resistance.
Choose the WD50Ti when: you prefer the familiar NH35 automatic architecture, want titanium construction, and are comfortable with a 40mm case and 48mm lug-to-lug footprint. Availability varies by variant, so check the selected configuration before ordering.
5. Octopus FF Homage: Best for a Thin 40mm Automatic Profile
The Octopus FF Homage pairs a 40mm 316L stainless-steel case with the PT5000 automatic movement. Its current listing gives a 46mm lug-to-lug measurement and an unusually slim 11mm total thickness including the bubble sapphire crystal.
The product page specifies sapphire crystal with AR coating, a Viton strap, Swiss retro-color lume, screw-down crown and stated 300m water resistance. Current dial versions include Mil-SPEC, Barakuda and no-radiation-inspired layouts.
Choose the Octopus when: you want a 40mm automatic but care strongly about thickness. At 11mm including the crystal, it is meaningfully slimmer on the published specifications than the other automatic models in this comparison.
38mm or 40mm: Which Fifty Fathoms-Style Watch Fits Better?
If your priority is compact wear, start with the 38mm WD50Q V2 or Thorn T006-T009. Their lug-to-lug measurements are 46mm and 45.8mm respectively, which makes them easier starting points for buyers who already know they prefer shorter watches.
The three 40mm models are not identical on wrist. The WD50FS and WD50Ti both list 48mm lug-to-lug dimensions, while the Octopus lists 46mm. Thickness also ranges from 11mm on the Octopus to 13.25mm on the WD50Ti. Compare all three measurements instead of using case diameter alone.
Quartz or Automatic?
The WD50Q V2 is the only quartz watch in this group. Its VH31 movement is the practical choice if you want grab-and-go timekeeping and do not want to manage an automatic power reserve.
The other four watches are automatic. The WD50FS uses the high-beat SL3001, the WD50Ti uses the NH35, and the Thorn and Octopus use PT5000 movements. Movement choice should not be separated from case size, thickness and material: the complete watch matters more than the calibre name alone.
Steel or Titanium?
Choose titanium primarily for lower weight and a different wearing feel, not because it automatically makes one watch better. The Thorn gives you titanium in a compact 38mm format, while the WD50Ti uses titanium in a larger 40mm case.
The WD50Q V2, WD50FS and Octopus use stainless steel in the current listings. Steel can suit buyers who prefer a more traditional heft or polished/brushed finishing character. For a broader material comparison, read our titanium vs stainless steel watch guide.
Which Fifty Fathoms-Style Watch Should You Choose?
- Choose the WD50Q V2 for 38mm proportions and VH31 quartz convenience.
- Choose the Thorn T006-T009 for a compact Grade 2 titanium automatic.
- Choose the WD50FS V3 for a 4Hz SL3001 automatic and 12.2mm profile.
- Choose the WD50Ti for a 40mm Grade 2 titanium case with NH35 automatic movement.
- Choose the Octopus FF Homage for a 40mm PT5000 automatic with an 11mm listed total thickness.
Specifications and availability can change by variant. Confirm the current product page before ordering, especially crystal, bezel, lume, strap or bracelet configuration and stock status. To compare all current options in one place, browse the Fifty Fathoms-style watch collection, or explore the broader dive watches collection.
