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Introducing Blancpain’s Bold New Bathyscaphe Ceramic Collection: The Pinnacle of Luxury Diving Watches
Blancpain, a paragon of luxury watchmaking, has once again pushed the boundaries of innovation with the release of three new blacked-out versions of its celebrated Bathyscaphe ceramic line. These latest additions include the Automatic, Flyback Chronograph, and for the first time, a stunning, blue-dialled Complete Calendar (officially called the Quantième Complet Phases de Lune), all housed in hi-tech, aesthetically captivating black ceramic cases. A key highlight is the addition of a matching ceramic bracelet, a first for the Bathyscaphe line, that elevates these timepieces to unparalleled levels of sophistication and style. As always, we cover everything you need to know about these new timepieces below, so keep reading.
A Legacy of Innovation and Style
The Fifty Fathoms collection, which debuted in 1953 as the first professional dive watch, laid the foundation for the Bathyscaphe line introduced in 1956. Originally designed to be a versatile daily wearer with diving capabilities, the Bathyscaphe has evolved to merge contemporary aesthetics with advanced technology. These latest additions to the Bathyscaphe collection continue this proud tradition, featuring a striking blend of vibrant colors and the mastery of ceramic craftsmanship.
A key innovation in the Fifty Fathoms line is the unidirectional rotating bezel, designed for safe time measurement underwater. This feature was inspired by a near-fatal dive experienced by Blancpain co-president Jean-Jacques Fiechter in 1952. The bezel on the new Bathyscaphe models, including the moon phase calendar, incorporates a ceramic insert with a tone that matches the colour of the dial, along with Gray Liquidmetal® for added contrast. This design ensures both aesthetic appeal and strong resistance to scratches, while retaining the distinctive “click” sound of the bezel.
The Full Ceramic Experience
Blancpain’s innovative use of ceramic technology is a cornerstone of the new Bathyscaphe line. Ceramic is an ideal material for luxury watches due to its durability, scratch resistance, and hypoallergenic properties. The ceramic used in this collection is nearly five times harder than stainless steel and almost four times harder than grade 5 titanium, while being 25% lighter. The complex manufacturing process involves firing the material at over 1400°C, followed by diamond machining and hand-finishing by Blancpain’s in-house experts.
The high-tech ceramic bracelet is a first for Blancpain, featuring a patented mounting system with cam-shaped pins that ensure remarkable resistance and comfort. Each link is meticulously measured and hand-finished to guarantee perfect alignment and ergonomics. The neutral black colour of the bracelet complements the design of the new Complete Calendar and the other Bathyscaphe models. There are also a variety of other strap options available, including sail cloth and NATO.
Each model in the new collection boasts a 43.6mm case, with the chronograph measuring 15.25mm thick, the calendar at 14.1mm, and the automatic diver at 13.83mm. As previously mentioned, the Complete Calendar features a sunburst blue dial, while the dial of the Flyback Chronograph pops in sunburst green with graduated colour. The Complete Calendar model is particularly noteworthy for its intricate design and functionality. While it may appear busier than a typical diving watch, it retains the unidirectional rotating bezel that is a hallmark of the Bathyscaphe line. Powered by the 6654.P4 movement, this watch offers a comprehensive suite of features including hours, minutes, seconds, day of the week, month, a central date indicator, and a moonphase.
For those seeking something more akin to a traditional dive watch with the added appeal of a full ceramic case and bracelet, the Automatic model, with its 120-hour power reserve and more subdued sunburst black dial, is a robust choice. All three versions offer an impressive 300 meters of water resistance, making these timepieces as functional as they are stylish.
Available From Watches Of Switzerland
Here at Watches of Switzerland we are thrilled to witness the evolution of ceramic in watchmaking. Blancpain’s new Bathyscaphe Fifty- Fathoms models not only showcase the brand’s dedication to innovation but also highlight the increasing prevalence of ceramic in high-end timepieces. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a new enthusiast, these models promise to deliver exceptional performance and enduring elegance. Explore the new collection and experience the future of luxury diving watches with Blancpain. Contact us or shop online at Watches of Switzerland.
