Blancpain has simply unveiled a brand new Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de lune, that includes a blue sunburst dial and – a primary for the gathering’s most intricate mannequin – a black 43.6-mm ceramic case (Ref 5054-0140-01S). The inexperienced (Ref. 5054 0153 01S) and black dial variations (Ref. 5054 0130 01S) are additionally obtainable with black ceramic case however not proven right here.
As well as, Blancpain can also be introducing an identical bracelet manufactured from patented black ceramic with an uber-complex design — a primary for the Swiss model. And for these aiming at a simpler mannequin: Each the Bathyscaphe Automated (proven right here Ref. 5000-0130-01S) and the flyback chronograph (proven right here the Ref. 5200-0153-01S) are additionally obtainable with the brand new 23-mm bracelet (see footage under).
“Sturdy, extremely scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic, this ceramic materials is almost 5 occasions tougher than chrome steel – and virtually 4 occasions tougher than grade 5 titanium – whereas being 25% lighter.”
Blancpain Press Launch
Ceramic requires a relatively difficult manufactory course of: a virtually 25% quantity discount should be taken under consideration when firing the fabric above 1400°C and machining with diamond instruments. The satin end utilized by Blancpain is a key aesthetic component of the Bathyscaphe line. On the brand new bracelet, the hyperlinks, buckles and instances are all individually hand-finished. In accordance with Blancpain, “every hyperlink is individually measured with the intention to assure the absolute best match.” That includes a butterfly folding clasp and a patented mounting system, the hyperlinks are held collectively utilizing cam-shaped pins.
Since 2013, the present Bathyscaphe has been obtainable solely with NATO or sailcloth straps. The mannequin was the primary and thus far solely Blancpain watch to make use of ceramic for the case (with a water resistance of 300 m). With the introduction of a specifically designed bracelet, Blancpain is subsequently not solely providing a relatively totally different search for the mannequin, the transfer can also be very in keeping with the Bathyscaphe’s current positioning as a barely extra technical various to the Fifty Fathoms. In 1956, the Bathyscaphe had been launched as a much less utilitarian choice to the Fifty Fathoms, providing a extra versatile look, a smaller diameter and a date window.
Powered by caliber 6654.P4, the brand new Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de lune highlights each its diving watch heritage, due to its rotating bezel, in addition to the haute horlogerie parts that characterize Blancpain, such because the moon section complication and using a silicon hairspring. The Chronographe Flyback is powered by the high-frequency F385, the Automatique by the model’s 1315 with an influence reserve of 120 hours.
Costs for the 43.6-mm Bathyscaphe in ceramic begin at CHF 12,600, with bracelet at CHF 19’600.00, the chronograph and moonphase (each on bracelet) retail for CHF 23,900. Extra here.
