In the 1950s, it took its licence for professional diving. Today, Blancpain's iconic Fifty Fathoms renews its "equipment" by introducing a ceramic bracelet in the Bathyscaphe line.
For more than seventy years, the history and adventures of Blancpain intertwine with the depths of the sea. Since, In 1953, the Swiss brand designed the first modern diver's watch: the Fifty Fathomsa milestone in its almost three-century history. The Bathyscaphe line, born in 1956, was a more compact and 'urban' variant of italso designed to be worn in 'drier' situations.
Declined over the years in various materials and types, the collection introduces a version of the Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune in black ceramic (proprietary technology of the Swatch Group thanks to the long-standing commitment undertaken by Rado, and now shared across the Group) and blue dial dégradé, accompanied - a first for Blancpain - by an unprecedented bracelet in this hi-tech material of great technical value. In addition to being hypoallergenic, ceramic is also highly resistant and hard enough to be absolutely scratchproof. It is also lighter than most metals, for maximum comfort on the wrist.
The Bathyscaphe is a waterproof diver up to 300 metres
Sporty yet sophisticated: a blue degradé dial with a soleil finish contrasts with black ceramic.
The 43.6 mm diameter and 14 mm thick case, water-resistant to 300 metres, is combined with a unidirectional rotating bezel also made of black ceramic with indexes and Arabic numerals in grey Liquidmetal. Perfect frame for a contrasting blue dial that, thanks to the delicate dégradé effect associated with the soleil finish, comes authentically to lifechanging personality depending on the light.
Combining sporting features and day of the week, month and date indications, complemented by the moon phases positioned in a window at 6 o'clockBlancpain's Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune reinforces the concept of daily utility for which the first Bathyscaphe was born over half a century ago.
Blancpain's first ceramic bracelet
All ceramic Bathyscaphe models are available with the new bracelet.
Making a ceramic bracelet, especially in terms of finishing, is a rather complex operation, precisely because of the hardness of the material. The links, designed for ideal ergonomics and comfort, are individually finished with diamond tools. At Blancpain, they have created a patented assembly system with cam-shaped pins to ensure better wear resistance.
The new ceramic bracelet is mounted on the Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune but also on the other ceramic models in the collection. However, it is also available with a Nato strap or in sailcloth. The movement is the automatic calibre 6654. with 72-hour power reserve and silicon balance spring.
Price28,600 euro.
