Borna Bošnjak Following the launch of Blancpain’s first all-ceramic bracelet, the brand has added a new reference to its Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe ceramic collection. There are two limited edition models (green and blue) and a blue Bathyscaphe chronograph flyback. All three new references are available with NATO or sailcloth straps and a black ceramic bracelet.
Earlier this year, Blancpain celebrated the release of its first-ever ceramic bracelet by displaying its modern design-inspired Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe ceramic collection around it. The black ceramic bracelet was launched in three models with carefully selected dial colors. These have now been expanded and you can now get the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe and Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback in black, blue or green.
Bathyscaphe was released in the 1960s, almost a decade after the iconic Fifty Fathoms. However, its modern dimensions suggest little about its mid-century origins, especially when it comes to these ceramic models. The faceted ceramic case measures an impressive 43.6 mm for both new models, measuring 13.83 mm and 15.25 mm for the Time Only and Chrono versions, respectively. These are reminiscent of Blancpain’s modern catalog, which tends to lean toward the larger end of the tool watch spectrum. The case is water resistant to 300 meters, as you would expect from a diver’s watch, and has a ceramic bezel insert that matches the color of the case.
While the largely brushed surface of the ceramic case is relatively subtle, the color of the dial is anything but. The blue and green sunburst effect is very evident, from dark seaweed to bright mint, and is enhanced on the chronograph models thanks to the subdials. The dial layout stays true to the Bathyscaphe lines, with small dial markers tucked into the edge of the dial and rectangular hands to tell the time. I’ve always struggled a bit with this layout, as I feel like the dial elements could have been made about 10% larger to balance properly with the larger case. Finally, both models sneakily incorporate the date at 04:30, and Blancpain has at least taken the trouble to match the color to the dial.
Full ceramic bracelets were a key novelty of this year’s Bathyscaphe releases, but it is also possible to wear any of the aforementioned models on either NATO or Sailcross, both of which can be matched to their respective dials. It has a different color. But, unsurprisingly, ceramic bracelets stand out in their fit and finish.
The exclusive Bathyscaphe caliber 1315 operates at 4Hz and has a 5-day power reserve thanks to its three barrels and silicon balance spring. For the chronograph flyback, Blancpain chose the F385, the brand’s Frédéric Piguet 1185 replacement. This is a 5Hz, flyback, column-wheel chronograph with a vertical clutch. The power reserve is 50 hours, which is still a good value considering the complexity and high beat rate.
Both movements are powered by in-house Blancpain chronographs and have very similar decorations, with black-painted solid gold rotors fitted in a relatively flat array that hides the wheels. It is installed on the bridge. Instead of the usual stripes, the bridge has a radial brushed finish that doesn’t pop out but is pleasing to the eye, and its angles are probably finished both by machine and by hand. .
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Ceramic Collection Pricing and Availability
Introducing the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Ceramic. Price: A$21,800 (Bathyscaphe, strap), A$33,900 (Bathyscaphe, bracelet), A$29,300 (Chronograph flyback, strap), A$41,400 (Chronograph flyback, bracelet)
Brand Blancpain Model Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe
Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback Case Dimensions 43.6mm (D) x 13.83mm (T) (Bathyscaphe)
43.6mm (D) x 15.25mm (T) (Chronograph Flyback) Case Material Black Ceramic Water Resistance 300 Meters Crystal Sapphire Front and Back Dial Blue, Green Lug Width 23mm Strap Color Matching NATO or Sailcloth Strap
Black ceramic bracelet Movement 1315, in-house, self-winding F385, in-house, self-winding, 5Hz power reserve 120 hours (Bathyscaphe)
50 Hours (Chronograph Flyback) Functions Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, flyback chronograph Availability Current price $21,800 (Bathyscaphe, strap)
A$33,900 (bathyscaphe, bracelet)
A$29,300 (chronograph flyback, strap)
A$41,400 (chronograph flyback, bracelet)
