Material mastery
Blancpain debuts the Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet Phases de Lune, which combines the manufacture’s legendary dive-watch heritage with a surprising twist of high elegance – an all-new high-tech ceramic bracelet
WHEN Blancpain introduced the revolutionary Fifty Fathoms in 1953, it set a new benchmark in the watchmaking industry for what professional dive watches could be: rugged, purposeful, precise, and above all, reliable.
Three years later, the Swiss manufacture introduced the Bathyscaphe – a smaller, more versatile, everyday counterpart to the Fifty Fathoms that offered the same professional-grade diving capabilities.
Today, Blancpain continues the legacy of combining day-to-day sophistication with practical functionality for diving enthusiasts.
The latest Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet Phases de Lune not only rejuvenates the iconic Bathyscaphe line, but also seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art materials with classic horological complications.
A fusion of Blancpain’s rich dive-watch heritage and high-end watchmaking, this timepiece makes a bold statement with its unexpected yet captivating feature – a complete calendar with moon-phase complication.
Form meets functionality
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The Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet Phases de Lune achieves both elegance and endurance with finesse. For the first time in the brand’s history, Blancpain has created a full ceramic bracelet in black, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
Five times harder than steel, yet 25 per cent lighter, the high-tech material is scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic, making it perfect for those wearing it over long periods in extreme conditions.
However, crafting ceramic for fine watchmaking is no easy task. The process involves reducing the material’s volume by 25 per cent during firing at over 1,400 deg C, followed by meticulous machining with diamond-tipped tools.
Each facet of the watch, from the links to the buckle and case, undergoes precise hand-finishing by Blancpain’s artisans.
Despite its formidable hardness, the ceramic bracelet wears extremely comfortably on the wrist. The manufacture’s patented system of links uses cam-shaped pins to hold them together, allowing the bracelet to move fluidly and naturally with the wrist.
As flexible and comfortable as leather or rubber, but far more durable, it shows a fine balance between sleek aesthetics and practical functionality in its design.
Whether worn during a deep dive or to a gala, the bracelet adapts effortlessly, underscoring Blancpain’s commitment to versatility and performance in any setting.
Heritage meets innovation When it comes to calendar complications, Blancpain stands unrivalled.
Powered by the Calibre 6654.P, the watch honours the manufacture’s long-standing expertise in this domain, with a complete calendar that displays the day, date, month and the emblematic moon-phase at 6 o’clock.
This poetic complication dates back to 1983, when Blancpain revived it as a defiant gesture against the quartz crisis that threatened to undermine traditional watchmaking.
Aside from its 72-hour power reserve, the secure movement allows the wearer to adjust the calendar indications at any time without damaging it. This calibre is visible via a sapphire crystal caseback and incorporates a silicon balance spring, which makes it impervious to magnetism.
The Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet Phases de Lune remains a true diver’s watch at its core.
The unidirectional rotating bezel, a signature feature of the Fifty Fathoms line since 1953, is crafted from black ceramic with a grey Liquidmetal insert for striking contrast.
This combination enhances legibility both underwater and on land. The tactile pleasure of the crisp, satisfying click as the bezel rotates further showcases the meticulous attention to detail behind every element of its design.
Dial it up
The commanding 43.6 mm Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet Phases de Lune is available in three stunning colours – black, blue, and green – each with a unique personality while staying true to the line’s robust dive-watch roots with a 300-metre water resistance.
If you appreciate an understated, monochromatic aesthetic, the black dial and ceramic case exude quiet confidence and timeless elegance.
The blue sunburst dial lends a touch of vibrancy, with its dynamic sun-ray finish reflecting light in a way that gives the watch an almost ethereal quality. The rich hue contrasts beautifully against the sleek black ceramic case.
For a more striking option, the green dial and matching bezel bring a contemporary twist to the classic design, adding a bold and refreshing edge to this elegant timepiece.
More references
Moving into sportier territory, Blancpain expands its Chronographe Flyback collection with two 43.6 mm models featuring the new high-tech black ceramic bracelet, with a choice of either a sunburst green or black dial.
Powered by the high-frequency Calibre F385, these watches have a 50-hour power reserve with a flyback function, allowing for rapid resetting and restarting of the chronograph with a single push.
For the purist who prefers a more minimalist approach, there’s the automatic Bathyscaphe with a sleek black dial. The model displays only the time and date functions, which are driven by the calibre 1315.
Boasting a 120-hour power reserve, the watch is one of the most reliable and longest-lasting automatic movements in its class. The light yet durable 43.6 mm black ceramic case and bracelet are ideal for those after a reliable, no-nonsense dive watch.
All three Bathyscaphe models here, including the latest Quantieme Complet Phases de Lune, also come with alternative options of Nato and sailcloth straps to suit different demands and tastes.
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