Since the last century, Blancpain’s destiny has been closely bound up with ocean-going adventure and underwater feats. The birth of the iconic Fifty Fathoms collection in 1953 revolutionized the saga of diving. In parallel, its Bathyscaphe line has been perpetually reinvented in surprising ways.
Available mainly in three-hand, flyback chronograph, and complete calendar models with the famous moon phase, Blancpain has chosen this sporty family to unveil its latest technological breakthrough: a high-tech ceramic exterior. Casual elegance has found its master and the latter clearly loves diversity and innovation.
THE SCIENCE OF CERAMICS
More than five years of R&D went into complete the process of creating a high-end ceramic watch bracelet, as well as its satin-brushed, hand-decorated case in the same highly demanding material. Far lighter and sturdier than steel or titanium, ceramic is also distinguished by its durability and hypoallergenic qualities.
On the other hand, it is extremely complex to design, machine and decorate. Imagine firing at over 1,400 degrees Celsius, during which the components shrink by around 25%! A considerable amount of science is involved in taking all this into account for final assembly accurate to the nearest millimeter, preceded by machining with diamond-tipped tools.
Especially since the clasps, links and screws feature a variety of sizes and formats, the bracelet being slightly flared with a highly sophisticated construction ensuring optimum ergonomics. Adjusting them by hand requires extreme precision.
What’s more, the links are fitted using a patented system of cam-shaped pins to ensure a perfect fit that’s as comfortable as it is reliable. True to the Blancpain spirit, both the links and the ceramics are produced in Switzerland, a rare occurrence in itself.
THE SOUL OF HAUTE HORLOGERIE
Everything about this line exudes sophistication both aesthetically and technically, starting with its caliber. The magic of third-millennium materials is not confined to the exterior. Thanks to its silicon balance spring, this Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune offers its wearer robust precision-timing performance throughout the three-day power reserve provided by its double barrel.
A symbol of mechanical revival during the 1980s in the wake of the quartz crisis, Blancpain’s moon phase with its benevolent smile and gaze appears to be floating in the azure amid the other calendar indications lighting up this sunburst dial with its
heavenly allure. Blancpain is also known as the “Master of Calendars”, having designed and developed all kinds of calendars for almost half a century. The caliber is secured so that calendar indications can be adjusted at any time without any risk of damage.
Its Haute Horlogerie finishing is visible through the sapphire back of the ceramic case, alternating between chamfering, snailing and circular graining. It’s enough to leave one breathless, almost as if in apnea...
This article is an excerpt from the upcoming GMT XXL World Magazine, debuting at Geneva Watch Days August 29th. Pre-order your copy here.
