BLANCPAIN – Fifty Fathoms BATHYSCAPHE Ceramic Collection 2024

 

BLANCPAIN – Fifty Fathoms BATHYSCAPHE Satin-Brushed Black Ceramic 43mm Sunburst Dial Collection  2024

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 The Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe line expands

Blancpain unveils three new timepieces in its Fifty Fathoms collection. Featuring the sporty, assertive style of the black ceramic Bathyscaphe models, the new arrivals enrich the line with a flyback chronograph and two three -hand plus date models. 

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These new watches with their striking dials are available with a variety of wristband options including the recently introduced high-tech ceramic bracelet, thereby offering a wide range of combinations.

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Designed for daily wear while offering the possibility of seabed exploration, the Bathyscaphe was born in 1956 as the urban alter ego of the iconic Fifty Fathoms. Agile in all circumstances, this line with its colourful personality is a true urban chameleon, equally suited to a day at the office, a sporty getaway or a formal evening. 

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Original 1953 Fifty Fathoms watch

Reinforcing this all-terrain character thanks to the high-tech ceramic from which they draw their strength, the new Bathyscaphe models enrich the family with their vibrant, sunny-hued faces.

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Counterbalancing the powerful identity of the black ceramic used for the cases of these new models is a challenge which the dials developed by Blancpain have met with flying colours. Featuring a subtle gradient and sunburst finishing, they provide a unique balance by creating exceptional light effects. 

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While a deep green dial energises the first three-hand plus date timepiece, a shade of blue evoking the sun's rays penetrating the depths of the sea adorns the second model of the same kind, as well as the flyback chronograph.

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Measuring 43.6 mm in diameter and powered by robust, high-performance movements – Calibre 1315 for the three-hand plus date versions and Calibre F385 for the flyback chronograph – the new Bathyscaphe creations remain true to their diver's watch heritage, with their unidirectional rotating bezel and guaranteed water-resistance to 30 bar.

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With the introduction of these new models, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe line revitalises its set of ceramic timepieces launched earlier this year, now offering three references (flyback chronograph, three -hand plus date and complete calendar with moon-phase models) featuring three different dials (blue, green and black) along with a generous choice of wristbands (sail-canvas and NATO straps along with a ceramic bracelet).

Calibre 1315: accuracy, reliability and performance

The new Bathyscaphe three-hand plus date watches are equipped with in-house Calibre 1315. This self-winding movement with its peerless high-precision timekeeping performance is designed, developed, produced, assembled and adjusted in-house – like all the movements powering Blancpain watches. 

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 Enjoying an impressive and constant five-day power reserve thanks to its three series-coupled barrels, it is equipped with a stop seconds function enabling time to be set with great accuracy. This movement equipped with an NAC-coated 18K gold oscillating weight is entirely decorated in the Haute Horlogerie tradition. 

Calibre F385: high frequency, high precision

Beating at the heart of the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback, high-precision Blancpain Calibre F385 features a complex and prestigious column-wheel system with vertical clutch, ensuring that the chronograph starts and stops smoothly without any unwanted stuttering. 

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Operating at a high frequency of 5 Hz, this calibre has a 50-hour power reserve and is accurate to 1/10 th of a second. Its flyback function serves to reset the current timing operation and start a new one with a single press, unlike a conventional chronograph that requires three presses on two different pushers to stop, reset and restart the mechanism.

Ceramic: a sporty, sturdy material aligned with the Bathyscaphe’s image

The Bathyscaphe line with its robust, youthful and dynamic DNA features a resolutely sporty, contemporary look. Its bold, innovative nature makes it the perfect field of expression for Blancpain's technological innovations. True to this spirit, high-tech ceramic is one of the ideal materials for this line.

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Durable, highly scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic, high-tech ceramic is nearly five times harder than stainless steel, yet 25% lighter. It therefore proves ideal for straightforward daily use, without wearers having to worry about their every little move. Its 25% reduction in volume during firing at over 1,400°C also conveys the collection’s experimental, innovative side. Accompanied by remarkable finishes executed by experts, Blancpain's high-tech ceramic creates incomparable light effects and reflects the contemporary aesthetics of the Bathyscaphe line.

A complex patented ceramic bracelet

The production of a fine ceramic watch bracelet is highly complex. Unattractive if the links are too loose and liable to break if they are too tight, the bracelet requires a perfect fit of its links in order to respect strict tolerances. Featuring a patented system for assembling the links with cam-shaped pins – so that they do not touch and break – Blancpain's black ceramic bracelet involved three years of research and development to offer perfect comfort and remarkable resistance.

Diving and safety: the rotating bezel

While diving in 1952, Jean-Jacques Fiechter, Blancpain’s then CEO, learnt at his own expense how important it was to measure time spent underwater safely. His innovative solution was to equip the Fifty Fathoms – the first true diver's watch, launched in 1953, with a lockable, graduated and rotating bezel specially designed for underwater diving.

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 Today, the Fifty Fathoms collection features a unidirectional rotating bezel that only turns anti-clockwise for greater safety. The Bathyscaphe also has this type of bezel, like the original Fifty Fathoms that inspired it. The three new timepieces are no exception. 

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The insert, positioned on the black ceramic bezel, complements the dial colour: in a bold black or deep green, adorned with grey Liquidmetal® indexes for added contrast, it highlights the striking sunray-brushed blue or green gradients. The bezel featuring a thoroughly contemporary look is highly scratch-resistant and emits a clear-cut, powerful ‘click’ when handled.

The silicon revolution

A veritable early 21st-century revolution, silicon has enabled major advances in time measurement. Elastic without deforming, hard, light and highly resistant to corrosion, this material notably stands out for its resistance to magnetism, a welcome quality when it comes to ensuring timepieces’ precision.

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Contrary to the 1950s, when the balances of timepieces were fitted with metal springs that could become magnetised – hence the need for a soft iron inner cage to shield and protect the movement from magnetism –, contemporary Fifty Fathoms feature a silicon balance-spring, which enables them to have a sapphire crystal case back revealing their unique movement construction. 

Benefiting from this technology, the three new Bathyscaphe models not only showcase a mechanism with high-quality finishes, but also offer superior timekeeping performance thanks to this material.

Model:   Fifty Fathoms BATHYSCAPHE Date and seconds ∙ sunburst blue dial with subtly graduated coloring ∙ unidirectional satin-brushed black ceramic bezel with black ceramic insert and LiquidmetalTM hour-markers ∙ self-winding Calibre 1315

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Ref. 5000A-0140-NAOA / 5000A-0140-O52A

Satin-brushed black ceramic ∙ 43.60 mm

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 Model:   Fifty Fathoms BATHYSCAPHE Date and seconds ∙ sunburst green dial ∙ unidirectional satin-brushed black ceramic bezel with green ceramic insert and
LiquidmetalTM hour-markers ∙ self-winding Calibre 1315

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Ref. 5000-0153-NABA / 5000-0153-B52A

Satin-brushed black ceramic ∙ 43.60 mm

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Model:   Fifty Fathoms BATHYSCAPHE Flyback Chronograph · date and small seconds · sunburst blue dial with subtly graduated coloring · unidirectional satin-brushed black ceramic bezel with black ceramic insert and LiquidmetalTM hour-markers · self-winding Calibre F385 (5HZ)

Satin-brushed black ceramic ∙ 43.60 mm 

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 Ref. 5200-0140-NAOA / 5200-0140-B52A

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Press release - 2024
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Blancpain S.A.
Le Rocher 12
1348 Le Brassus
Suisse
International PR: Lucie Notar
Tel.  (+41) 21 796 3619
Fax (+41) 21 796 3637
E-mail: pr@blancpain.com
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BLANCPAIN – Air Command Flyback Chronograph Green Edition

BLANCPAIN – Air Command Flyback Chronograph Titanium 42.5 mm / 36.2 mm Camouflage Green Dial Automatic Edition 2024

 Air Command appears in camouflage mode

Blancpain is delighted to present its two new Air Command flyback chronographs. A subtle blend of past and present, these timepieces combine vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge watchmaking technology. These limited-edition models which will charm aviation enthusiasts are teamed for the first time with an adventurous distinctive camouflage-green colour.

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Inspired by a legendary Blancpain chronograph from the 1950s, used by aviators as an instrument for charting their course when airborne, the new Air Command watches accentuate their vintage feel by means of an original colour combination. 

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Produced in minute quantities at the time, this chronograph attracted a great deal of attention; today, its superior precision timing capacities make it a much-admired model.

More vintage than ever

Featuring the same diameters as their contemporary predecessors – namely 42.5 mm and 36.2 mm – these latest models are designed for large and small wrists alike, while also featuring titanium grade 23 (satin-brushed and polished), with its corrosion resistance and sporty look representing a nod to the intrepid aviation spirit of the era. 

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Respectively issued in 200- and 100-piece limited editions, they are both topped by a bidirectional titanium countdown-type bezel with a ceramic insert as well as luminescent numerals and markers.

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The latter feature vintage Super-LumiNova®, as do the hands and numerals indicating the hours and minutes – all matching the colour of the various dial indications visible through a sapphire crystal with its characteristic ‘glass box’ shape, along with that of the stitching on the leather strap. 

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This results in wonderful visual harmony, while the adventurous camouflage green chosen as the main hue of the new Air Command enhances the watches’ vintage charm.

Mechanics at the cutting edge of precision

As exemplary measuring instruments, these new aviation-inspired chronographs incorporate the most advanced watchmaking technologies in order to offer the utmost precision. 

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 Powered by self -winding Calibre F188B (for the 36.2 mm model) and Calibre F388B (for the 42.5 mm model), they are distinguished by their flyback function: a valuble feature enabling pilots to reset the current timing operation and begin a new one with a single press. 

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This smooth move is not possible with a conventional chronograph, which requires three presses (on two different pushers) to stop, reset and restart the mechanism. 

 

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Based on a complex and prestigious column-wheel system with a vertical clutch, the construction of these timepieces ensures that the chronograph starts and stops perfectly, without any stuttering. Calibre F388B also deserves a special mention, with its 5 Hz frequency ensuring tenth-of-a-second accuracy.

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In keeping with the spirit of vintage pilot's watches that were used to calculate time, distance and ground speed, these Air Command models combine a flyback chronograph with a rotating bezel featuring a countdown function with numerals and hour-markers arranged in counterclockwise order, not to mention a tachymeter scale for measuring speed in kilometres per hour. To complete the aviator look, the 18K gold rotor visible through the transparent case back is shaped like a vintage aircraft propeller, a reminder of the collection's aeronautical heritage.  

 

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 Representing a modern tribute to the history of aviation and Blancpain's watchmaking heritage, the new Air Command watches can not only be purchased individually, but also as a pair with matching individual numbers – exclusively in Blancpain boutiques – thereby offering an elegant option for sealing a relationship with a loved one.

Air Command, the sky-born chronograph

Combining a resolutely vintage style with Blancpain's latest technological advances, the Air Command collection revives the Manufacture’s historical ties with 1950s aviation. 

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 Following in the slipstream of their 1956 predecessor, the Air Command models feature a sophisticated aesthetic and offer two timekeeping modes: a chronograph with flyback function and a countdown bezel.   Coupled with a tachymeter scale indicating ground speeds, these functions prove extremely advantageous in the air.

The silicon revolution

A veritable revolution in the watchmaking world at the start of the 21st century, silicon has enabled major advances in the measurement of time. Elastic without deforming, hard, light and highly corrosion-resistant, this material notably stands out for its resistance to magnetism, a welcome quality in ensuring watches’ rating accuracy.

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The use of this technology on their balance spring ensures that the new Air Command models not only proudly display their unique movement construction and high-quality finishing through their transparent case back, but also boast superior precision-timing performance thanks to this material.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection: Air Command

References:

Ref. AC03 12B53 63 - Titanium – 19,100 EUR (18,900 CHF)💰

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Model: Air Command Flyback Chronograph Green Edition

Case
Satin-brushed titanium
two-way rotating titanium bezel with ceramic insert and Super-LumiNova® hour-markers
Diameter:  36.20 mm
Thickness: 11.50 mm
Between horns:  18.00 mm
Back:   Sapphire crystal
Water-resistant: 3ATM/30m
Dial
Green dial and Super-LumiNova® hour-markers
Movement
Calibre F188B
Self-winding Flyback Chronograph

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Complications
Hours / minutes · Flyback Chronograph
Tachymeter scale
Diameter: 26.20.mm
Thickness: 5.50 mm
Power reserve in hours: 40 hours
Jewels: 35
Frequency:  3 Hz
Glucydur free sprung balance with gold regulation screws
Secured movement
Components: 255
Strap
Olive calfskin strap with white stitching
Olive color
Titanium pin buckle engraved with the BLANCPAIN logo.

🔰EDITION
Limited Edition - Only of 100 pieces

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 Ref. AC02 12B53 63 - Titanium – 19,900 EUR (20,100 CHF)💰

Case
Satin-brushed titanium
two-way rotating titanium bezel with ceramic insert and Super-LumiNova® hour-markers
Diameter: 42.50 mm
Thickness: 13.70 mm
Between horns:  22.00 mm
Back:   Sapphire crystal
Water-resistant: 3ATM/30m
Dial
Green dial and Super-LumiNova® hour-markers
Movement
Calibre F388B
Self-winding Flyback Chronograph

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Complications
Hours / minutes · Flyback Chronograph
Tachymeter scale
Diameter: 31.80.mm
Thickness: 6.650 mm
Power reserve in hours: 50 hours
Jewels: 35
Frequency:  3 Hz
Glucydur free sprung balance with gold regulation screws
Secured movement
Components: 293
Strap
Olive calfskin strap with white stitching
Olive color
Titanium pin buckle engraved with the BLANCPAIN logo.

🔰EDITION
Limited Edition - Only of 200 pieces

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Press release - 2024
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Blancpain S.A.
Le Rocher 12
1348 Le Brassus
Suisse
International PR Specialist: Lucie Notari
Tel.  (+41) 21 796 3619
Fax (+41) 21 796 3637
E-mail: pr@blancpain.com
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BLANCPAIN – VILLERET Traditional Chinese Calendar “Year of the Dragon” Edition

 

BLANCPAIN – VILLERET Traditional Chinese Calendar “Year of the Dragon” Red Gold 45 mm Limited Edition - 2024

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The Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar
enters its second 12-year cycle

In 2012, Blancpain achieved a world first when it debuted its Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar
wristwatch that spanned East-West with its combination of a complex Chinese calendar and a
Gregorian date and moonphase. 

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This year, the Manufacture enters its second 12-year cycle with the introduction of a new limited edition of this grand complication featuring a dragon engraved on the red gold winding rotor in honor of the symbol of the new lunar year. This special limited edition for the first time is carried out in red gold with a green enamel dial.

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Each year, Blancpain has offered a special limited edition recalling the legend of the Jade Emperor summoning twelve different animals to the gate of his palace. The order of each animal’s arrival has been memorialized in the 12-year Zodiac cycle of the Chinese calendar and the official animal of the year is celebrated in each Blancpain special edition.

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For the 2024 edition, the timepiece’s red gold winding rotor features this year’s animal, the dragon. Set against a frosted background the dragon is flanked by a red ruby and a Chinese character engraving of the words “dragon” and “wood”, the element of 2024. To inaugurate the new 12-year cycle, Blancpain’s artists refreshed the presentation of the Zodiac animal symbols with new portraits.

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The mysticism of the Chinese calendar is displayed with an array of four dedicated hands, a window for the Zodiac, and a window for the leap month. Together these set out the Chinese hours (120 minutes in length); the 60-year cycle of the elements and Yin/Yang; the 12-year cycle of the Zodiac; the Chinese days, month and leap months. The Gregorian date is indicated via a traditional serpentine hand. Likewise, the moon phase is classically presented in a window at six o’clock.

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Five full years have been devoted in the development of the movement, which comprises 464 individual components arrayed in six layers. Its complexity exceeds that of a perpetual calendar and approaches that of a minute repeater. 

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This intricate construction is carried out in Blancpain’s Le Brassus grand complication workshop. The calendar mechanism is powered by Blancpain’s three mainspring barrel movement which achieves a seven-day power reserve.

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The dial has been created in full fired grand feu enamel, its green color harmonizing with the 45mm red gold case. To facilitate setting of the calendar, the case features Blancpain’s patented under lug correctors which not only free the flanks from corrector dimples but allow finger tip changes. In keeping with other Blancpain calendar mechanisms, the Chinese calendar implements a secure design which eliminates the risk of damage if setting is performed during an automatic change.

This 2024 Traditional Chinese Calendar is limited to 50 pieces.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Model: VILLERET Traditional Chinese Calendar "Year of the Water Dragon"

 
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  References:  00888-3632C-55B - Gold 45mm - Edition
 
Complications
Traditional Chinese Calendar
[double-hour indication, signs of the zodiac, date and month of the Chinese calendar. Indication of the
five elements, the celestial stems and the leap months]
Specificities

• ∙ Gregorian calendar
• ∙ Moon phases
• ∙ Under-lug correctors
• ∙ Secured movement
• ∙ White grand feu enamel dial
• ∙ Oscillating weight set with a Madagascar ruby
• ∙ Sself-winding

Case

18ct red gold

Case thickness:     15.10 mm
Case diameter:     45.20 mm
Water resistance:     3.00 bar
Between horns:     23.00 mm
Sapphire back: Engraved on the - "Chinese Calendar - № ХX/50 Piece"
Dial
Green grand feu enamel dial
Grand feu enamel
Movement
Calibre 3638
Reference:   3638   

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Frequency - 4Hz

Self-winding
Calibre thickness:  8.30 mm
Calibre diameter:  32.00 mm | 14'''
Power reserve in hours:  168
Jewels:  39
3 mainspring barrels
Secured movement
Titanium free sprung balance with gold regulation screws
Components:   464
Strap/Bracelet
Alligator lined with alzavel
Black color strap
Gold folding clasp 

 

*Each bar corresponds to a 10-metre water column. Alligator leather straps - origin: Mississippiensis Blancpain reserves the right to modify this model and its technical characteristics.

Available in Blancpain Boutiques - Only  Limited edition of 50 Piece


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Press release - 2024
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-----------------------------------------------------
Blancpain S.A.
Le Rocher 12
1348 Le Brassus
Suisse
International PR: Lucie Notar
Tel.  (+41) 21 796 3619
Fax (+41) 21 796 3637
E-mail: pr@blancpain.com
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