Friday, July 2, 2021

BLANCPAIN – Fifty Fathoms No Rad - Only Watch 2021

BLANCPAINFifty Fathoms No Rad Steel - Only Watch 2021 Unique Edition

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A Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad watch in one unique edition for Only Watch


Blancpain, who has been supporting the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy since its creation in 2001, renews its participation to the charity auction Only Watch. The Maison has chosen to dedicate a one-of-a-kind, Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad model, to this noble cause. This exclusive timepiece inspired by an iconic Blancpain historical timing instrument joins the ranks of the rare and highly prized "No Rad" collector's items, coveted by watch enthusiasts. This unique iteration will be awarded to the highest bidder, in Geneva, on November 6th 2021.


The Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad watch revisits a Blancpain diving instrument from the mid-60s, which was notably used by the German Navy's Combat Swimmers. The latter has the characteristic feature of a stamp on the dial with a "no radiations" logo indicating that Blancpain did not use luminescent materials composed of radium – a highly radioactive element declared harmful to health. This distinctive symbol has forged the success of this timepiece, which has become one of the most sought-after Fifty Fathoms watches among collectors.

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The Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad model created for Only Watch is characterised by a matt black dial punctuated by the traditional geometrical hour-markers combining round dots, rectangles and a diamond-shaped mark at 12 o'clock. The chapter ring, the hands and the time scale on the bezel all feature orange-coloured Super-LumiNova®. Bespoke to this special piece, this acidulous shade refers to the colour representing the 2021 edition of Only Watch. The dominant element on the dial remains the "no radiations" logo, whose original yellow and red colours have been replaced by orange and yellow, respectively. The unidirectional rotating bezel, featuring a graduation typical of the initial Fifty Fathoms models, is fitted with a sapphire insert, a distinctive feature of the contemporary collection.

Its domed profile contributes to the depth effect of the watch face, already enhanced by the use of a glassbox-type sapphire crystal. Water-resistant to 30 bar (approx. 300 metres), the steel case measures 40.3 mm, a diameter exclusive to limited-edition Fifty Fathoms watches. It houses Blancpain Calibre 1154, a finely finished self -winding movement equipped with a silicon balance spring and endowed with a four-day power reserve. Its two barrels wind by means of a rotor in solid gold bearing a special "Only Watch" inscription.  

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A black NAC coating and a cartouche-shaped aperture, a detail observed on some of the historic timepieces in the collection, including the very first Fifty Fathoms, also distinguish this horological offering. This now atypical attribute formerly was in place to increase the suppleness of the oscillating weight in order to safeguard the movement in the event of impacts. The watch comes with a strap in "Tropic"-type rubber, a material very popular with divers in bygone days because of its durability and wearer comfort.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection: Fifty Fathoms 

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 References:  5008E-1130-B64A - strap

Model:  Fifty Fathoms No Rad Edition Only Watch 2021

Case
Stainless steel satin-brushed
Unidirectional satin-brushed steel bezel, sapphire insert
Diameter:  42.30 mm
Thickness: 13.23 mm
Between horns:  20.00 mm
Back:   Sapphire crystal
Antimagnetic properties
Water-resistant: 30ATM/300m/1000ft
Engraved on the - "Unique Piece"
Dial
Matt black dia
Geometrical hour-markers combining round dots, 
rectangles and a diamond-shaped mark at 12 o'clock.
Chapter ring and hands in orange Super-LumiNova®.
"No radiations" logo at 6 o'clock
Movement
Calibre 1154
Reference:   1154
Ultra-slim self-winding
Power-reserve indication on the bridge side
Black rotor in solid gold bearing a special "Only Watch" inscription
Balance frequency: 28,800 a/h or 4 hertz
Calibre thickness:  3.25 mm
Calibre diameter:  27.40 mm
Power reserve in hours:  100
Jewels:  28
Free sprung balance with gold regulation screws
Components:     190
Strap/Bracelet
Rubber tropic-like strap
Buckle engraved with the BLANCPAIN logo.


EDITION
Boutique exclusive model for Only Watch
Limited Edition
- Unique pieces



Price Estimate:  CHF 12 000 - 18 000

8 00
New Model - 2021

*Each bar corresponds to a 10-metre water column.
* Blancpain reserves the right to modify this model and its technical characteristics.

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Press release - 2021
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www.OnlyWwatch.com
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Blancpain S.A.
Le Rocher 12
1348 Le Brassus
Suisse
International PR: Aude Rosati
Tel.  (+41) 21 796 3636
Fax (+41) 21 796 3637
E-mail: pr@blancpain.com
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Thursday, July 1, 2021

LAURENT FERRIER – ECOLE Annual Calendar Navy Edition

LAURENT FERRIER"Série Atelier II" ÉCOLE Annual Calendar Navy Limited Edition 2021

ÉCOLE Annual Calendar Navy

After more than a year overshadowed by widespread gloom, there has never been a greater need for a little escape. Thankfully, LAURENT FERRIER has revisited his École Annual Calendar, venturing into the field of colour. Resplendent in blue and orange, this new creation is offered in a limited edition of only ten pieces, each of them numbered and engraved as "Série Atelier II".

LF SWITCHES TO SUMMERTIME.

This most recent creation is housed in the École-shaped case of the Maison. The name derives from the case made by Laurent during his studies at watchmaking school, which inspired him to create a new version, many years later. 

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The two-zone blue dial of this new reference features a contrasting vertical satin-brushed centre, and circular satin-brushed hour ring. Blue, often associated with dreams and peace of mind, but also a symbol of the sky and sea, is ultimately a colour widely used in both traditional and contemporary watchmaking. Here, it is the product of a galvanic metal treatment process. One of Laurent's favourites, most of his collection showcases this colour. As always with LAURENT FERRIER timepieces, the intensity of the colour varies with the light. Shades are at times dark and captivating, while at others, clear and refreshing, while further enhanced by intense reflections.

In the wake of its big brother, the Grand Sport Tourbillon, the École Annual Calendar Navy offers a more contemporary and sporting appearance compared to earlier versions. Quintessentially associated with aviation or the navy, vibrant orange here adorns the 18K white gold hands, providing the timepiece with optimal legibility and a compelling look.

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The École Annual Calendar Navy boasts a long list of features which together make it a unique timepiece. The time is indicated with LF iconic hands stamped in “Assegais” shape. A snailed small seconds dial placed at 6 o'clock gives character to the composition, while two bevelled apertures, positioned at 12 o'clock, display the day and the month. Finally, the date is indicated by a hand coated in white accompanied by vintage-inspired numerals, on the edge of the dial. The whole offers the full array of information required for daily life while remaining uncluttered and with no unnecessary adornment.

A USEFUL COMPLICATION

As the name suggests, this watch is equipped with an annual calendar. This complication recognises months with 30 and 31 days, progressing automatically to the 1st of the month as appropriate. Manual adjustment is required only once a year, on the 1st of March.  

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The day display is easily set through a pusher on the left side of the case, at 10 o’clock. All the other settings are easily controlled by a pull of the crown and rotating it accordingly, with no need for any tools.

THE LATEST EDITION OF THE "ÉCOLE" CASE

The École case, inspired by Laurent's studies while a younger man, also pays tribute to period pocket watches, from the time when pioneer watchmakers began transforming them into wristwatches. The "Série Atelier II" will be the last reissue of this case, since LAURENT FERRIER has decided to realign his collection by focusing on iconic cases: the Classic, the Square and the Grand Sport. 

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As always, the "ball"-shaped crown, the emblematic signature of the Maison, offers all the ease of a smooth and very pleasant winding.

Calibre 126.01

The calibre 126.01 is at the heart of the "Série Atelier II". This hand-wound movement incorporates a Swiss lever escapement and offers a power reserve of up to 80 hours. The power reserve indicator is placed on the movement and visible on the case-back. Much appreciated by purists, the long-blade ratchet, characteristic of LAURENT FERRIER manual movements, here boasts a polished bassiné finish, handcrafted in the brand's own workshops.

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LAURENT FERRIER is renowned for unmatched finishes. The sapphire crystal on the back of the École Annual Calendar Navy reveals both the mechanism and the finesse of its state-of-the-art manual finishes, carried out according to the most demanding criteria of traditional fine watchmaking. Each bridge is adorned with spotless Côtes de Genève decoration, and ruthenium plating. The plate is embellished with beading while the edges and inner edges are chamfered and then polished by hand, just like the screw heads. The art of watchmaking in its purest form.

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The École Annual Calendar Navy is presented on a hand-sewn bracelet in orange or navy Nubuck leather (based on your choice) with a navy Alcantara lining.

Designed to be worn on any occasion, the "Série Atelier II" limited edition of only ten pieces will be available exclusively from Atelier LAURENT FERRIER on their website.

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TECHNICAL DATA


École Annual Calendar Navy
Série Atelier II - Limited edition of 10 pieces 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

 
REF: LCF025.AC.C2WO

Movement
Manual-winding LF126.01 calibre
Swiss lever escapement
Screw balance
Indicators: central hours and minutes. Small seconds at 6 o'clock, power reserve indicator on the movement side. Date:

  • Central hands for the date
  • Day disc and month disc (automatic adjustment for 30- and 31-day months). Only one correction necessary on 1 March)

Semi-instantaneous calendar. Semi-instantaneous counters for days and months.
Clockwise and anti-clockwise calendar adjustment in the middle position
Diameter: Ø 31.60 mm (14’’’)
Thickness: 5.80 mm
Frequency: 3Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
Power reserve: 80 hours
Number of components: 235
Number of jewels: 23


AESTHETIC DATA
Case
Stainless steel
Dimension: Ø 40 mm diameter
Thickness: 10mm (12.64 mm on sapphire)
Water resistant to 30 metres
Crown: stainless steel "Boule"-shaped
Dial
Galvanic blue vertical satin-brushed in the centre and circular satin-brushed hour ring
Vintage-inspired date numerals and grey powder-coated hour ring and "31" in light blue
Small seconds at 6 o'clock, with circular satin-brushed outer ring and fine azurage in the centre
Bevelled counters for days and months at 12 o'clock
Hands
18K/750 white gold 210 Pd
Hour and minute: orange-coated, ”Assegai”-shaped
Seconds: orange-coated, “Baton”-type
White-coated, ”Assegai”-shaped date
Strap
Choice of hand-sewn navy or orange Nubuck leather, navy Alcantara lining
Stainless steel pin buckle
 

Limitation  
Unique timepiece Limited Edition - Only 10 examples 
 
Price: CH: CHF 50,000.- incl. sales tax

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Press Release - 2021
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Laurent Ferrier SA
Ms­­ Jessica­­ Gasser
Route de Saint Julien 150
1228­­ Plan Les Ouates
Switzerland

Telephone+41 22 716 33 87
Telefax+41 22 341 64 08
Contact : PR@LAURENTFERRIER.CH
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