Blancpain rounds out the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe ceramic collection with new dials
Borna Bošnjak- Following the launch of Blancpain’s first all-ceramic bracelet, the brand adds new references to the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe ceramic collection.
- There are two time-only models (in green and blue), and a blue Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback.
- All three new references are available on NATO or sailcloth straps, as well as a black ceramic bracelet.
Earlier this year, Blancpain celebrated the release of its first-ever ceramic bracelet by presenting the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe ceramic collection in the surroundings that inspire its modern design. The black ceramic bracelets launched on three models, outfitted with a careful selection of dial colours. These have now been expanded, meaning you can pick up the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe and Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback in black, blue, or green.
The Bathyscaphe released in the 1960s, nearly a decade after the iconic Fifty Fathoms. But its modern dimensions suggest very little about its mid-century origins, especially when it comes to these ceramic models. The multifaceted ceramic case measures in at a significant 43.6mm for both new models, and registers 13.83mm and 15.25mm for the time-only and chrono variants, respectively. These are evocative of Blancpain’s modern catalogue, which tends to lean towards the larger side of the spectrum for its tool watches. The cases are water-resistant to 300 metres, as you’d expect from a dive watch, with ceramic bezel inserts matching the colour of the case.
While the mostly brushed surfaces of the ceramic case are relatively subtle, the dial colours are anything but. The sunburst effect on both the blue and green is very obvious, going from a dark seaweed to a bright mint, with the effect strengthened on the chronograph model because of its sub-dials. The dial layout stays faithful to the Bathyscaphe line, with small dial markers pushed to the very edge of the dial, with rectangular hands tasked with time-telling. I’ve always struggled a little with this layout, as I feel like the dial elements could be upsized by some 10% to properly balance the large case. Finally, a date sneaks in at 04:30 for both models, and Blancpain at least bothers to colour-match it to the dials.
The full ceramic bracelets were the key novelty for this year’s Bathyscaphe releases, though you can still have any of the aforementioned models on either a NATO or sailcloth – both colour-matched to their respective dials. Rightfully, however, the ceramic bracelets are the standout for their fit and finish.
The Caliber 1315 in the time-only Bathyscaphe runs at 4Hz, with a power reserve of 5 days courtesy of three barrels and silicon balance spring. For the Chronographe Flyback, Blancpain chose the F385 – the brand’s replacement for the Frederic Piguet 1185 – which is a 5Hz, flyback, column wheel chronograph equipped with a vertical clutch. Its power reserve is 50 hours, which is still respectable given the complexity and high beat rate.
Both movements are powered by in-house Blancpain chronographs that are decorated very similarly, with blackened solid gold rotors set against a relatively plain array of closely fitting bridges that hide the wheels. Instead of the usual striping, the bridges have a radially brushed finish that doesn’t jump out at you, but is pleasant to the eye, while their anglage is likely finished by both machine and hand.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe ceramic collection price and availability
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe ceramic is now available. Price: A$21,800 (Bathyscaphe, strap), A$33,900 (Bathyscaphe, bracelet), A$29,300 (Chronographe Flyback, strap), A$41,400 (Chronographe Flyback, bracelet)
| Brand | Blancpain |
| Model | Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback |
| Case Dimensions | 43.6mm (D) x 13.83mm (T) (Bathyscaphe) 43.6mm (D) x 15.25mm (T) (Chronographe Flyback) |
| Case Material | Black ceramic |
| Water Resistance | 300 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Blue, green |
| Lug Width | 23mm |
| Strap | Colour-matching NATO or sailcloth strap Black ceramic bracelet |
| Movement | 1315, in-house, automatic F385, in-house, automatic, 5Hz |
| Power Reserve | 120 hours (Bathyscaphe) 50 hours (Chronographe Flyback) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, flyback chronograph |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$21,800 (Bathyscaphe, strap) A$33,900 (Bathyscaphe, bracelet) A$29,300 (Chronographe Flyback, strap) A$41,400 (Chronographe Flyback, bracelet) |