Bracelets proceed to make their mark in watchmaking, this time with the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de lune 5054. The gathering and the complication is perhaps acquainted to fanatics and Blancpain collectors however that is the primary time each have come collectively – dive watches with full calendars and moon section shows are a rarity, and we’ll handle the whys a little bit in a while. Regardless of this certified newness, what actually grabs consideration right here is the introduction of a bracelet and case in black ceramic. Whereas Blancpain does have Fifty Fathoms fashions in ceramic and bracelets in varied supplies, the model has by no means ventured into the realm of the total ceramic bracelet.
Main from this, allow us to clarify in regards to the new “high-tech ceramic” bracelet for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de lune 5054, which we’ll henceforth seek advice from because the Bathyscaphe 5054 (although we’re sorely tempted to name it the Black Bathtub). The presence of such a bracelet at Blancpain could remind extra astute collectors that Swatch Group actually has the means and know-how to work this materials. The Group’s Comadur specialist agency (sapphire crystal and ceramics) has lengthy labored, hand-in-glove, with Rado, Omega and, sure, Blancpain too (be aware the distinctive sapphire bezel of the Fifty Fathoms). One does need to surprise why it took so lengthy for a ceramic bracelet to debut at Blancpain, particularly provided that the Bathyscaphe mannequin has had a ceramic mannequin for years.
The reply to the above query is ending after all. Ceramic tends to provide watches an ultra-contemporary really feel, and hand-finishing choices are restricted. Nicely, Blancpain has blown previous all such limitations, declaring that the person bracelet hyperlinks, buckles and the case itself are all hand-finished by “in-house consultants.” Provided that Blancpain operates at fairly a special degree to most of its stablemates within the Group, reserving a (literal) particular contact for its choices is a precedence. Now, in regards to the high-tech ceramic itself, Blancpain says it’s 25 p.c lighter than metal whereas being almost 5 occasions more durable. Apart from the Bathyscaphe 5054, this materials can also be used with the time-only mannequin and the chronograph, each of which additionally now have the identical bracelet choice.
Whereas now we have not given this watch the previous touch-and-feel, Blancpain is elevating expectations on its bracelet, claiming best ergonomics and luxury. The agency additionally claims that the mounting course of for the person hyperlinks is patented. One query that may linger within the minds of these conversant in bracelets is how the hyperlinks are held collectively, and right here the model says cam-shaped pins are in play. Nevertheless, one of many equipped visuals very clearly reveals screws so we had been left scratching our heads and questioning if we actually know something about bracelets in any case.
On the subject of the Bathyscaphe 5054, we’ll finish on a be aware in regards to the complication and the case. The 300m water-resistance is excellent and positively places this sophisticated timepiece in a category of its personal. The motion is the dependable Blancpain calibre 6654.P4, which in different guises must be acquainted to Blancpain collectors. These collectors ought to remember the fact that the Bathyscaphe 5054 Is a 43.6mm watch so it’s a little bit of an enormous boy. We’re keen to find how the bracelet and lugs come collectively to deal with this measurement whereas holding issues elegant.
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