The Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe diver’s watch from Blancpain now appears in a new chronograph version adorned in green from dial to bezel; a shade enhanced by peerless expertise and skills in terms of dial-making.
Dozens of steps are required to achieve a perfect colour and finish on this particular dial. Once the initial phases devoted to the shape and apertures have been completed, the dial is polished in two stages: the first to remove scratches; and the second to obtain a soft, smooth appearance. This is followed by a series of processes designed to give the surface a special texture, including a sunburst effect that endows the dial with a pattern of lines radiating from the centre. The chronograph counters are then hollowed out and snailed to create greater overall depth.
The highly technical colouring process can now begin. The dial is coated with several nanometric layers of material. Transformed by the surface, rays of light reflect the desired hue. The dial of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback can then reveal its subtle shades of green which change according to the angle of illumination, sometimes taking on metallic shades.
Powering this diving chronograph is the Manufacture F385 calibre, visible through a sapphire crystal caseback. The self-winding chronograph movement beats at a frequency of 5 Hz, enabling each second to be divided into 1/10th intervals. This high frequency guarantees increased accuracy, particularly when timing events.
The F385 movement incorporates a vertical clutch and a chronograph mechanism controlled by a column-wheel. It has a flyback function that enables the chronograph to be reset to zero and restarted instantaneously by simply pressing the push-piece located at 4 o’clock.
The new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback features a 43.6 mm satin-brushed black ceramic case topped by a rotating bezel featuring a green ceramic insert. It comes with a NATO or sail canvas strap.
Technical details
Model: Blancpain Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph
References
5200-0153-NABA: with NATO strap
5200-0153-B52A: with sail canvas strap
Case
Satin-brushed black ceramic case
Diameter: 43.60 mm
Thickness: 15.25 mm
Lug width: 23.00 mm
Unidirectional satin-brushed black ceramic bezel with green ceramic insert and Liquidmetal® hour-markers
Sapphire crystal glass
Sapphire crystal case back
Water resistance: 30 bar/300 meters
Dial
Green dial
Date and small seconds
Movement
F385 (5HZ) self-winding
Diameter: 31.80 mm
Thickness: 6.65 mm
Jewels: 37
Total components: 322
Power reserve: 50 hours
