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NOVELTIES 2023

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 – Tech Gombessa

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Blancpain presents the second edition of its Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary commemorative collection.

Launched in 1953, Fifty Fathoms is the first modern diver’s watch. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of this iconic timepiece, Blancpain has proposed a number of commemorative editions.

In January this year, Blancpain presented the first 70th anniversary model (with code name Act 1), a re-edition of the Fifty Fathoms 50th Anniversary watch. Now, the brand presents Act 2 of the opus that pays tribute to the legendary diving timepiece.

The new evolution of Fifty Fathoms has been designed to meet today’s technical diving requirements. It incorporates an innovation co-developed by Marc A. Hayek, President & CEO of Blancpain, and Laurent Ballesta, founder of the Gombessa project.

With the new Fifty Fathoms “Tech Gombessa” watch, it is possible for the first time to measure up to three-hour immersion times.

Blancpain and The Gombessa Project

Founded in 2013, the Gombessa project supports the study of some of the rarest, most elusive marine creatures like Coelacanth (cœlacanth), Marbled Grouper and Grey Reef Shark as well as deep-sea ecosystems. Leading this venture is a group of passionate deep-sea divers, including Marc A. Hayek and Laurent Ballesta. Blancpain is the partner of this project.

The new Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa series commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Gombessa Project and the 70th anniversary of the iconic Fifty Fathoms.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa (reference 5019-12B30-64A) is capable of measuring the duration of up to three-hour-long tech dives or exits from a saturation system.

Unlike the bezels on conventional diver’s watches, the bezel on the Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa has a three-hour scale. It is linked to a special hand that completes one full turn in three hours and whose material and colour – a white luminescent coating with green emission – match those of its markers.

This device invented jointly by Marc A. Hayek and Laurent Ballesta is a world first for which a patent has been filed.

Bezel and Dial

The black ceramic bezel inlay has a stronger curve and tilts it towards the dial. Offering ultimate readability in all conditions, the absolute black dial’s legibility is optimised by a spherical crystal that eliminates any visual distortion.

The hour and minute hands as well as the block-shaped appliqué markers and numerals feature orange luminous coating with blue emission. The bezel markings, seconds hand, and the three-hour hand feature a different color luminous pigment (white with green emission) to differentiate between time-related information and diving times.

Case

The 47mm diameter case of the watch is made of Grade 23 titanium. Recently introduced to the Blancpain collections, this purest type of titanium has exceptional strength and anti-allergenic properties, while being remarkably light.

The thickness of the case is 14.81 mm. The watch features – in a first for Blancpain – central lugs attached from the inside of the case middle and integrating the strap.

Water-resistant to 30 ATM/ 300m, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa diving watch features a helium valve at 10 o’clock of the case. The notches of the helium valve are identical to those of the winding and time-setting crown that enables simultaneous setting of the hours, minutes and dive-time hands.

As with all Fifty Fathoms timepieces, the crown at 3 o’clock is screwed down and associated with a crown guard that now features a new trapeze-shaped design ensuring visual consistency with the lugs.

The lower part of the case middle is bevelled rather than the rounded ‘bassine’ shape characterising the other Fifty Fathoms models. The notches used to screw in the case back have also been reworked, in the same spirit of robustness.

Movement

Visible through the sapphire crystal case-back is the 13P8 self-winding calibre.

The anthracite-coloured oscillating weight, stamped with the Gombessa Expeditions logo, features an innovative shape dominated by three large openings. This 35 jewel movement offers a power reserve of 120 hours.

Strap

The black rubber strap is screwed to the back of the lugs. It has an internal titanium reinforcement, guaranteeing ideal long-term shape, and is teamed with an extension for wearing the watch over a tech-diving suit.

The buckle with its extremely wide and ergonomic pin reinforces the hold of the watch to the wrist and facilitates fastening the extension.

Presentation Box

The Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa comes in a special Peli™ presentation box. It is water-resistant and shock-resistant as well as reusable and configurable.

This box houses a rest for the watch, the strap extension, a travel pouch, a magnifying glass, as well as a set of dividers and cutting tools offering the possibility of compartmentalizing it for any future use.

NOVELTIES 2023

Blancpain Traditional Chinese Calendar Watch “The Year of the Rabbit”

To mark the Chinese New Year, Swiss luxury watch brand Blancpain is unveiling a new edition of its Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar model. The Blancpain Year of the Rabbit watch displays the main indications of the Chinese calendar on its dial, while its oscillating weight honours the New Year’s zodiac sign. This platinum watch is a 50-piece limited edition.

The Traditional Chinese Calendar is an exclusive timepiece developed by Blancpain. Its complexity is similar to that of the perpetual calendar and it is produced in the Grand Complications workshop of the Manufacture in Le Brassus.

This exceptional timepiece is based on the principles of Chinese tradition and its lunisolar calendar, which it combines with the Gregorian calendar. The white grand feu enamel dial features a chapter ring composed of gold appliques swept over by hands shaped like hollowed-out sage leaves.

The dates of the Gregorian calendar are indicated by a blued steel serpentine hand. They are painted in enamel, as is the main information of the Chinese calendar, i.e. the double hours, the day and month with the mention of the leap months, the signs of the zodiac, as well as the five elements and the ten celestial pillars. Moon phases are also represented.

Crafted from platinum and measuring 45 mm in diameter, the double-stepped case of the Traditional Chinese Calendar is faithful to the aesthetic of the Villeret collection. The famous Blancpain correctors are concealed beneath its lugs and can be activated by the simple touch of a finger.

Equipped with a sapphire caseback, the Traditional Chinese Calendar Watch houses the 3638 self-winding movement whose gold oscillating weight is engraved with the zodiac sign of the year 2023.

The new the Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar (reference 00888K-3431-55B) is available in an individually numbered 50-piece limited edition.

NOVELTIES 2023

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1: Re-edition of the 50th Anniversary Series

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 is a part of commemorative editions celebrating the 70th anniversary of the iconic Fifty Fathoms watch.

In 1953, Blancpain introduced the first modern diver’s watch, the Fifty Fathoms. In 2003, to mark its 50th anniversary, the iconic Swiss Maison unveiled an anniversary limited edition comprising three series of 50 watches, thereby reviving the Fifty Fathoms. The first 70th anniversary watch is based on the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 50th anniversary limited series.

Featuring an exclusive 42 mm diameter and composed of three 70-piece limited series, this watch will be available for pre-order on the Blancpain website in January 2023.

Twenty years ago, Blancpain’s newly appointed CEO Marc A. Hayek, discovered the Fifty Fathoms lying dormant in the Brand’s archives. An avid scuba diver, he immediately decided to give it a new lease on life. The rebirth of the Fifty Fathoms was one of the first projects he undertook upon his arrival at Blancpain.

50th Anniversary Model

In 2003, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms, Blancpain launched a limited edition comprising three series of 50 watches.

This anniversary model picked up the aesthetic codes of the 1953 timepiece while ushering it into the 21st century. The black dial, bearing extra-large numerals and markings affirmed the character of the original watch that was recognisable at first glance, as too were its attributes as a timekeeping instrument designed for diving.

Made according to modern day specifications, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 50th anniversary model (reference 2200A-1130-71) was water-resistant to around 300 metres. Its self-winding movement was equipped with a twin barrel endowing it with a four-day power reserve. Another significant feature was that the epoxy bezel inlay of the 1950s was replaced by a domed, scratchproof sapphire insert.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary: Act 1

Now, to kick off year-long celebrations highlighting the 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms, the Manufacture is unveiling a brand-new timepiece that is also a nod to the 2003 “renaissance” model. Three series are once again being produced, this time each comprising 70 watches.

Each series is dedicated to a region of the world – EMEA, Asia-Pacific, the Americas – and bears a number from I to III on the dial.

The dial is black with a sunburst motif and features vintage-look luminescent hands and block-type hour- markers. The polished steel watch case measures 42 mm in diameter and 14.30 mm in thickness. It is mounted with the famous unidirectional bezel with a domed sapphire inlay.

This is an exclusive diameter, as no contemporary Fifty Fathoms has ever yet been offered in this size. Regular models measure 45 mm, while the usual limited-edition Fifty Fathoms has a 40 mm case.

By opting for a new 42 mm diameter, Blancpain is paying tribute to the 1953 model while at the same time responding to the demands of Fifty Fathoms enthusiasts.

The first anniversary timepiece in 2023, this 42 mm Fifty Fathoms (reference 5010A/B/C-1130-NABA) comes with a black NATO YTT+ strap. This strap is made from 100% recycled and entirely recyclable thread from fishing nets recovered from the sea or oceans. The lug width of the watch is 21.50 mm.

The three series of 70 watches dedicated respectively to EMEA, Asia-Pacific and the Americas will be exclusively available for pre-order on the Blancpain website in January 2023.

Blancpain Calibre 1315

This new watch allows enjoying all the advantages of the Calibre 1315 in a concentrated format. Renowned for its extreme robustness, it has been a staple at Manufacture Blancpain since its launch in 2007. Based on a three-barrel architecture, this 35-jewel self-winding movement provides a five-day power reserve (120 hours).

Its silicon balance spring guarantees resistance to magnetism. This anniversary edition’s oscillating weight bearing the “Fifty Fathoms 70th” logo is made of platinum, chosen for its symbolism.

NOVELTIES 2023

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Valentine’s Day 2023 Edition

To celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day, Blancpain presents a special edition Fifty Fathoms watch with the emblems of love: the colour red and the heart symbol. The Blancpain Valentine’s Day 2023 watch is based on the iconic Fifty Fathoms.

Although Blancpain has been celebrating the day of lovers for more than two decades, the Manufacture had never yet honoured it with a Fifty Fathoms model.

It has a satin-brushed steel case measuring 38 mm in diameter. Water-resistant to 30 bar (approximately 300 m), the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe “Valentine’s Day 2023” is made to brave waves of strong feelings. Its unidirectional rotating bezel features ceramic inlay and Liquidmetal™ hour-markers.

The luminous, immaculate white bezel matches the dial graced with 3, 6, 9 and 12 numerals and a minutes track in soft pink. This delicate colour also rims the luminescent heart positioned like a signature at the tip of the seconds hand.

The Blancpain Valentine’s Day 2023 Fifty Fathoms watch houses the in-house Calibre 1150. Nestled behind a sapphire crystal case back, this movement reveals its robust architecture and refined decoration.

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe “Valentine’s Day 2023” is a limited edition of 99 pieces.

NOVELTIES 2022

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph New Models, Ref. 5200-3640 / 5200-1210

In 2022, Blancpain is focusing on introducing new variants of its Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe watches, playing with styles by means of red gold and grade 23 titanium.

Following the 1953 launch of the Fifty Fathoms, the first modern diver’s watch, Blancpain developed numerous variations of this vital timekeeping tool for divers.

The Bathyscaphe watch created in 1956 is undoubtedly one of the finest examples. The flyback chronograph joined the contemporary Bathyscaphe line in 2014 and was the first complication to equip Blancpain’s “urban diver” model.

The Manufacture is now returning its Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph model to centre-stage, housing one of the watch industry’s most renowned chronograph movements. Blancpain Calibre F385 is one of the latest in a line of Blancpain chronographs that have often been world firsts over the past 30 years.

This in-house movement draws on Blancpain’s refined vertical clutch design that ensures smooth engagement of the chronograph mechanism, eliminating the problem of the chronograph seconds hand making sudden, abrupt jumps. Control of starting, stopping and resetting the chronograph is done via a column wheel, enabling smooth and comfortable operation of the pushers.

The F385 beats at a frequency of 5 Hz, which is a considerable advantage in terms of timekeeping accuracy compared to lower frequencies. It has an inertia-regulated balance wheel with a silicon balance spring, whose geometry and lightness help ensure excellent chronometric performance.

Recently introduced into its collections by Blancpain, grade 23 titanium – also known as grade 5 ELI (extra low interstitials) – is the purest type of titanium available.

The red gold version has a blue dial while the grade 23 titanium features an anthracite dial. Whether the model is in red gold or titanium, the dial is graced with a sunburst pattern throughout and a snailed motif on the chronograph counters, designed to create a sense of depth and contrast.

The new Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph models are naturally framed by a unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic inlay, a signature of the contemporary Bathyscaphe line.

The blue inlay on the red gold version sports a glossy finish and a Ceragold™ time scale, while the anthracite inlay of the titanium watch is satin-brushed and features a Liquidmetal™ scale.

The cases of both watches measure 43 mm in diameter and are water resistant to 30 bar (approximately 300 m).

They are paired with a NATO or sailcloth strap matching the dial colour. The sail canvas strap of the red gold version comes with a choice of pin buckle or folding clasp, while the grade 23 titanium model is also available with a titanium bracelet.

Technical details

Model: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph

Case
Material: Satin-brushed titanium/ Satin-brushed 18ct red gold
Diameter: 43.00 mm
Thickness: 14.90 mm
Water resistance: 300 meters
Sapphire crystal back
Lug width: 23mm

Movement
Calibre F385 (5HZ), self-winding movement
Diameter: 31.80 mm
Thickness: 6.65 mm
Power reserve: 50 hours
Jewels: 37
Number of components: 322

Functions
Flyback Chronograph, date and small seconds

Bezel
Titanium version: Unidirectional satin-brushed titanium bezel with ceramic insert and LiquidmetalTM hour-markers
Red gold version: Unidirectional satin-brushed 18ct red gold bezel with ceramic insert and CeragoldTM hour-markers

Dial
Titanium version: Sunburst anthracite dial
Red gold version: Sunburst blue dial

NOVELTIES 2022

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet New Models, Ref. 5054-3640 / 5054-1210

Swiss luxury watch brand Blancpain has announced the launch of two new versions of its Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet (full calendar) model: a red gold version with a blue-gradient dial; and a titanium version with an anthracite dial.

The Bathyscaphe was created in 1956 with the aim of offering a diver’s watch whose size would make it suitable for everyday wear. It has evolved over the years and was reinterpreted by Blancpain in 2013 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms.

The Blancpain Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet model displays day and month via the two apertures placed below 12 o’clock, the date with a pointer hand and a moon phase positioned in a large window at 6 o’clock.

The 6654.P calibre of this Bathyscaphe features an innovative date mechanism with a security system. This enables the owner of the watch to handle each indication at any time, without any risk to the movement, unlike the usual calendar watches. This 28 jewel self-winding movement provides about 72 hours of power reserve.

Measuring 43 mm in diameter and water-resistant to 30 bar (approximately 300 m), the new Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet is available in two satin-brushed versions with well-marked contours: one in red gold and the other in grade 23 titanium.

The case thickness is 13.4mm and the lug width is 23mm. The red gold model is paired with a sunburst blue-gradient dial that catches the light with remarkable ease. The gold hour-markers, hands and moon match the case colour and the dial is framed by a unidirectional rotating bezel with a brilliant blue ceramic inlay featuring a Ceragold™ time scale.

The colour-material match continues on the back of the timepiece which reveals a red gold oscillating weight. Meanwhile, the titanium model is distinguished by subtle shades of grey. Its sunburst anthracite dial is enhanced by gold hour-markers, rhodium-plated hands and moon.

The likewise anthracite ceramic bezel is satin-brushed for a resolutely contemporary matt effect and bears a graduated Liquidmetal™ scale. The gold rotor of the titanium model has been given an anthracite NAC coating instilling a sporty and dynamic vibe.

The 18K red gold Blancpain Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet watch is available with a blue NATO or sailcloth strap, with the latter option also offering a choice between a pin buckle and a folding clasp. The titanium model comes with a titanium bracelet or a grey NATO or sailcloth strap.

NOVELTIES 2022

Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph 36.2mm

Blancpain has launched a new feminine version of its iconic Air Command Chronograph watch.

Feminine watches hold a special place in Blancpain’s watch range. Since the early 1930s, the Manufacture has tirelessly developed new movements and introduced innovations on women’s behalf.

Blancpain is no stranger to ladies’ chronographs and in 1998 became the first to introduce a flyback chronograph for women. The new Air Command 36.2 mm is a sportier and more adventurous interpretation of the ladies’ flyback chronograph.

The rare 1950s Blancpain chronograph that inspired the Air Command collection is naturally reflected in the vintage look of this new model.

The layout of the counters and tachymeter scale on the dial, as well as the shape of the luminescent hands and hour-markers, the piston-type chronograph pushers and the glass box-type sapphire crystal all evoke the original timepiece.

Exactly like authentic vintage aviation watches, the new Air Command offers two distinct timing modes: a flyback chronograph and a countdown bezel. This model is nonetheless firmly rooted in the 21st century.

The blue colour of the dial and the ceramic bezel insert endow it with a blend of modernity and elegance. The refinement continues with the sunburst and snailed dial finishes, as well as the alternating satin-brushed and polished finishing on the case.

Housed inside its 36.2 mm diameter is the F188B self-winding movement whose vertical clutch ensures stutter-free activation of the chronograph seconds hand, as well as smooth and optimal stop/start functions.

Equipped with a silicon balance-spring, the movement also features a column-wheel system guaranteeing a smooth feel when starting or ending a measurement and resetting the hands to zero.

The sapphire crystal case-back of the watch reveals the beauty of this high-end mechanism and its open-worked oscillating weight, adorned with traditional watchmaking finishes such as circular graining, bevelling and snailing.

Available in grade 23 titanium or in 18K red gold, the Air Command comes with a blue calf leather strap featuring white stitching.

Technical details

Model: Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph 36.2mm

Versions
AC03-12B40-63: With titanium case
AC03-36B40-63: With 18ct red gold case

Movement
Calibre F188B
Thickness: 5.50 mm
Diameter: 26.20 mm
Power-reserve: 40 hours
Jewels: 35
Components: 255

Functions
Hours and minutes
Flyback Chronograph

Case
Satin-brushed titanium or Satin-brushed 18ct red gold
Thickness: 11.50 mm
Diameter: 36.20 mm
Sapphire crystal back
Two-way rotating titanium or 18ct red gold bezel with blue ceramic insert
Interhorn space: 18.00 mm
Water-resistance: 3 bar

Dial
Sunburst blue dial
Super-LumiNova® hour-markers
Tachymeter scale

NOVELTIES 2022

Blancpain Ladybird Valentine’s Day 2022 Edition, Ref. 3660B-1954-55A

Celebrating Valentine’s Day is a tradition that Blancpain watchmakers have been perpetuating for over 20 years. The Ladybird “Valentine’s Day 2022” bears perfect testimony to enduring feelings, uniting time with love.

A token of eternity, the Ladybird “Valentine’s Day 2022” features the brilliance of noble stones and materials, crafted with the utmost dedication to ensure that this watch finds a worthy and desired place on the wrist of its chosen one. A white mother-of-pearl dial adorned with varnished red numerals and a circle of diamonds expresses the sweetness, ardour and infinity of love. The theme of this timepiece is confirmed by the seconds hand, which sweeps a fiery red heart along in its perpetual rotations.

The 34.9 mm diameter case crafted in white gold sparkles with 58 scintillating diamonds daintily set on the bezel and lugs. Their purity strikes a powerful contrast with the glow of the rose-cut ruby gracing the watch crown. The colour of love extends to the alligator leather strap, secured to the wrist by a diamond-set pin buckle.

The sapphire case back reveals the round curves of the 1153 self-winding movement, entirely developed and produced in Blancpain’s workshops based on almost three hundred years of expertise.

The mainplate, bridges and other components are meticulously decorated in accordance with the finest traditions of Haute Horlogerie, embellishing the gentle ticking of this true gem. An expression of delicacy, but also and above all of reliability with its generous four-day power reserve and its silicon balance-spring, the 1153 movement is a promise of longevity.

Issued in a 99-piece edition, the Ladybird “Valentine’s Day 2022” watch is as precious as time itself. It is proof of love, including that which Blancpain has shown for women over nearly a century, notably by creating dedicated timepieces for them such as the first self-winding ladies’ wristwatch (1930) and the world’s smallest round watch (1956).

NOVELTIES 2021

Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar “Year Of The Tiger” Limited Edition

Swiss luxury watch brand Blancpain celebrates the 2022 Lunar New Year by unveiling a new version of its Traditional Chinese Calendar. Crafted in platinum and issued in a 50-piece limited edition, this watch presents the indications of the lunisolar calendar on a white grand feu enamel dial. The zodiac sign of the year, the tiger, is highlighted on the back of the timepiece.

A complication exclusively developed by Blancpain, the Traditional Chinese Calendar is based on fundamental principles established for millennia and profoundly rooted in Chinese tradition.

On its dial, the hours, minutes and the Gregorian calendar rub shoulders with the main indications of the Chinese calendar: traditional double-hours, day, month with indication of leap months, signs of the zodiac, as well as the five elements and the ten celestial stems. The moon phases, defining traditional Chinese months and a key element in all Blancpain complete calendars, are also presented.

To mark the transition to the year of the tiger 2022 (1 February 2022 to 21 January 2023), Blancpain has created a new edition of this emblematic timepiece: a model in platinum with a white grand feu enamel dial whose oscillating weight is engraved with the Chinese zodiac sign of the year, the tiger.

Faithful to the aesthetic signature elements of the Villeret collection, the refined 45 mm double-stepped case is equipped with under-lug correctors enabling easy function adjustments. It frames a display revealing Blancpain’s artisanal savoir faire. Whilst the chapter ring is composed of gold appliques, the other indications are enamel painted.

The main hands shaped like slightly hollowed leaves are associated with a blued serpentine hand sweeping over the Gregorian date numerals, a shape that is reminiscent of the 18th century watchmaking tradition. The Traditional Chinese Calendar model is driven by the self-winding 3638 movement.

Technical details

Model: Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar “Year Of The Tiger” Limited Edition
Ref. 00888J-3431-55B

Case
Platinum case
Case thickness: 15.00 mm
Case diameter: 45.00 mm
Sapphire crystal glass and case back
Crown set with a Madagascar ruby
Water resistance: 3 bar
Lug width: 23.00 mm

Functions
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]
Gregorian calendar
Moon phases
Under-lug correctors

Movement
Calibre 3638
Self-winding movement
Oscillating weight set with a Madagascar ruby
Thickness: 8.30 mm
Diameter: 32.00 mm
Power reserve: 168 hours
Jewels: 39
Number of components: 464

Edition
Limited edition of 50 pieces
Available in Blancpain Boutiques only