After more than 60 years of refined technical precision, Blancpain‘s aquatic credentials are undeniable. The Swiss luxury watchmaker famously dropped the most complete iteration of the modern dive watch, the Fifty Fathoms, way back in 1956 and has been steadily fine-tuning the collection ever since. There have been a multitude of variations over the years, from the much-loved No Rad heritage piece to the more contemporary Swatch collaboration, but this year’s model could well be the most inventive. The new Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune is the first-ever Bathyscaphe Fifty Fathoms to arrive in high-tech ceramic, complete with a calendar and moon phase because…well, why not?
Admittedly, a moonphase complication does feel like somewhat of an unnecessary addition on a dive watch, however, it does serve an interesting purpose. Powered by the calibre 6654.P, which dishes up 72 hours of power reserve, the complication perfectly typifies Blancpain’s seamless transition from tool watch to luxury status symbol; helping to keep one foot in each camp.
Despite boasting a near-unrivalled legacy of underwater innovation, the Swiss watchmaker has solidified itself as the premier example of versatile luxury, as suited to the sales floor as it is the ocean floor. With this model, Blancpain again plays the best of both worlds, with the date and moonphase complications working seamlessly together to create a harmonious visual language that feels entirely true to the brand.
What does feel starkly different, however, is the use of black ceramic. A first for the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscape collection, the new material is reportedly five times harder than stainless steel and 25 per cent lighter, making it ideal for diving. That being said, production was far from a straightforward process with Blancpain revealing that the unique properties of ceramic presented some serious challenges.
The watchmaker confirmed that in addition to the 25 per cent volume reduction that needed to be taken into account when firing, the satin-brushing proved to be a delicate and meticulous process. From the links to the buckle and the case, every facet is individually finished by experts before being held together by cam-shaped pins. Subtle though it may be, this element certainly adds to the Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune’s unique back ceramic aesthetic.
According to Blancpain, this black colour matches not only the new complete calendar but also the Bathyscaphe three-hand and flyback chronograph models, whose cases are in the same material. The new 43.6mm release is available in green, blue and black, with all models featuring the iconic Blancpain rotating bezel. Launched in 1953 by Blancpain’s then co-CEO, Jean-Jacques Fiechter, this addition has become a hallmark of the watchmaker’s diving prowess, and the new Bathyscaphe continues this profound legacy.
The new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune 5054 is available on a ceramic bracelet for AUD$41,400 or with a sailcloth or NATO strap for AUD$29,300. All three colourways are available now via Blancpain boutiques and online.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune Ref. 5054 0153 01S
- Brand: Blancpain
- Model: Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune 5054
- Reference: Ref. 5054 0153 01S
- Movement: Calibre 6654.P flyback chronograph
- Diameter: 43.6mm
- Water-Resistance: 300m
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Price: AUD$41,400 (with ceramic bracelet) / AUD$29,300 (with sailcloth or NATO strap)
