By Kien Lee
Designed for daily wear while retaining its roots as a seafaring tool watch suitable for marine exploration, the Bathyscaphe was born in 1956 as the urban alter ego of the iconic Fifty Fathoms diver's watch from Blancpain. Blancpain CEO Mark Hayek best explains the Fifty Fathoms as a "diving watch you can wear on land," while the Bathyscaphe is a "watch you can go diving with."
In line with its all-terrain character and sporty, contemporary look, Blancpain has introduced cutting-edge ceramic technology into the Bathyscaphe line, taking it to a new dimension.
The unique properties of ceramic make it an ideal material for this versatile line, which introduces a high-tech ceramic bracelet for the first time. Durable, highly scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic, this material is nearly five times harder than stainless steel, yet is 25% lighter.
Despite its undeniable qualities, ceramic is complex to work, particularly in terms of finishing. In addition to the 25% reduction in volume that must be taken into account when firing at over 1,400°C and the diamond tools required for machining, satin-brushing is a delicate and meticulous process. From the links to the buckle and the case, every facet is individually finished by experts.
The exacting process of making a fine watchmaking bracelet, now in ceramic, means that the links have to be perfectly adjusted so that they are neither too loose – for aesthetic reasons – nor too tight – for practical reasons – resulting in strict tolerances and adherences to wearer comfort and product robustness. Featuring a patented system for assembling the links with cam-shaped pins – so that they do not touch and break – Blancpain's black ceramic bracelet took three years of research and development to reveal a final product that promises perfect comfort and remarkable resistance.
The Bathyscaphe line now includes the Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune (complete calendar with moon phase), flyback chronograph and two three-hand plus date models, in ceramic cases. These watches with their striking dials are available with a variety of wristband options including the recently introduced high-tech ceramic bracelet, thereby offering a wide range of combinations.
To counterbalance the black ceramic used for the cases, Blancpain have developed additional dials which feature a subtle gradient and sunburst finishing, from a deep green dial to a shade of blue evoking the sun's rays penetrating the depths of the sea.
All three references are available in the three different dials of blue, green and black, paired with a ceramic bracelet or sail-canvas and NATO straps.
