The Blancpain Bathyscaphe came about in the 1950’s because of Blancpain’s desire to offer a divers watch in a size suited for everyday use. In 2013 they reinterpreted it and now for Baselworld 2014 they have released a new model featuring a new self-winding F385 movement featuring a flyback chronograph function.
This new version maintains the signature codes of the original model while also preserving the important technical qualities of the Fifty Fathoms collection. Lacking any numerals the domed black dial is interspersed only by the bars and dots that are used to indicate the hours and a date window located at the 4 o’clock position. The hands are rectangular and recall those of the 1950s Bathyscaphe models and the dial has a sunburst finish with snailed chronograph counters adding a sense of depth to the overall effect.
Blancpain Bathyscaphe – Baselworld 2014
The bezel is unidirectional and features hour markers filled with LiquidMetal ® a special metal alloy with an amorphous composition which enables it to bond perfectly with the ceramic bezel and enhance its scratch resistance. In order to assure excellent underwater legibility when diving Superluminova has been applied to all key elements.
Inside the new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe model is a new 13-lignes Manufacture Blancpain movement fitted with a column-wheel chronograph mechanism with a vertical clutch. Beating at a rate of 36,000 vibrations/hour it also features a flyback function which makes it possible for the user to reset and instantly restart the chronograph by simply pressing the button at 4 o’clock. It also features chrono-pushers that are water resistant to 300 meters in order that the chronograph can be used at depth without fear of damage to the watch.
Blancpain Bathyscaphe – Baselworld 2014
This new 43 mm-diameter Blancpain Bathyscaphe model comes in either a brushed black ceramic version with a black dial, or in brushed steel with a meteor grey dial. Both models are fitted with a NATO fabric or sail canvas strap – both tough materials ideally suited for marine activities. And for the first time for this line the steel version comes on a metal bracelet.
