Blancpain’s Bathyscaphe Gets a Red Gold Bracelet
All-out luxe for the retro diver.
Blancpain range of vintage inspired dive watches grows to include a pair of top-of-the-line models, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet and Chronographe Flyback, both in 18k red gold with a matching red gold bracelet. Previously available only with a fabric strap, the new duo feature a gradient blue dial with a sun-ray finish and a matching blue ceramic bezel insert.
Initial thoughts
First released in 1956 as a more compact version of the Fifty Fathoms, the Bathyscaphe was reissued as a sportier and smaller sibling of the modern-day Fifty Fathoms. The Bathyscaphe line encompasses complications and various materials, including the recent all-ceramic models. The new pair continue to extend the line in terms of materials; they are the only models in the entire Fifty Fathoms range with a matching gold bracelet.
The all-gold look is of course not for everyone, but the new pair have an extravagant appeal, particularly the chronograph that looks and feels like an ultra-luxe sports watch.
The all-gold look, however, comes at a price. Both are cost US$55,300, which is far from the accessible price point of their all-ceramic counterparts. The price is arguably justified by Blancpain’s easily discernible quality, though the brand lacks the cachet of its peers in the same price segment, which makes these high-end models a very niche offering.
The red gold models are also available with a fabric strap.
Fully red gold
Both the Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet and Chronographe Flyback share the same 43 mm by 13.4 mm case in 18k red gold that is water resistant to 300 m. Equipped with a unidirectional bezel topped with a ceramic insert, the case is entirely satin-finished, as is standard for the Bathyscaphe.
The gold bracelet has a matching all-brushed finish, so the result is slightly less shiny than most all-gold watches, but low key this is not.
The two watches also share a similar dial design, with different displays for the respective complications.
The chronograph has three counters, with the sub-dial at three indicating the elapsed minutes and the sub-dial at nine for hours. Constant seconds sits at six o’clock.
The chronograph is powered by cal. F385, a high-frequency movement running at 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz) with 50 hours of power reserve. Like many Blancpain calibres, it features a silicon balance spring.
The Quantième Complet has a traditional triple calendar layout with a central date pointer, windows for the day and the date, and the moon phase at six o’clock.
Meanwhile, the Quantième Complet contains the cal. 6654.P.4, a 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz) movement that’s also equipped with a silicon balance spring, along with 72 hours of power reserve.
Key facts and price
Blancpain Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback in Red Gold
Ref. 5200 3640 76S
Diameter: 43 mm
Height: 13.4 mm
Material: Red Gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 300 m
Movement: Cal. F385
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date and flyback chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 beats per second (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours
Strap: Matching red gold bracelet
Limited edition: No
Availability: At Blancpain boutiques and retailers starting August 2024
Price: US$55,300
Blancpain Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet in Red Gold
Ref. 5054 3640 76S
Diameter: 43 mm
Height: 13.4 mm
Material: Red Gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 300 m
Movement: Cal. 6654.P.4
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, month and moonphase
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per second (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Strap: Matching red gold bracelet
Limited edition: No
Availability: At Blancpain boutiques and retailers starting August 2024
Price: US$55,300
For more, visit blancpain.com
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