Eleven years ago Blancpain introduced their first ceramic case in the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe line. Now there’s the first ceramic bracelet for a variety of ceramic Bathyscaphe models, but not only that: there are also three striking new versions of the Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet ref 5054. So we have a lot to dig into, let’s take a closer look.
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Before we get into the specifics of each dial variant and of course the new ceramic bracelet let‘s see a group shot of the novelty trio on my wrist during the shooting in Paudex:
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The new blue dial ceramic Bathyscaphe 5054
There have been blue dial black ceramic Bathyscaphe models, but so far never in connection with a black ceramic bezel insert. So this new version of the ceramic 5054 marks a new chapter in aesthetic code, and I have no doubt it will be hugely successful. To me this dial looks like a new shade of blue, but that may just be the result of its visual expression in connection with the black bezel insert.
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A green dial for the Bathyscaphe 5054
The combination of a black ceramic case with a green dial and bezel appeared first in the limited Bathyscaphe Mokarran, followed by the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback. Now one of the most popular Bathyscaphe models joins the club.
Let me repeat what I already said about the Mokarran and the green dial 5200: the dial offers so many different shades of green when exposed to different light conditions that it really stands out from the crowd. This type of green dial is here to stay and not just a trend.
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The all black Bathyscaphe 5054
This version gives the timepiece a beautiful stealthy look, very compelling with the rather busy full calendar dial. Since the all black Bathyscaphe 5000 and 5200 have already proven how popular this aesthetic code is the new all black 5054 will most likely be a very successful version, too.
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The ceramic bracelet in detail
I have handled a few ceramic bracelet watches from other brands in the past, with one common observation: there’s usually a rather loose fit between the bracelet links. This is mostly intentional to either cut cost or avoid forces that could cause the brittle ceramic to break. Another observation was the rather simple finishing of most ceramic bracelets.
Blancpain have spent considerable time and energy to introduce a ceramic bracelet that offers a totally different experience. Held by titanium tubes and screws the play between the different links is minimal, look at these two photos that illustrate how small the difference between Blancpain‘s titanium and ceramic bracelets is:
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The finishing of the the ceramic bracelet is nothing but spectacular. Pictures tell more than words, so here you go:
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The hidden deployant clasp is made from titanium and executed in the same style as we know it for any years. An all ceramic clasp was clearly not an option for longevity and security reasons.
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Conclusions
A black ceramic version of the Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet 5054 is a logical expansion of the line, pairing it with three beautiful dials (with the blue dial/black bezel combination being a first) provides the customer with the pleasure of making a very difficult choice.
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That alone would have made a noteworthy new release, but the introduction of a high end ceramic bracelet is more than the icing on the cake. This bracelet is no doubt a masterpiece in aesthetic and haptic experience, creating an ultra cool new look for the Bathyscaphe.
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The one thing I would have loved to see differently are the titanium screws: having those coated in black in the same fashion as the corrector pushers in the case flanks would be an aesthetic enhancement in my humble opinion. But that’s nitpicking and does not mean that the new full ceramic Bathyscaphe isn’t a fantastic looking watch.
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All new Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet versions will also be available on either Nato or sailcloth strap. And the ceramic bracelet is also available for the black ceramic Bathyscaphe 5000 and two black ceramic Bathyscaphe 5200 models, hopefully I can offer you impressions of those soon.
You find the new Bathyscaphe 5054 versions, the bracelet version of reference 5000 and the two reference 5200 full ceramic models here on the Blancpain website.
The Bathyscaphe 5054 in satin brushed grade 23 titanium is featured here, the stainless steel model here in the blog.
I hope you enjoyed this hands-on and the photos.
Cheers
Henrik