A few months ago Blancpain launched two new Bathyscaphe 5054 in titanium and red gold, now those materials are finding their way to the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback 5200. Let‘s take a close look at these two novelties.

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About reference 5200

The Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback was first introduced in 2014 in form of the first Blancpain Ocean Commitment timepiece. A stainless steel version with meteor grey dial followed swiftly, as did the all black ceramic ref 5200 in 2014. In total there have been only six versions of reference 5200 so far: in addition to the above mentioned there are the 2016 OC II in blue ceramic with grey dial, the 2018 Bucherer Blue edition and the 2020 black ceramic with green dial.

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The timepiece has been an instant success, and for very good reasons: A newly created 5Hz movement with column wheel and vertical clutch, refined yet sturdy and beautifully decorated. Non-screwed down chrono pushers that still allow for 300m water resistance and operable under water. These features elevate the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback over the competition, and they are as remarkable as they were 8 years ago.

And now the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback is offered in two new materials, grade 23 titanium and red gold.

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The titanium 5200

I had the pleasure to show various titanium models over the past year, and this one is no exception when talking about its refined execution. Let’s take a close look at reference 5200-1210:

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The 43.5mm case has a height of 15.2mm and measures just under 50mm lug to lug. The typical satin brushed finish is immaculate, just as with any other Bathyscaphe.

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The grey dial seems to be identical to the one used in the stainless steel 5200, but in combination with the radial brushed ceramic bezel the face of the watch has a new, monochrome look.

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The red gold 5200

The combination of red gold cases and blue dials & bezels has become a favorite for Blancpain it seems. And there’s a very good reason for it: this configuration expresses luxury and style in an extrovert yet timeless fashion. Here’s reference 5200-3640:

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Like with the new Bathyscaphe 5054, the 5200 does not use Sedna Gold, but a traditional red gold alloy for the case, which has identical dimensions to the titanium version described above.

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The timepiece is not shy, its expression is colorful and full of presence. As we know it from this color combination, the play of light is strong with the red gold blue dial Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback. In the first slideshow you have seen it under natural light, here is a series of photos under artificial light:

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Caliber F385

I have covered caliber F385 in various blog posts before, but let me summarize the basic features of this cutting edge chronograph movement. Oscillating at 5Hz the chronograph measures true 1/10th of a second intervals. Of course we talk about a column wheel vertical clutch movement, in the best tradition of the high end Blancpain chronograph movements since the 1185.

The movement features a titanium balance and a silicon balance spring for antimagnetic properties. It offers 50 hours of power reserve and is decorated in a refined modern fashion with the winding mass being DLC coated 18ct gold.

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On the wrist

With 43.5mm the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback is a large watch, so the following shots on my rather slim wrist can only give you a rough idea. Here’s the titanium 5200 on its grey sailcloth strap from a few different angles:

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As you may expect the red gold 5200 on its blue sailcloth strap has a different look:

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Conclusions

To be honest, on one aspect both new versions of the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback, despite being very beautiful timepieces, leave me a bit confused: my point being that they both have strong internal competition with the stainless steel 5200 and the red gold Air Command AC02.

The aesthetic expression is very close to those competitors, this may make it difficult for buyers to choose. With respect to the grey dial titanium vs stainless steel 5200 the difference is predominantly the weight and the different properties of the metals. You have to get up close to tell one from the other. The red gold Bathyscaphe Chronographe and the Air Command in the same material have of course different cases and some other elements that differentiate them from each other, the color code however is such a dominant feature that the choice isn’t significantly easier.

But, as I mentioned before, both new Bathyscaphe 5200 are real beauties and executed very well. They add two new materials to the Bathyscaphe line, which so widely spread now that it is more or less a model family on its own.

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You’ll find the two new Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback versions here on the Blancpain website, together with the other versions.

In this blog the two Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe 5200s are found here, the stainless steel version here, the all black ceramic 5200 here, the Bucherer Blue edition here and the 2020 black ceramic green dial version here.

I hope you enjoyed this essay and the photos.

Cheers

Henrik