Due to the ongoing restrictions caused by a global pandemic, we will likely learn about the Blancpain novelties this year just like we experienced it in 2020. I will try to do my best to provide hands-on photos of all new timepieces if at all possible, this blog post however is meant to provide you with an overview on all officially released models based on the Blancpain press information as we go. This overview will be updated whenever new models are released.
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The 2022 edition of the Villeret Calendrier Chinois Traditionel (December 2021)
Every year Blancpain introduces a new edition of the Traditional Chinese Calendar, this time to celebrate the Year of the Tiger. The platinum Villeret is limited to 50 pieces, it features a white Grand Feu enamel dial and carries the zodiac sign of the tiger proudly on the rotor.
Here you find the press release and the technical data sheet:
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The new Fifty Fathoms Tourbillion 8 Jours (December 2021)
Today, December 3, the new Fifty Fathoms Tourbillion 8 Jours was introduced in either satin brushed titanium grade 23 or satin brushed red gold.
Besides the case material and the blue dial and bezel the new Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon offers a more reduced dial configuration with the power reserve indicator no longer being featured.
The titanium watch ref 5025-12B40 is available on sailcloth, Nato or a titanium bracelet…
… the red gold timepiece ref 5025-36B40 is available on sailcloth or Nato strap only.
The new Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours can be found here on the Blancpain website. Here you find the press release and the technical sheets:
Two new Air Command versions (November 2021)
Today, November 9, Blancpain have introduced two new versions of the Air Command in brushed titanium grade 23…
and brushed red gold:
Both timepieces are part of the standard collection, not limited and available immediately. Here are some additional impressions of the titanium Air Command (click to enlarge):
You can find the new air Command here on the Blancpain website.
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The new Bathyscaphe Titanium (October 2021)
Rather silently Blancpain have introduced a new version of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe reference 5000-1210, crafted in Titanium Grade 23. Besides the case material, the highlights are a vertically brushed anthracite dial and a brushed ceramic bezel insert.
The new timepiece comes in three configurations: on sailcloth strap with tang buckle, on Nato strap with tang buckle or on a new titanium Grade 23 bracelet, which for the first time combines the well known X-71 look with the Bathyscaphe aesthetics.
Here you find the press release and the data sheets for the three versions. The watch can be found here on the Blancpain website and the Bathyscaphe Titanium is available immediately. You can also find my hands-on report on the version on Nato strap here in the blog.
A new Ladybird collection (October 2021)
On October 5 a new Ladybird collection was revealed. The history of the Ladybird is rooted in beautiful creations using a variety of gemstones, always paired with horological excellence.
Other than the 1956 Ladybird with the world’s smallest automatic movement, the new Ladybird Colors collection uses caliber 1150 based movements with a beautifully shaped rotor.
As a side note, Blancpain has now brought together all its Women timepieces under the Ladybird segment. The new Ladybird Colors is available in 7 different combinations:
The Ladybird Colors collection can be found here on the Blancpain website.
Bathyscaphe Polar Green (August 2021)
On July 28 Blancpain held their first ever online sale in China, offering the limited to 100 pieces Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe reference 5000-1153-H52A. Within seconds the online allocation of 81 pieces was sold out, the remaining 19 pieces were sold through different distribution channels, possibly the China Blancpain boutiques, but I don’t have reliable information on that.
The watch can be found here on the Blancpain website.
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Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Radiations (March 2021)
Today Blancpain have launched a new Fifty Fathoms limited edition, the Tribute to FF No Radiations. Based on the iconic Fifty Fathoms RPG 1 from the mid 1960s, this 40.3mm timepiece is another outstanding tribute to the Manufacture’s heritage, following the Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MilSpec from 2017 and the Fifty Fathoms Barakuda from 2019.
The Tribute Fifty Fathoms No radiations reference 5008D-1130-B64A is available immediately and limited to 500 pieces worldwide.
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The 2021 Saint-Valentin (January 2021)
For this year’s Valentine’s Day Blancpain created a version of the Women Date in a 33.2mm red gold case, again featuring the thematic Cupid’s arrow and pierced heart as the seconds hand. The MOP dial shows diamond hour markers and the oval shaped date window at 3 o’clock.
The watch is limited to 28 pieces and powered by caliber 1151, decorated with a beautifully engraved rotor following the theme. Find the Saint Valentin 2021 here on the Blancpain website.
All photos, press releases and technical sheets are copyright Blancpain.
This overview will be updated as we learn more.
Cheers
Henrik
