The Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet reference 5054-1110-70 was introduced in 2018 and turned out to be one of the bestselling timepieces in the catalogue. Let’s take a look why that’s no surprise. Adding significantly to the content of this essay is the fabulous X-70 bracelet the watch is equipped with.
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A dive watch with a different focus
The Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet offers functionality beyond the classic dive watch. As it’s name suggests it is a full calendar timepiece with moon phase indication, one of the signature Blancpain configurations. Since the first appearance of the modern day Bathyscaphe alongside the 60th anniversary of the iconic fifty Fathoms in 2013, it has become a sophisticated model family in its own right. The watch shown here is a prime example of the diversity within the Bathyscaphe lineup.
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The dial
The classic full calendar comes in the traditional fashion with day and month shown in windows, the date indicated by a central hand and the moon phase being located at the usual 6 o’clock position.
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These additional indications transform the dial of the Bathyscaphe significantly. With the time only Bathyscaphe offering a lot of so-called negative space on the dial, the 5054‘s face is more busy but also very harmonious in its layout.
The date ring is located between the dial center and the hour marks, which concentrates the calendar functions in the inner part of the dial and the time indication in combination with the dive bezel to the outer part.
As we know it from the other stainless steel Bathyscaphe models, the dial has a meteor grey color with a subtle sunburst finish. This works nicely with the blue moon phase disc, the lime colored lume and the red lacquered accents on the date and seconds hands.
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The case
The typical Bathyscaphe case with its clear shapes and satin brushed finish has a diameter of 43mm at a height of 13.3mm. The lug to lug measures 49mm, so the timepiece works well for larger and slimmer wrists.
In the case flanks are 4 correctional pushers to set the calendar and moon phase indications. The Bathyscaphe case and its requirements with respect to water resistance (it is still a fully operational dive watch) unfortunately did not allow for the patented under-lug correctors.
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The movement
On the backside a rather small sapphire crystal aperture allows for a view on caliber 6654.P with a 3 day power reserve and oscillating at 4Hz.
The base for this movement is the well known cal 1150, modified in terms of frequency and with a module for the calendar functions sitting on top.
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I expect this module to be the reason why Blancpain chose to use the cal 1150 base instead of the FF/Bathyscaphe typical cal 1315. Using cal 1315 would have resulted in a significant increase in height and therefore the balance of proportions would have been disturbed.
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The X-70 bracelet
The watch I had the pleasure to capture in photos came on the X-70 bracelet, which clearly is a highlight to explore further.
The X-70 was specifically designed to match the bold yet refined case design of the Bathyscaphe and it is available for all stainless steel Bathyscaphe models.
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As it can rightfully be expected from Blancpain, the bracelet is simply superb in terms of detail execution, haptic impressions and comfort on the wrist. One among many details is the thought through design of the bracelet inner side, leaving enough room for air circulation.
The distinctive design looks rather bold on first glance, but once you take a closer look the attention to detail and flawless execution become evident.
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The X-70 tapers consistently from the 23mm end links to the adjustable section at the deployant clasp. The sizing of the bracelet however needs a special (and rather unusual) size hex screwdriver with a width of 1.2mm of the screw heads.
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The deployant clasp is operated by two recessed pusher in the center. A quick fine adjustment is not possible with this bracelet link and clasp design.
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Conclusions
The Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet 5054 is a very reasonably priced model in the Blancpain catalogue. Well, on the bracelet, the price clearly sits considerably higher than on sailcloth or Nato strap, but it also adds a lot of visual and haptic joy to the watch.
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This reference is a materialized transition of the pure purpose driven dive watch into an all day casual companion you can also dive with. It combines the dive watch heritage of Blancpain with one of their modern day signature configurations, and this blend works very well.
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Yes, it would be even more impressive with the patented under-lug correctors and a 1315 based movement. But as I suggested there are good reasons why this didn’t work.
There are plenty of reasons why this watch is as successful as it is. It offers excellent readability, it has a reasonable size, it is a pure joy to be explored in detail with a loupe.
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You find the Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet here on the Blancpain website. Another calendar Bathyscaphe, the Quantieme Annuel, can be found here in the blog. And you can also find a early blog post on the evolution of modern Bathyscaphe models here.
I hope you enjoyed this essay and the photos.
Cheers
Henrik