Words: Josh Lee
Blue and black, despite what traditional menswear dogma may preach, is a truly great combination, with the universally loved tones able to complement even the most style-shy of men. Blancpain, whose fame owes largely to its Fifty Fathoms, what many consider the world’s first diving watch, has taken this colour combo and made it the main palette of its new Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune, a piece of wristwear that immediately draws enthusiasts in with its dark, serious scheme.
The two-tone look on the latest Bathyscaphe – a range that the label calls the ‘urban version’ of the original Fifty Fathoms, and first released in 1956 – comes courtesy, first of all, from the brand’s decision to use a black ceramic on both the case and patented bracelet, a material that’s been used for this specific model for the first time, and one that’s extremely hypoallergenic; scratch-resistant; and is almost five times harder than stainless steel, despite being three-quarters the weight. The blue dial, meanwhile, is distinguished for its gradient and sun-ray-brushed finish, both of which provide a little injection of vibrancy and depth to the overall look. (Dials in black and green are also available.)
Further intricacies are shown via the fact that the watch, as suggested by its name, has a complete calendar (day, date, month) with moon phase, all of which is powered by the calibre 6654.P4. For customisation, it’s also available with several bracelets and straps – ceramic, of course, as well as NATO and sailcloth – but any changes will likely need to be done by Blancpain, due to the complexities involved.
Straightforward in its use of colour, but intricate in the details – material; face – this new release, as Blancpain puts it, ‘brings power, colour and dynamism to the Bathyscaphe line,’ and is available now for £24,200.
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