Blancpain has just unveiled a new Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de lune, featuring a blue sunburst dial and – a first for the collection’s most complicated model – a black 43.6-mm ceramic case (Ref 5054-0140-01S). The green (Ref. 5054 0153 01S) and black dial versions (Ref. 5054 0130 01S) are also available with black ceramic case but not shown here.

In addition, Blancpain is also introducing a matching bracelet made of patented black ceramic with an uber-complex design ? a first for the Swiss brand. And for those aiming at a less complicated model: Both the Bathyscaphe Automatic (shown here Ref. 5000-0130-01S) and the flyback chronograph (shown here the Ref. 5200-0153-01S) are also available with the new 23-mm bracelet (see pictures below).
“Durable, highly scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic, this ceramic material is nearly five times harder than stainless steel ? and almost four times harder than grade 5 titanium ? while being 25% lighter.”Blancpain Press Release

Ceramic requires a comparatively challenging manufactory process: a nearly 25% volume reduction must be taken into account when firing the material above 1400°C and machining with diamond tools. The satin finish used by Blancpain is a key aesthetic element of the Bathyscaphe line. On the new bracelet, the links, buckles and cases are all individually hand-finished. According to Blancpain, “each link is individually measured in order to guarantee the best...