The Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune in steel has been joined by two exotic brethren, one in Grade 23 Titanium and a second in Red Gold.
The new pair of Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet models includes; a red gold variant with a gorgeous blue-gradient dial; and a titanium variant with a sober anthracite dial.
These new additions are the result of a colliding of worlds, two Blancpain spheres of expertise: the one of its legendary Fifty Fathoms with all of its diving pedigree; and the one of its more traditional watchmaking with its complete calendar with moon phases.
The Bathyscaphe has become the more popular of the two FF models leaving its larger, older brother pretty much in the shadows these days; its creation came about in 1956 when Blancpain wanted to produce a diver whose size would be more wearable particularly on dryland.
The Bathyscaphe family has become a linchpin of Blancpain’s current portfolio, evolving over the years since it was reinterpreted in 2013 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms. This btw, means that next year (2023) will likely hold even more in store for this fan favorite; we shall see.
Combining diver’s features with a day of the week, month and date indications plus a moon phase might seem odd but this watch was always intended as a multi-purpose, everyday timepiece rather than a dedicated diver. You could also argue that a moon-phase is a pretty useful function for a diver.
The information on the dial is complemented by the moon phase positioned in a large window at 6 o'clock complete with cheeky sideways glancing moon.
As usual, Blancpain has taken care to protect the 6654.P self-winding movement of this Bathyscaphe by equipping its date mechanism with a security system. This enables the owner of the watch to handle each indication at any time, without any risk to the movement, unlike the usual calendar watches.
Measuring 43mm in diameter and water-resistant to 300 meters the new Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet is available in two satin-brushed versions with well-marked contours: one in red gold and the other in Grade 23 Titanium.
The red gold model is paired with a sunburst blue-gradient dial that catches the light with remarkable ease. The gold hour-markers, hands and moon match the case color and the dial is framed by a unidirectional rotating bezel with a brilliant blue ceramic inlay featuring a Ceragold™ dive-time scale.
The color-material match continues on the back of the timepiece which reveals a red gold oscillating weight. Meanwhile, the titanium model is distinguished by subtle shades of grey. Its sunburst anthracite dial is enhanced by gold hour-markers, rhodium-plated hands and moon.
The likewise anthracite ceramic bezel is satin-brushed for a thoroughly modern matt effect and bears a graduated Liquidmetal™ diving scale. The gold rotor of the titanium model has been given an anthracite NAC coating infusing an even sportier dynamic.
The Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet watch in red gold is available with a blue NATO or sailcloth strap, with the latter option also offering a choice between a pin buckle and a folding clasp. The titanium model comes with a titanium bracelet or a grey NATO or sailcloth strap.
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet has a Swiss MSRP of CHF 14,800 (Ti NATO) or CHF 17,200 (Ti bracelet) or CHF 28,000 (rose gold).
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