Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback Ceramic

Quick specs Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback Ceramic
Price:
approx. $ 21,400 | € 20.050 | approx. £ 17,000 | approx. CHF 19’000 (strap)
approx. $ 29,000 | € 28.350 | approx. £ 24,000 | approx. CHF 26’600 (bracelet)
Size: 43.6 mm
Reference:
5200-0130-01S (black, bracelet)
5200-0130-B52A (black, canvas)
5200-0130-NABA (black, NATO)
5200-0140-01S (blue, bracelet)
5200-0140-NAOA (blue, NATO)
5200-0140-O52A (blue, canvas)
5200-0153-01S (green, bracelet)
5200-0153-B52A (green, canvas)
5200-0153-NABA (green, NATO)

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback Ceramic is the third ceramic model within the new Bathyscaphe line. Mid 2024 the Swiss brand released the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune, a triple calendar with moon phase. And there is also a three-hander with date, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Ceramic. All these ceramic models come with three dial color options and three strap options.

The purpose of this Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback is clear: to blend chronograph versatility with the enduring qualities of a high-performance diving watch. The Bathyscaphe line debuted in 1956, conceived as a compact and versatile counterpart to the professional Fifty Fathoms diver. Over time, this line has evolved to include high-tech materials and advanced movements while preserving its heritage as a reliable diving watch.

Case and Dial Features of the Chronograph Flyback

This Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback features a satin-brushed black ceramic case with a diameter of 43.6 millimeters. Which is the same size as all the new ceramic Bathyscaphes. Ceramic provides exceptional scratch resistance and lightweight durability, aligning with the watch’s robust design. The sunburst black, blue, or green dial includes a gradient finish that transitions subtly, enhancing visibility and readability.

The unidirectional bezel, a key feature for safety during dives, is also ceramic with a ceramic insert and so-called Liquidmetal markers. This design reduces the risk of wear and adds a modern look. The dial displays a small seconds sub dial, a date window, and chronograph counters for elapsed minutes and hours. The flyback function allows seamless resetting and restarting of the chronograph, simplifying timing tasks.

Movement Details and Performance

The Chronograph Flyback uses the Blancpain caliber F385, a self-winding movement operating at a high frequency of 5 hertz. This ensures precision timing to 1/10^th of a second. The movement incorporates a column-wheel mechanism and a vertical clutch, enabling smooth activation of the chronograph.

The F385 movement offers a 50-hour power reserve and has a silicon balance spring that enhances resistance to magnetic interference. Promoting long-term accuracy. The sapphire crystal case back reveals the movement’s intricate finishing, combining functionality with visual appeal.

Price tag of the ceramic Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback

This model comes with a sail-canvas strap or NATO strap. And a ceramic bracelet is also an option. Which adds 7 to 8k to the pretty hefty price tag of around 20k. Yes, it is ceramic, and the dive properties are great, but with a bracelet, the watch is in the 25 to 30k price zone.

Brands like Omega and TAG Heuer offer more affordable divers with a chronograph, although not all with the chronograph accuracy of the Blancpain. Which you will not use in real life, just like its diver capacities, so you might end up wanting to buy a Rolex Daytona instead. Less exciting maybe, but better value for money in the end if that’s important to you.