The new models that Blancpain presented at Baselworld 2013 certainly offer some strong contrasts. At one end of the spectrum, the sports ranges of the brand from Le Brassus welcome a new line, the Bathyscaphe, a direct descendant of the Fifty Fathoms. Nonetheless, the cases of this new diver’s watch have been significantly simplified, shedding the broad cambered sapphire bezel of the Fifty Fathoms and replacing it with a flat ceramic version. The Bathyscaphe remains water-resistant to 300 metres, the diver’s watch standard defined by the ISO6425 standard. It comes in three variations: the first steel and white ceramic one is a monochrome chic ladies’ model in a 38 mm-diameter version; while men can choose between a satin-brushed steel or a ceramised titanium case. The latter has been given a treatment consisting of using an electric current to transform the upper layer of the metal into a titanium-based ceramic metal. Both masculine models measure 43 mm in diameter, making them more easily wearable than their predecessor. The resolutely sporty and simple Bathyscaphe thus offers a complementary alternative to the traditional Fifty Fathoms.
All in one
The gap between this affordable model by Blancpain standards and the rest of the watches presented is a giant leap, since the two other new models are competition-worthy monuments of complexity. The first is named Le Brassus Carrousel Minute Repeater Flyback Chronograph – a moniker that single-handedly conveys its sophistication, apart from the additional fact of also being automatic. The considerable resulting 17.8 mm width that is an inescapable corollary of combining so many complications within a single case. It is nonetheless well worth noting the exceptional finishing of the 546-part Calibre 2358, as well as the cut-away dial. The outer ring is made of grand feu enamel and the centre provides a fascinating view of the minute repeater section striking on cathedral gongs.
Almost like seeing double
Finally, the horological UFO among Blancpain’s range of fairly classic models is undoubtedly the Le Brassus Tourbillon Carrousel with its single movement, single crown and two regulating organs. The first of the pair is the tourbillon at 12 o’clock, positioned opposite a carrousel (karussel) at 6 o’clock representing Blancpain’s exclusive version of what may be considered the tourbillon’s non-identical twin. The two regulating organs work together, with the watch movement averaging out the rotations of both regulating devices in order to achieve an extremely high-precision mean rate. The model boasts a seven-day power reserve and a date display at 3 o’clock ensures a visually balanced dial. The latter is divided in two, with a particularly sophisticated central guilloché motif surrounded by grand feu enamelling. It also bears Blancpain’s characteristic curvaceous Roman numerals. In a word, the brand has not done things by halves. Very simple or highly complex: Blancpain is not offering anything new midway between these two extremes – at least for the time being!
