Blancpain - Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph, new 2022 models

Blancpain presented two new versions in titanium and red gold of its Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph. Prices start from Euro 16,400 (ref. 5200-1210).

In 2022, Blancpain is expanding its Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe line with new variations. The Grade 23 titanium and red gold materials, recently used for the Complete Calendar models presented last June, have been extended to the Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph.

The flyback chronograph joined the contemporary Bathyscaphe line in 2014 becoming the first complication to equip Blancpain's "urban diver" model. The current models are powered by Blancpain's self-winding Calibre F385, a state-of-the-art in-house movement drawing on Blancpain's vertical clutch design that ensures smooth engagement of the chronograph mechanism, eliminating the problem of the chronograph seconds hand making sudden, abrupt jumps. 

Control of starting, stopping and resetting the chronograph is done via a column wheel, enabling smooth and comfortable operation of the pushers. The F385 beats at a frequency of 5 Hz (36,600 vibrations per hour), offering increased timekeeping accuracy compared to lower frequencies, especially when timing events.

The inertia-regulated balance wheel is enhanced by a spring made in silicon – a material with anti-magnetic properties that enable the watch to dispense with the inner Faraday cage.

The first new variation of the Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph is crafted from Grade 23 titanium, the purest type of titanium available, also known as grade 5 ELI (extra low interstitials). It contains less oxygen than the "standard" titanium used in watchmaking, thus improving the metal's resistance to breakage and corrosion. In addition to its strength, Grade 23 titanium is also anti-allergenic and its biocompatibility has made it a favourite in the medical field.

The sunburst anthracite dial is enhanced by gold hour-markers and rhodium-plated hands. The anthracite ceramic inlay of the unidirectional rotating bezel is satin-brushed for a technical matt effect and enriched by a graduated Liquidmetal scale. 

The red gold version is matched to a sunburst blue dial with snailed counters that add depth to the ensemble. The blue ceramic inlay of the bezel sports a glossy finish and a Ceragold time scale.

Both models come in a 43 mm x 14.90 mm case with satin-brushed finish and water resistant up to a pressure of 30 bar (approximately 300 metres / 1,000 feet).

They can be paired to NATO or sailcloth straps that match the dial colour. The grade 23 titanium model is also available with a satin-brushed titanium bracelet.

The new Blancpain Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph in titanium has a price of Euro 16,400 with strap (ref. 5200-1210-G52A) or Euro 19,060 with bracelet (ref. 5200-1210-98S). The red gold version (ref. 5200-3640-O52) retails at Euro 31,030. blancpain.com

Suggested reading:

- The history of Blancpain