Bianchet, the Swiss watchmaker renowned for its prestigious tourbillon timepieces, is proud to introduce the B 1.618 Grande Date Sapphire Edition—a timepiece that redefines transparency and elegance in haute horlogerie. This latest model, an exquisite reinterpretation of the award-winning Flying Tourbillon Grande Date B1.618, will be unveiled at the Geneva Watch Days from August 29th to September 2nd, 2024.
The B 1.618 Grande Date Sapphire Edition stands as a testament to Bianchet’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. For the first time in watchmaking history, a case seamlessly combines sapphire crystal with rubber, an achievement that underscores the brand’s mastery of material innovation. Sapphire, a material only second to diamond in hardness, presents significant challenges in machining and finishing. Yet, Bianchet’s design team has ingeniously integrated rubber seams into the construction, retaining the brand’s signature aesthetic with two rubber gaskets that underline the purity of the case’s design. This pioneering combination reaffirms Bianchet’s brand identity as fusing precious materials with cutting-edge technology.
The crystal clear case of the Grande Date Sapphire Edition reveals the intricate architecture of Bianchet’s in-house caliber, making the movement itself the protagonist of the watch. The soft curves of the tonneau case, which has been even more streamlined to offer maximum transparency, are perfectly complemented by the fluidity of the movement components within, all arranged according to the timeless principles of the Fibonacci spiral and the golden ratio of 1.618. Whether bathed in sunlight or illuminated indoors, the case embraces the light, allowing it to dance across the satin-brushed or sandblasted surfaces of the movement and its meticulously hand-polished bevel edges, creating an interplay of shadows and reflections that is as captivating as it is elegant.
At the heart of this timepiece is the Flying Tourbillon openwork movement, crafted entirely in titanium and designed to appear as though it is levitating within the case, thanks to the ball-bearing mechanism that supports the tourbillon cage from the back. The tourbillon, renowned in the world of haute horlogerie for its ability to defy gravity, is a masterpiece of watchmaking precision and an everlasting symbol of elegance.
This latest edition reaffirms Bianchet’s history of innovative material combinations. The brand has previously introduced exclusive carbon composites enhanced with unique reflections of titanium dust, and the bold marriage of solid gold with carbon fiber in its latest Hybrid Gold watches. The Grande Date Sapphire continues this tradition, showcasing Bianchet’s commitment to blending high-tech and precious materials with the art of Swiss fine watchmaking craftsmanship.
This timepiece is completed with a white vulcanized rubber strap and a titanium folding clasp, each element thoughtfully designed to complement the overall aesthetic. The back of the watch maintains the transparency theme, providing a view of the movement’s fluidity and the harmony of its components, which have been built using the Golden Circles. The result is a harmonious timepiece offering a streamlined tactile experience where the distinctions between materials blur cohesively.
Limited to just 21 pieces, the Grande Date Sapphire Edition is carefully hand-finished and assembled at Bianchet’s atelier in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
