In the rarefied world of haute horlogerie, innovation doesn’t just happen, it leaps. With Bianchet's latest horological opus: the B 1.618 Grande Date Sapphire Edition, the Swiss maison unveils watchmaking artistry through an innovative crystalline façade.
Transparency Elevated to Art
A timepiece that seems to levitate on your wrist, the B 1.618’s intricate inner workings become a transparent machine for all to admire. Achieved with panache, the horologists ingeniously blended sapphire crystal with natural vulcanized rubber, pushing the boundaries of high-end luxury watchmaking.
A Canvas of Light and Shadow
A window into the soul of time itself, the transparent case holds a commanding presence at 43mm wide and 51mm long. A delightful choreography of components are arranged with mathematical precision according to the golden ratio.
As light caresses the satin-brushed and sandblasted surfaces of the movement, it creates a captivating interplay of luminescence and shadow. Hand-polished beveled edges catch and refract light, transforming the watch into a work of art that evolves with every subtle movement of the wrist.
The Heart of Horological Mastery
At the core of this marvel beats a flying tourbillon. Crafted entirely from titanium, the movement appears to float within its crystalline domain. The tourbillon cage, cradled by ball bearings and adapted to six positions, ensures precision in every orientation—a microcosm of perfection.
Technical Brilliance, Artfully Concealed
The manual-wound caliber, visible through both the front and back sapphire crystals, holds a remarkable 90-hour power reserve—a feat of engineering hidden in plain sight. A skeletonized Grande Date complication adds both functionality and visual intrigue to the openworked dial. The balance wheel oscillates at a steady 21,600 vibrations per hour.
The Future, Crystallized
Limited to 21 pieces, the B 1.618 Grande Date Sapphire Edition stands at the pinnacle of Bianchet's innovative spirit. It's a bold design in an industry often bound by tradition, proving that luxury lies not in ostentation, but in the pursuit of excellence and innovation.
Each timepiece is meticulously hand-finished and assembled at Bianchet's atelier in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The watch is completed with a white vulcanized rubber strap and a titanium folding clasp, ensuring comfort and elegance.
The limited timepieces is priced at 85,500 Swiss Francs (excluding taxes) or roughly $100,830 at today’s conversion. The B 1.618 Grande Date Sapphire Edition will make its debut at the Geneva Watch Days from August 29th to September 2nd, 2024, promising to make a commendable impact at the renown horological event. Visit bianchet.com for additional information.
