SpotlightCrystal Clear: Introducing The Bianchet B 1.618 Grande Date Sapphire Edition

Established in 2017, Bianchet are a young independent watchmaking company that create sophisticated sports timekeepers marked by clean lines, flowing curves, and elegant colour palettes. Their USP lies in crafting watches with harmonious proportions that celebrate the tourbillon mechanism, fitted in sleek tonneau-shaped cases. For this year’s edition of Geneva Watch Days, they have unveiled a new version of their award-winning Flying Tourbillon Grande Date B1.618 timepiece. The new rendition—the B 1.618 Grande Date Sapphire Edition ‘redefines transparency and elegance’, and is limited to just 21 pieces.

This reimagined model is crafted from sapphire crystal and natural vulcanised rubber. Sapphire is a challenging material to work with as it is only second to diamond in terms of hardness, hence making it difficult to machine and apply the required finishing. However, Bianchet have achieved this with remarkable results as evident in the new watch. They have integrated rubber seams into the construction, retaining the brand’s signature aesthetic with two rubber gaskets that underline the purity of the case’s architecture.

The tonneau-shaped case measures 43mm in width, 51mm in length, and 14.35mm in height. It features a titanium crown with a white rubber band for enhanced grip and offers a water resistance of up to 50m. This crystal-clear framework reveals the intricate architecture and the complexity of the powerhouse driving the watch

The tonneau-shaped case measures 43mm in width, 51mm in length, and 14.35mm in height. It features a titanium crown with a white rubber band for enhanced grip and offers a water resistance of up to 50m. This crystal-clear framework reveals the intricate architecture and the complexity of the mechanism that’s the driving force of this watch. The soft curves of the case—which is even more streamlined to offer maximum transparency—are complemented by the fluidity of the movement’s components within. And this is done in accordance with the principles of the Fibonacci spiral and the golden ratio of 1.618—which is the design inspiration behind all Bianchet timepieces. The clean lines also allow the light to reflect and for the case to really shine, when it hits the surface at different angles.

This reimagined model is crafted from sapphire crystal and natural vulcanised rubber. The soft curves of the case—which is even more streamlined to offer maximum transparency—are complemented by the fluidity of the movement’s components within

The B 1.618 Grande Date Sapphire Edition is brought to life by the manual-winding flying tourbillon movement, crafted entirely in titanium. Mounted on ball bearings, this appears to give the impression that it’s suspended mid-air within the case and beats at a frequency of 21,600vph to supply the watch with a power reserve of at least 90 hours. It drives the hour and minute functions, along with the grande date display at 12 o’clock. The back of the watch also maintains the transparency theme, providing a view of the movement’s inner workings and detailing. This streamlined skeletonised wrist machine is presented on a natural vulcanised white rubber strap fitted with a titanium folding clasp.

The B 1.618 Grande Date Sapphire Edition is brought to life by the manual-winding flying tourbillon movement, crafted entirely in titanium

With a power reserve of at least 90 hours, it drives the hour and minute functions, along with the grande date display at 12 o’clock and the tourbillon mechanism at six o'clock