BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
There’s no shortage of history when it comes to Blancpain, the Fifty Fathoms line is an embodiment of that statement. Originally conceived and coming to fruition in 1953, this dive watch has a status of legendary proportions. Revived in 2003, it’s not until 2007 that the Tourbillon 8 Jours was introduced. Now Blancpain introduces new models in the Tourbillon 8 Jours collection, one in titanium and the other in a red gold case with varying options for strap and bracelet.
The case in the titanium version is built with lightweight grade 23 titanium, which is pleasantly lightweight. The red gold version has an aura of warmth and tradition around it. The case in both the models, being in hefty 45 mm diameter, has a satin-finished, giving the watch a very sporty look.
A tourbillon in a dive watch is unusual, but regardless, it’s presented beautifully via a dedicated opening at noon, or where a 12 o’clock numeral would’ve been if not for the tourbillon display opening. The dial has a charming blue color that has a sunburst effect for some added charisma. Unlike the earlier models, the new Tourbillon 8 Jours has done away with a power reserve and it results in a cleaner and more clutter-free dial. The 60-minute domed sapphire bezel is unidirectional, the domed sapphire crystal serves well to protect the dial. The bezel displays the large Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock and the numerals and the hands are applied with lume for clear readability in darkness or in low light conditions. The notched edge gives bezel added grip with a unidirectional rotation system. The models are water-resistant to 30 bar, which is approximately 300 meters.
Housing inside the case is Calibre 25C, which is a self-winding movement with thickness of 4.85 mm and with a diameter of 26.20 mm. The movement beats at 3Hz and has a healthy power reserve of 192 hours or 8-days. The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the movement, which features Côtes de Genève decoration on the bridges and has 29 jewels.
The options and retail price of each reference are listed below:
5025-12B40-O52: EUR 110,700 (Titanium model with sailcloth strap)
5025-12B40-NAOA: EUR 110,100 (Titanium model with NATO strap
5025-12B40-98S: EUR 112,100 (Titanium model with titanium bracelet)
5025-36B40-O52: EUR 128,100 (18-carat red gold version with sailcloth strap)
5025-36B40-NAOA: EUR 125,100 (18-carat red gold version with NATO strap)
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