Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Bianchet B 1.618 UltraFino, a Slim Tourbillon Integrated Sports Watch
Marking a series of firsts for the brand; first ultra-thin model, first integrated bracelet and first automatic.
Bianchet is an independent watchmaking brand founded by Rodolfo and Emmanuelle Festa-Bianchet, whose atelier is located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Since 2021, the brand has been offering modern tonneau-shaped watches powered by architectural openworked tourbillon movements. As Watches and Wonders and its side events are fast approaching, Bianchet unveils a new model named the B 1.618 UltraFino, which introduces several unprecedented features for the brand: its first ultra-thin design, its first metal bracelet and its first automatic movement.
Like other Bianchet watches, this new B 1.618 UltraFino is modernly designed, a style where Rodolfo Festa-Bianchet’s fascination for the golden ratio (1.168 – hence the name of the watch) is visible throughout – not only for the case but also for the movement, to shape the different bridge or its gold rotor. Yet, it introduces numerous first-time features for the brand. As its name suggests with a sense of Italian eleganza, it is an ultra-thin watch, with more compact dimensions than former models, despite being the brand’s first automatic watch. It is also the first Bianchet timepiece to be offered with a metal bracelet. Last but not least, this is also the first time a version is fitted with a closed dial featuring a “golden diamond” pattern inspired by the Clous de Paris.
The Bianchet B 1.618 UltraFino’s sleek, curved tonneau-shaped case is 40mm in width, 47.39mm in length and 8.9mm in thickness. As such, it should slip easily under your cuff and most likely will provide great proportions on most wrists. It is fashioned out of lightweight grade 5 titanium and vulcanized rubber to further enhance wearing comfort. Despite its thin architecture, the Bianchet B 1.618 UltraFino offers serious sturdiness, as it is tested to a 5,000G shock-resistance and is water-resistant to 50m. Last, the watch comes with a 5-year warranty.
Inside the B 1.618 UltraFino is the brand’s first automatic calibre. Like all of Bianchet’s movements, the new calibre UT01 is regulated by a tourbillon, in this instance, a one-minute flying tourbillon beating at 3Hz. The openworked suspended barrel delivers a robust 60-hour power reserve. Its architecture relies on a symmetrical positioning of the barrel and tourbillon, with the gear train on one side and the keyless works on the other. Despite the ultra-thin construction, its intricate mechanism and its different finishes and textures create a compelling sense of depth. The movement is crafted in titanium and weighs only 8 grams. The gold rotor features interlacing Fibonacci spirals.
The Bianchet B 1.618 UltraFino is delivered with a titanium integrated bracelet and an integrated rubber strap, both with a titanium folding buckle – with a release system on the back to swap between the bracelet and strap. The bracelet combines H-links with faceted middle links and tapers down to a narrower width at the folding buckle. The price is set at CHF 55,500 (excl. taxes) for the version with a closed dial and CHF 60,500 (excl. taxes) for the skeletonized version.
For more information, please visit www.bianchet.com.
