Latest news with #Blancpain
Khaleej Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Blancpain's new 38mm Fifty Fathoms Automatique reinterprets the world's first true dive watch
In 1953, long before dive watches became 'desk divers' and fashion statements, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms emerged from the abyss — not as a luxury accessory, but as a lifeline. Although Omega's Marine had tested the waters of deep-sea horology in the 1930s, it was the Fifty Fathoms that gave shape and soul to the modern dive watch. It was the first of its kind in many ways, forged by the needs of real divers and driven by the vision of then-CEO Jean-Jacques Fiechter, himself a man of the sea. Lockable bezel, luminous markers, automatic movement, anti-magnetic defences, and water resistance that defied convention weren't just flourishes — they were fundamentals. Together, they helped create the blueprint for what would shape the future of underwater timekeeping. The watch soon became the essential instrument for those who dared to go deeper. Among them was the legendary Jacques Cousteau and his pioneering diving team, who were among the first to adopt the Fifty Fathoms in the field — an early, unscripted endorsement that would help seal the watch's place in history. Seven decades later, the Swiss watchmaker has announced a delicate recalibration of the titan born in the marine depths. The new 38mm Fifty Fathoms Automatique, joining the 42mm and the 45mm models, is no mere downsizing exercise. It is a masterclass in proportion, restraint, and reverence — a quiet, confident re-balancing of scale, presence, and purpose. This new 38mm case reintroduces the spirit of the original 1953 Fifty Fathoms, which measured 41mm, not by matching its dimensions, but by echoing its balanced proportions and purpose-driven grace. With this new iteration, the Fifty Fathoms sheds its more imposing modern persona in favour of a slimmer, subtler silhouette, one that bridges modern sensibilities with its pioneering soul. Offered in stainless steel, grade 23 titanium, and 18-karat red gold, the 38mm line embodies three distinct temperaments. The steel model, with its black dial and bezel, honours the original's stoic utility. The titanium version injects a modern, kinetic flair, its sunburst blue dial catching light like ripples across the ocean floor. And the red gold model, combined with the same rich blue dial, introduces a more elevated aesthetic, highlighting Blancpain's ability to balance robust performance with discreet sophistication. All three are unmistakably Fifty Fathoms, with oversized luminescent markers, domed sapphire bezels, and Blancpain's hallmark commitment to functional beauty. Inside, the Manufacture Calibre 1150 hums with elegance: slim, reliable, and generous with its 100-hour reserve. A silicon balance spring ensures resilience against magnetic fields, while the 18k gold rotor — visible through the sapphire caseback — adds a flourish of mechanical theatre, its NAC-coated finish drawing a subtle line back to the watch's origin story. But perhaps the most striking aspect of this watch isn't technical or dimensional — it lies in its depth, in an emotional resonance that reaches well beyond its physical form. This is not a watch 'for men' or 'for women'. It's for those drawn to the sea's most closely guarded mysteries, and to the extraordinary legacy of the Fifty Fathoms. For those who know that true strength often speaks in the quiet language of elegance. With the 38mm Fifty Fathoms, Blancpain hasn't just resized an icon; it has reshaped our expectations. The abyss remains: vast, dangerously beautiful, and unyielding. But now, it calls to discerning wrists of every size.
Straits Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Tick Talk: Tudor's Black Bay 54 Lagoon Blue, Tiffany's Bird on a Rock collection are show-stoppers
Tudor's Black Bay 54 Lagoon Blue is a fresh twist on its beloved 37mm diver. PHOTO: TUDOR Tudor Black Bay 54 Lagoon Blue Tudor's Black Bay 54 Lagoon Blue is a fresh twist on its beloved 37mm diver. While the case keeps its compact, vintage-inspired proportions and robust 200m water-resistance, this edition ditches the classic black bezel for a mirror-polished steel insert. The real showstopper, however, is the new Lagoon Blue dial with a sand-like texture. It is paired with polished Snowflake hands and markers filled with crisp white lume. The watch is powered by the chronometer-certified MT5400 movement, which has a 70-hour power reserve. Add a five-link Jubilee-style steel bracelet with Tudor's slick T-Fit micro-adjustment, and you have one seriously cool and handsome tool watch. Price: $5,990 Blancpain 50 Fathoms 38mm Collection Blancpain's 50 Fathoms 38mm runs on the brand's Calibre 1153, which offers a 100-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring for added precision. PHOTO: BLANCPAIN Blancpain has unveiled two new 38mm models to complement its existing 42mm and 45mm line-up. Though they are marketed as women's watches, they are perfect for anyone preferring a sleeker fit on smaller wrists. One of the references is smoky black with 18K red gold and the other, petal pink with brushed titanium. Both feature luminous mother-of-pearl dials with soft black or pink gradients. They run on Blancpain's Calibre 1153, which offers an impressive 100-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring for added precision. Built for serious underwater action, they are water-resistant to 300m, feature a unidirectional bezel for tracking dive times and glow in the deep, thanks to Super-LumiNova-coated hands and markers. The pink edition is paired with a white fabric strap featuring two-tone pink stripes, or a sleek titanium bracelet. The edgier black version comes in black Tropic rubber, sailcloth or Nato fabric straps. Price: From $40,800 (for the black version) and from $24,200 (for the pink version) Tiffany's Bird on a Rock Collection Tiffany & Co's Bird on a Rock watch is a reimagining of the famous 1965 brooch by the late French designer Jean Schlumberger. PHOTO: TIFFANY & CO Tiffany & Co has transformed one of its most whimsical jewellery icons into horological art with the new Bird on a Rock Legacy watch. A reimagining of the famous 1965 brooch by the late French designer Jean Schlumberger, it features a hand-sculpted 18K gold bird perched delicately on the dial. There are three models, each with 587 diamonds totalling 3.6 carats: oval morganite (1.45 carats), cushion-cut tanzanite (2.72 carats) or emerald-cut aquamarine (2.1 carats). Requiring 24 hours to craft, each bird is set with 119 diamonds and a pink sapphire eye. The 36mm case dazzles with snow-set diamonds, a technique demanding 55 hours of meticulous gem-setting work. The mother-of-pearl dial features floral engravings inspired by Schlumberger's Caribbean home in Guadeloupe. A clever caseback aperture with magnifying lens reveals the gemstone's hidden reverse side. Price: Upon request The La D de Dior Buisson Couture Collection Each of the five unique pieces in the La D de Dior Buisson Couture Collection requires 480 hours to craft. PHOTO: DIOR Fusing couture artistry with precision timekeeping, the La D de Dior Buisson Couture transforms the wrist into a blooming garden. Each of the five unique pieces requires an astounding 480 hours of meticulous craftsmanship to complete. The 38mm white-gold case of the model featured here is a showcase of gem-setting virtuosity, with more than 1,000 stones – including diamonds, pink sapphires, emeralds and garnets – meticulously arranged on the dial to create blossoming garlands of couture flowers. The total composition includes 1,420 individual stones weighing 13.27 carats, making it not just a timepiece but also a miniature work of art. Price: From €430,000 (S$636,000) Zenith Defy Extreme Diver and Defy Revival Diver The Defy Extreme Diver (left) and Defy Revival Diver, both now clad in stealthy micro-blasted titanium. PHOTO: ZENITH Diving deep into its heritage, Zenith has surfaced with two Shadow editions: the Defy Extreme Diver and Defy Revival Diver, both now clad in stealthy micro-blasted titanium. Built for the abyss, the Defy Extreme Diver Shadow flaunts a 42.5mm titanium case housing the high-frequency El Primero 3620 movement, visible through an exhibition caseback. Water-resistant to a jaw-dropping 600m , it has a black ceramic bezel, filled with Super-LumiNova, and vivid yellow accents to make sure you can tell the time even in the murkiest depths. It comes with three strap options and a quick-change system. The Defy Revival Diver Shadow pays tribute to the iconic 1969 A3648 'Plongeur'. It has a compact 37mm titanium case with a signature 14-sided bezel and yellow-tinted sapphire insert. The Elite 670 automatic movement ticks beneath a display back, while bold yellow highlights guarantee legibility and style. Price: Defy Extreme Diver ($17,800) and Defy Revival Diver Shadow ($11,800) Santos de Cartier SM The Santos de Cartier SM, which pays tribute to the original 1904 design created for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, has a shimmering sunray-effect dial. PHOTO: CARTIER The iconic Santos de Cartier has just landed in a new and compact size. Measuring 27mm by 34.5mm, the latest model pays tribute to the original 1904 design created for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, but with a shimmering sunray-effect dial and a high-autonomy quartz movement. Displaying the same beloved signature square case, exposed screws and clean lines, the new and smaller model is available in three elegant versions: full steel, steel and yellow gold, or all yellow gold. All come with interchangeable brushed metal bracelets or leather straps. Price: Steel ($8,750); steel and yellow gold ($14,400); and yellow gold ($44,400) Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Business Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Tudor, Blancpain and Cartier give compact treatment to iconic watches
Tudor Black Bay 54 Lagoon Blue The new Tudor Black Bay 54 Lagoon Blue is an invitation to drift in a world that never stops spinning. This latest iteration of the Black Bay line doesn't just keep time – it suggests a new pace of life. With its perfectly poised 37 mm stainless steel case, textured dial in a tropical hue and heritage details pulled from mid-century dive watches, it's a postcard from paradise, designed for your wrist. The Lagoon Blue dial is more than a colour – it's a vibe. Its grainy, sand-like texture evokes long, lazy afternoons and waves stretching to the horizon. A mirror-polished bezel echoes the glint of sunlight, while Tudor's hallmark snowflake hands bring vintage credibility and modern legibility into perfect balance. Inside beats the COSC-certified Manufacture Calibre MT5400, offering a 70-hour power reserve, silicon balance spring and weekend-proof resilience. All this is anchored by a five-link satin and polished bracelet, complete with the brand's tool-free T-fit clasp for seamless micro-adjustments. Waterproof to 200 metres and inspired by the 1954 Oyster Prince Submariner reference 7922, the Black Bay 54 Lagoon Blue isn't just a dive into nostalgia – it's a confident step into a slower, more intentional rhythm of life. From left: The new Blancpain 38 mm Fifty Fathoms Automatique alongside its 42 mm and 45 mm siblings. PHOTO: BLANCPAIN Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 38 mm Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms – arguably the world's first modern dive watch – has been beautifully rebalanced. The new 38 mm Fifty Fathoms Automatique nestles perfectly between its 42 mm and 45 mm siblings, offering equal parts poise and presence. Available in polished steel, Grade 23 titanium or red gold, this smaller edition doesn't compromise on gravitas. The new sunburst black and blue dials dance with light, while the shimmering mother‑of‑pearl variants (in black or pink) add subtle glamour. Every model features a domed sapphire bezel and oversized luminous markers, framed by Blancpain's heritage-inspired unidirectional bezel. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Inside, the Manufacture Calibre 1150 delivers a 100‑hour power reserve and silicon balance spring, visible through a sapphire caseback. It's rugged, precise and undeniably weekend‑ready. With 300 m of water resistance and a variety of straps – from rubber to canvas and bracelets – the watch is as at ease under a blazer as it is underwater. The petite Santos de Cartier is available in three luxurious variations – full steel, yellow gold with steel, and all gold. PHOTO: CARTIER Cartier Santos Petite There's something inherently poetic about miniaturising a legend, and Cartier's latest evolution of its Santos de Cartier does exactly that. Now reimagined in a dainty 27 mm by 34.5 mm case, the new petite model channels the pioneering legacy of aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont into a compact, yet no less powerful, silhouette. It's a piece that balances restraint with detail. Available in three luxurious variations – full steel, yellow gold with steel, and all gold – the new Santos doesn't just shrink in size, it sharpens in sophistication. A sunray-finished dial adds depth, while the iconic exposed screws retain their industrial flair. A sunray-finished dial adds depth to the new smaller-sized Cartier Santos. PHOTO: CARTIER This new iteration doesn't skip on versatility either. Thanks to Cartier's quick-change system, leather straps are effortlessly interchangeable with metal bracelets. Purists will appreciate the lineage, but the modern enthusiast will love the high-autonomy quartz movement hidden beneath its classic lines. Cartier whispers elegantly in a world of loud statements – and sometimes, that's all it takes.
Business Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Hot watches
[SINGAPORE] The Watches & Wonders fair may be over, but it doesn't mean the watch world has gone quiet since. On the contrary, aficionados still have plenty to lay their eyes and hands on, including these three recent models that have kept the market abuzz with excitement. Blancpain: Fifty Fathoms The new Fifty Fathoms comes in 38 mm for the first time, and is designed specifically for women. PHOTO: BLANCPAIN At first glance, you might think this new lady's model is yet another collaboration with Swatch, which had previously teamed up with Blancpain to produce quirky versions of its legendary Fifty Fathoms watches. But look closer and only Blancpain's name is visible on the watch's pink dial made of mother-of-pearl. Its matching pink bezel is not encased in plastic synonymous with most Swatch watches, but high-tech titanium. Blancpain may have celebrated Fifty Fathoms' 70th anniversary two years ago, but this latest model marks two new milestones for the iconic diving watch. Female divers had been the inspiration for the Fifty Fathoms, but the watches that were subsequently produced – at 42 mm and 45 mm – were more suitable for male divers. But finally, the new Fifty Fathoms comes in 38 mm for the first time, and is designed specifically for women. But it's not just a smaller version of the original. The proportions have been redesigned for a balanced, harmonious profile. And the watch is well-equipped for diving, with water resistance up to 300 metres. It is powered by an up-to-date automatic movement fitted with a silicon balance spring and has four days of power reserve. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Apart from the pink version, which is worn with a white fabric strap, the new Fifty Fathoms for women is also available in black with a smoky black dial encased in polished 18-carat red gold. It is matched with a black rubber strap. Price: CHF 15,500 (S$24,335) to 18,200 for the pink edition; CHF 26,100 to 29,000 for the black edition MeisterSinger: 24H Enamel Edition MeisterSinger's 2H Enamel Single-Hand encourages a more relaxed approach to time. PHOTO: MEISTERSINGER Big names may have an edge over others in business, but it isn't necessarily a bad thing for smaller brands. Take the case of stalwart Breguet, which recently revived the old one-hand pocket watch, and produced a wristwatch version that became an instant hit. Suddenly, the market is now rife with such single-hand timepieces. Of course, many are just jumping on the bandwagon, but not MeisterSinger. The German mechanical watchmaker has been making single-hand models – and only such watches – since 2001. They show the time without any of the rushed minute and second hands of conventional watches, advocating a relaxed approach to time in a fast-moving world. 'The finely designed tip of the single hand literally points to the current moment in time,' MeisterSinger says in an introduction to the brand. 'Every glance at a MeisterSinger watch reminds the wearer of that one essential thing: The present moment itself.' The 24H Enamel, in a limited edition of 25 pieces, is MeisterSinger's latest offering that features a hand-crafted enamel dial and an unusual 24-hour display, which allows the blue needle-shaped hand to circle the dial just once, not twice, a day. Running on a Swiss self-winding movement with 38 hours' power reserve, the 40 mm watch can also be used as a compass in the day. Price: 5,490 euros (S$8,125) Greubel Forsey: GMT Balancier Convexe The new overhauled GMT Balancier Convexe by Greubel Forsey. PHOTO: GREUBEL FORSEY While still resembling the original GMT Balancier Convexe launched in 2001, Greubel Forsey's latest GMT model has been completely overhauled. The new GMT Balancier Convexe flaunts a redesigned case, an integrated power reserve and enhanced ergonomics. Like the original, it is sculpted in titanium but in a smaller 42.9 mm size – down from 43.5 mm – which is more comfortable on the wrist. More notable is the addition of a power indicator which keeps track of the watch's 72-hour power reserve. The watch is a limited edition of 22 pieces. Price: S$621,300 (rubber strap); S$686,700 (titanium bracelet)
Stuff.tv
17-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Stuff.tv
3 of the hottest new watches for summer 2025
Summer's here, and the latest wave of watch releases is making a serious splash. Whether you're heading for the coast, lounging poolside, or just want something that looks the part with short sleeves and a tan, these are some of the best watches to bring the heat in all the right ways. Tudor kicks things off with a new take on the Black Bay 54, now dressed in a crisp 'Lagoon Blue' that feels tailor-made for holiday escapes. Breitling follows with a fresh update to its Superocean Heritage line — sleeker, sharper, and effortlessly surf-ready. And Blancpain brings the Fifty Fathoms into new territory, unveiling a duo of 38mm Automatique models, one in a very playful shade of pink. From heritage divers to refined elegance, these three watches are the kind of wrist candy summer was made for. Tudor Black Bay 54 'Lagoon Blue' Tudor's hottest summer release comes with a cool splash of blue. The new Black Bay 54 'Lagoon Blue' is a 37mm stunner with a sand-textured dial and mirror-polished bezel, designed to feel as relaxed as a barefoot walk across sun-warmed sand. With a compact case that nods to vintage dive watches and a blue that shifts subtly in the light, it's as stylish on dry land as it is 200 metres underwater. Inside, it's powered by Tudor's COSC-certified MT5400 movement, with a silicon balance spring and a 70-hour power reserve – enough to keep ticking through a long weekend away. On the outside, it adds a new five-link bracelet with polished centre links and the 'T-fit' clasp for quick, easy adjustment. The pinched-base 'Snowflake' hands recall the 1954 original, while the ergonomic bezel edge draws inspiration from the legendary Oyster Prince Submariner 7922. The Tudor Black Bay 54 'Lagoon Blue' is available now for US$4,350 / £3,590. Breitling Superocean Heritage Breitling has given its most elegant sea watch a long-awaited refresh – the first since 2017 – and it's a masterclass in subtle evolution. The new Superocean Heritage range sharpens the lines, updates the movement, and captures the spirit of summer with a nod to Hawaiian surf culture. Across the new line-up, the standout story is refinement. The case profiles are slimmer, the dial layouts more balanced, and the range of sizes, from 36mm to 44mm, ensures there's something for every wrist. The introduction of Breitling's new B31 manufacture calibre marks a major milestone – it's the brand's first in-house three-hand automatic, now available in the 40, 42, and 44mm models. The 42 mm chronograph retains the Calibre 01, while the 36mm version keeps the reliable Calibre 10. Design updates include ceramic bezels for scratch resistance, mesh-metal or rubber bracelets with thinner, more integrated profiles, and clean, at-a-glance dials with symmetrical tone-on-tone subdials and a tucked-in date at six. A few models even add a pop of 18k red gold on the bezel. The launch isn't just about the watches, though. The brand has collaborated with surfing icon Kelly Slater on a special limited edition – the Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 40 Kelly Slater. With a foliage-inspired dial (reminiscent of the Rolex Palm dials), Hawaiian motifs, and a personal note from Slater in the box. Only 500 will be made. The Hawaii theme continues beyond the wrist, too. Breitling has teamed up with British eyewear legends Cutler and Gross on a new sunglasses line inspired by the Superocean Heritage range, incorporating design cues like the arrow-shaped hour hand and mesh textures. And if that's not laid-back enough, there's even a pair of Breitling x Havaianas flip-flops featuring tropical floral prints. So what you're looking at is more than just a watch refresh. It's a lifestyle capsule built around sun, surf, and sea – perfect for summer. The collection starts at US$5250 / £4400. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 38mm Finally, we have Blancpain's legendary dive watch, the Fifty Fathoms. It just got its first-ever dedicated women's model (although I'd argue 38mm is perfectly unisex) – and the pink version is a standout for summer. Housed in a newly redesigned 38mm titanium case, it's bold, playful, and every bit as capable as its larger siblings. The proportions aren't just scaled down – they've been completely reworked for balance and comfort, giving this timepiece a strong identity of its own. The star of the show is the radiant pink dégradé mother-of-pearl dial, shimmering beneath a domed sapphire bezel with a soft pink tint. It's paired with a white fabric strap, accented by twin pink racing stripes that give the watch a sporty kick. It could easily be mistaken for a Swatch x Blancpain Fifty Fathoms collab. Despite the delicate appearance, it's still a proper diver, rated to 300 metres and powered by the calibre 1153 with a 100-hour power reserve. Available now, priced at US$18,500 / £15,700. Liked this? The MoonSwatch is finally available to buy online in the UK
