Bianchet unveils the B1.618 Flying Tourbillon UltraFino Skeleton Sapphire White (“UltraFino Sapphire”) – a sapphire crystal case version of its ultra-thin skeleton tourbillon. It is a Geneva Watch Days launch which is being held during 4th – 7th September.
Bianchet was founded by Rodolfo and Emmanuelle Festa in 2017. The brand specialises in making tourbillon watches housed in tonneau cases. Presently they have 4 watch families. The B1.618 UltraFino, B1.618 Sport GMT, B1.618 Grande Date, and Maserati MSG Racing.
Family members. Left: UltraFino Sapphire. Middle: UltraFino Skeleton Blue. Right: UltraFino Carbon Skeleton Sky Blue. Bianchet’s cases and movements are designed around the principle of the Golden Ratio or Divine Proportion, an ancient mathematical principle “found in some of the most harmonious and everlasting creations in art, architecture, or music.”
“Guided by the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci geometry, the UltraFino Sapphire transforms transparency into a design language. Its curved tonneau case, crafted entirely in sapphire, reveals every detail of the movement’s architectural skeleton. Light flows freely through its structure, highlighting Bianchet’s philosophy which merges the elegance of pure lines, with perfect wearability through lightness, ergonomics, and resilience.”
Key Features
Functions and Operation
Hours and minutes. 60 seconds flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
Crown at 3 o’clock for winding and time-setting.
Dial
Image: I think the hour-markers (circular dots on the left and right) are coated with luminescent material. Notice the hour and minute scale on the outer dial.
Open dial showcasing the brand’s UT01 Tourbillon calibre.
Hour and minute hands are coated with luminescent material.
Movement
Image: Beautiful hand-finishing. Notice the suspended mainspring barrel at 12 o’clock. Movement is shock resistant up to 5000 Gs.
Powered by the UT01 Tourbillon calibre, an ultra-thin automatic movement that drives the hours, minutes, and 60 seconds flying tourbillon. It is a Swiss Made movement.
Movement diameter: 3.85 mm. Tourbillon cage diameter: 2.66 mm. Jewels: 29. Frequency: 21,600 vph or 3 Hz. Power reserve: 60 hours.
Image: Caseback view. The rotor is made of 18K massive gold and “composed of twelve interlacing Fibonacci spirals, while the rear bridges form concentric golden circles that support the oscillating weight and absorb shocks.”
Movement features
Tourbillon cage, main plate, and bridges are made from grade 5 titanium. Variable inertia or free-sprung balance wheel. Movement is sand-blasted, satin-brushed, and polished. Main plate, bridges, and tourbillon cage feature traditional hand-bevelling (15+ hours).
Tourbillons are a dime a dozen, but the UT01 is phenomenal. It is as beautiful as it is impressive. Please click here to read our in-depth review.
Case
Image: White rubber joints bring the water resistance up to 5 ATM. 3 ATM is typical for watches with sapphire crystal cases.
Made from sapphire crystal and vulcanised rubber. Dimensions: 47.50 mm (length) * 40 mm (width) * 9.80 mm (thickness). Water resistant up to 5 ATM or approximately 50 metres.
“Machining a curved tonneau case in sapphire is among the most demanding challenges in watchmaking. The crystal must be shaped with micron-level precision, and the 1.2 mm curvature adds complexity that makes reducing overall thickness exponentially harder. Achieving a case under 10 mm in height required not only perfecting the sapphire machining process but also creating an exceptionally slim movement capable of fitting within these exacting dimensions, without compromising the resilience and precision of the watch.”
Watch comes with a white natural vulcanised rubber strap fitted to a folding buckle made from Grade 5 titanium. A black natural vulcanised rubber strap is also provided.
Our Thoughts
Image: A tourbillon designed for a versatile lifestyle, including sports. Professional tennis player Alexander Bublik is a brand ambassador.
The UltraFino Sapphire wraps an impressive tourbillon movement around an ultra-thin sapphire crystal case. At 9.80 mm thick, Bianchet says it is the thinnest full-sapphire tourbillon available today. Names like Hublot and Richard Mille come to mind when I think of sapphire crystal cases. As a young brand, Bianchet’s efforts in creating a sapphire crystal case is commendable. We look forward to seeing this model in the flesh and doing a hands-on review.
Additional Details
Name: B1.618 Flying Tourbillon UltraFino Skeleton Sapphire White
Reference: UFFTSKSPWH
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 85,500 (excluding taxes)
Warranty: 5 years
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
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