The genesis of Bianchet dates back to 2017 when Rodolfo Festa Bianchet and his wife Emmanuelle Festa Bianchet decided to launch the watch brand. Rodolfo, is a successful fintech entrepreneur and the former CEO of Riflexo —a software firm based in Turin that developed the first online trading application for mobile phones. His wife, Emmanuelle Festa Bianchet, was born to a French family of artists and musicians in Rome. As a pianist, she attended the conservatory, she is also an accomplished painter and sculptor, exhibiting in art galleries, her work as an artist was deeply influenced by the concept of harmony and its connection with the world of music and visual arts. Upon selling their software firm to a company in the U.S., they began to map out a project around what they both deeply loved, and where they could find and express themselves fully, their passion for watchmaking.
The new Bianchet Tourbillon B1.618 Openworked Carbon Orange features orange inserts —inserts are a hallmark of the Bianchet aesthetic — fulfill a design and engineering purpose whilst defining the chromatic theme that extends through the hands and hour markers, the tone-on-tone rubber insert of the crown, and the strap. Here, the orange color of energy and fire further reinforces the connection between the chosen materials and elemental forces.
The architecture of the tourbillon movement and its spiral bridges, the design of the case, the Italian aesthetic; the choice of carbon, titanium, and rubber; the dynamics of materials, shapes, textures, and colors; everything within and without the Tourbillon B1.618 Openwork Carbon Orange expresses the energy, harmony, and balance of a contemporary watch.
Based on the ‘Golden Ratio 1.618’ and the Fibonacci sequence, the design of the Bianchet Tourbillon B1.618 is mathematically proportioned, faithful to the founding principle of the Golden Ratio. The arcs of the tonneau-shaped case —measuring 43 mm x 50 mm x 13 mm— are accented by two fine bands of rubber, like colored seals, that act as a highlighter, revealing the harmony of the lines. The case was created in titanium-dust-infused carbon, a new material that combines carbon fiber and titanium powder.
To manufacture the cases and specific components of its watches, Bianchet works with an expert partner who has absolute mastery over advanced carbon technology. Not just any kind of carbon, but a pioneering composite that translates technological prowess into a refined, incredibly lightweight yet resistant aesthetic: during the production process, a subtle coat of titanium powder is deposited on each layer of carbon plural.
Approximately 1 kilogram —over 2 pounds— of titanium powder is carefully distributed between the 32 layers of carbon fiber to produce the composite material for 10 watch cases.
The result is a distinctive, unequaled finish with regard to the way reflections play off each other, from the deep black of carbon to the metallic luminosity of titanium: a moiré effect that alternates between glossy and matte in a random pattern unique to each piece. The material retains the black color —with its sleek and sporty vibe— of carbon, and at the same time becomes more luminous, more precious. It took two years of research and development to achieve this result. A Bianchet exclusive.
Powering the Bianchet Tourbillon B1.618 Openworked Carbon Orange is the Calibre B1.618. The plate, wheel bridges, and tourbillon cage are all made of titanium. A material already known to be difficult to work with, it is doubly formidable when applied to watchmaking, and even more so in the construction of a tourbillon. The titanium calibre is adjusted to 6 positions, ensuring a running precision of -4 to +4 seconds per day. The lubricating oils are enhanced with nanodiamonds —diamond nanoparticles— to reduce friction to an absolute minimum. And because understated elegance now naturally fits in with an active lifestyle, the watch has been designed to be shock resistant up to 6,000 Gs, as well as water resistant to about 50 meters. The 105-hour power reserve adds a further dimension of comfort and wearability in everyday life and of course, the movement is fully visible via the display case back.
The Bianchet Tourbillon B1.618 Openworked Carbon Orange is available in a limited edition of only 21 pieces.
Sticker Price $55,000 USD. For more info on Bianchet click here.
