SpotlightAll That We Perceive As Lightweight: Presenting The Bianchet B1.618 UltraFino Watches

For Bianchet, if the year 2024 was an experiment in materials, this year is going to be even more eventful. Bianchet are a brand known for designs inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, also referred to as the golden ratio in design. Their latest release is the Bianchet B1.618 UltraFino collection of watches presented in slim new proportions. Open-worked or guilloche dial options both feature the brand’s signature design inspiration and a flying tourbillon. The most noteworthy update, though, is the new UT01 calibre, an ultra-thin and light movement crafted from titanium, and designed according to the mathematical formula that has come to define the brand.

Bianchet B1.618 UltraFino’s UT01 Titanium Calibre

For their UT01 calibre with smaller proportions, Bianchet used titanium to achieve a thickness of 3.85mm, and weight of 8grams. Titanium was chosen for its lightweight properties. What sets this calibre apart is that its design uses the golden ratio for every aspect including bridges and rotor. (The golden ratio or Fibonacci sequence is devised using the sum of successive numbers—0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, and so on.) Three-dimensional for its play with light reflecting off matt and glossy finishes of the movement, the UT01 calibre lends the watch a dynamic presence. A work of art in itself, the gold rotor blends mathematical symmetry with geometric elegance. Here, Fibonacci spirals intersect, forming a harmonious pattern that is not only mesmerising to behold but also efficient in its function. Contrasting sandblasted and satin finishes enhance the visual artistry of the hand-bevelled tourbillon cage, also crafted from titanium.

A work of art in itself, the gold rotor of the Bianchet B1.618 UltraFino timepiece blends mathematical symmetry with geometric elegance

Fibonacci spirals intersect on this gilded rotor, forming a harmonious pattern that is not only mesmerising to behold but also efficient in its function

Smaller, Lighter, Better: Bianchet B1.618 UltraFino Watches

Bianchet’s distinctive tonneau case—complete with the rubber ring on the case profile between bezel and caseback—now comes with smaller proportions. With a diameter of 40mm and lug to lug width of 47.39mm, the case of the Bianchet B1.618 Ultra Fino watch is crafted from grade-5 titanium, enhancing the bearable lightness of this timepiece’s being. And the case height is at 8.9mm. Despite its smaller dimensions, the watch offers a power reserve of 60 hours and remains remarkably shock resistant.

Bianchet’s distinctive tonneau case—complete with the rubber ring on the case profile between bezel and caseback—now comes with a diameter of 40mm and lug to lug width of 47.39mm

Decoration Galore In the Bianchet B1.618 UltraFino Dials

The Bianchet B1.618 UltraFino collection is perhaps the first time that the brand offer a dial that is not open-worked. The brand are highly regarded for their beautifully proportioned skeleton dials, usually with a flying tourbillon. However, the blue guilloche dial of the Bianchet B1.618 UltraFino watch displays the brand’s ‘golden diamond pattern’, also inspired by the golden ratio. The open-worked version of the watch displays a view of the intersecting spirals that form the new ultra-slim and super-lightweight UT01 calibre. Both dial versions are paired with an integrated titanium bracelet that flows beautifully and ergonomically from the shapely case. Alternatively, the watches can be paired with a vulcanised rubber strap that enhances its sporty appeal.

The blue guilloche dial of the Bianchet B1.618 UltraFino watch displays the brand’s ‘golden diamond pattern’, with proportions inspired by the golden ratio

The open-worked version of the watch displays a view of the intersecting spirals that form the new ultra-slim and super-lightweight UT01 calibre

Bianchet B1.618 UltraFino Watch in a nutshell

• Case: 40mm by 47.39mm; grade 5 titanium
• Glass and caseback: Sapphire crystal
• Dial 1: Open-worked with intersecting spirals; flying tourbillon at six o’clock, lume-filled hands and indexes marked on the flange
• Dial 2: Blue, guilloche ‘golden diamond pattern’; lume-filled hands, indexes, flying tourbillon at six o’clock
• Functions: Hours, minutes, flying tourbillon
• Movement: UT01 automatic calibre; crafted in titanium; gold rotor with interlaced spiral decoration; 60 hours of power reserve; enhanced shock resistance
• Strap: Integrated titanium bracelet; or vulcanised rubber strap in blue

It took about three years for the brand to create a new calibre that would live up to their design ethos. The result is fascinating from a technical as well as aesthetic viewpoint. These Bianchet B1.618 UltraFino watches offer not just enhanced accuracy and ergonomics but also a heightened aesthetic appeal.

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