The Timeline: News from: Blancpain, Bulgari, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ressence & Zenith

The watch world has not taken any holiday yet, several brands are releasing news one after another here are some of the last week's releases. 

Text: Andreas Johansson

Blancpain – Fifthy Fathoms 38mm

Blanpain has released a bit of news, among other things several new 38 mm versions of the Fifty Fathoms. Blancpain emphasises that the new case size is not just a shrinking of earlier models, but a carefully reworked format with well-balanced proportions. The characteristic ”Blancpain” engraving on the side of the case has been kept, just as on the larger versions. Really nice addition to their collection. 

Read more on Blancpain's website.

Bulgari – Bvlgari Bvlgari 50 years

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic collection, Bvlgari is launching an exclusive version of the Bvlgari Bvlgari watch a timeless creation that unites bold creativity with distinct Italian elegance. This model has a case in 18 carat gold and is adorned by the double logo-engraved bezel, inspired by the curved inscriptions on ancient Roman coins. The unique ”BVLGARI ROMA” engraving on the bezel is a tribute to the very first model from 1975. The case measures 38 mm and is fitted with a specially engraved case back that marks the anniversary and comes with a blue and a green dial respectively. Water resistant down to 50 metres. The green edition is limited to 150 pieces.

Read more on Bulgari's website.

Jaeger-LeCoultre – Polaris Chronograph

With its clean, modern design and 42 mm large steel case, the Polaris Chronograph is a watch that immediately catches the eye – not least thanks to its sea-grey dial with impressive depth effect. The dial is created through an advanced, entirely manual process where as many as 35 layers of lacquer are applied in a double colour transition from light to dark, and is finished with a careful polishing to achieve its shimmering finish. The watch is driven by the in-house movement Calibre 761, with a power reserve of 65 hours. The integrated chronograph is built on a sophisticated system with a column wheel and vertical clutch – a construction that both improves precision and gives a smooth use.

Read more on Jaeger-LeCoultre's website.

Ressence – Type 9 s75

This is not just a watch – it is a work of art that brings to mind the vast sand dunes of the United Arab Emirates. The dial in fact holds real desert sand, whose texture has been applied directly onto the titanium plates for hours and minutes. The result is a living, tactile surface that literally sets the desert in motion. With a diameter of 39 mm and a weight of only 40 grams, the watch is light, discreet and focused – only hours and minutes are shown, which reinforces the minimalist and reflective character. The strap is just as thought through: made from naturally tanned camel leather, which is not only a symbolic gesture but also adds a genuine sense of origin and authenticity. That makes this edition something more than just a time instrument it is a cultural story bound around the wrist. An innovative and sensual interpretation of time – both technically and aesthetically.

Read more on Ressence's website

Zenith DEFY Extreme Diver & DEFY Revival

The Zenith DEFY Extreme Diver is a diver's watch that lives up to its name, extreme in both construction and performance. The case measures 42,5 mm and is made in microblasted titanium, which gives a powerful but at the same time light impression on the wrist. The black rotating bezel in ceramic and the helium valve reinforce the impression of a watch built for serious underwater adventures, with a water resistance down to a full 600 metres. The dial is at least as expressive, with a black and yellow star pattern that gives character without compromising on legibility. The hands and hour markers are luminous and clear even in dark environments – exactly as it should be for a professional diving watch. Under the hood sits the automatic movement El Primero 3620, which offers a power reserve of 60 hours.

In its second release ahead of the summer Zenith looks back to its roots with the DEFY Revival, a reinterpretation of the brand's first diver's watch from 1969. It is not, however, a pure copy rather a skilfully modernised tribute with updated materials and performance that meet today's demands. The case measures 37 mm and is made in microblasted titanium, which gives a light but still robust feel. The faceted design gives an angular, retro-futuristic expression that stands out without feeling excessive. The bezel is unidirectional and fitted with an unusual, yellow-tinted sapphire crystal – a detail that adds both colour and personality. The black and yellow dial continues the thematic expression and offers strong contrast and clear legibility, even under water thanks to luminous hands and indexes. The water resistance is impressive, a full 600 metres. Under the shell sits Zenith's own Elite 670, an automatic movement with 50 hours of power reserve – reliable, precise and made in-house, which gives further credibility to the whole. The watch is delivered on a matching microblasted titanium link bracelet with a folding clasp, which ties together the sporty and vintage-inspired expression.

Read more on Zenith's website.