For several years now, sporty and ergonomic tonneau-shaped watches have been a mainstay in horology, especially among independent brands. Carbon tonneau watches, in particular, have traditionally been paired with rubber or fabric straps and had yet to reach the significant milestone of a fully integrated bracelet. With the UltraFino Carbon, Bianchet redefines the tonneau sport watch by combining a monobloc carbon architecture, extreme lightness, and absolute comfort. A timepiece designed to deliver a striking presence on the wrist, without the weight. The new Bianchet UltraFino Carbon will be unveiled during Geneva Watch Week from 31st March till 4th April.
Technical Challenge in High-Density Carbon
The B 1.618 UltraFino Carbon pioneers the integration of a carbon bracelet into a tonneau case, a testament to Bianchet’s relentless pursuit of refinement and innovation. Crafted from a high-density carbon composite made of 500 layers of compressed carbon fiber, each layer being arranged at 45-degree angles to create an exceptionally strong, shock-resistant, and scratch-proof structure. The result is a timepiece engineered for extreme conditions while maintaining the elegance and refinement expected from Haute Horlogerie.
The distinct pattern of the carbon composite material is visible across the case and integrated bracelet, giving the watch a sporty yet sophisticated visual identity. The intricate layering process ensures both structural integrity and an appealing organic flow across the case and bracelet.
The case, measuring 40 mm in width and 8.9 mm in height, houses Bianchet’s ultra-thin skeleton flying tourbillon movement, the caliber UT01. An engineering achievement in titanium with a refined gold rotor, this automatic movement is only 3.85 mm thin and weighs 8 grams. Despite its feather-light construction, the watch exhibits high resilience, capable of withstanding shocks of up to 5000G and water pressure of 5 ATM. Weighing 32 grams without the strap (52 grams with the rubber strap and 62 grams with the carbon bracelet), this automatic flying tourbillon watch ensures ideal comfort and wearability.
A Harmonious Fusion of Strength and Elegance
The B 1.618 UltraFino Carbon embodies the perfect equilibrium between high-performance, durability, and refined aesthetics. Inspired by the Golden Ratio (1.618), its ergonomic design flows harmoniously, combining artistic precision with modern engineering. The watch features subtle color accents in either sky blue, red or white, and peerless hand-finishing, reinforcing Bianchet’s commitment to excellence.
The sleek, aerodynamic profile of the 8.9 mm slim case follows an elegantly curved tonneau shape, seamlessly integrated with the bracelet. This curvature enhances both ergonomics and wrist comfort, making it an extension of the wearer. The polished metal accents and the gold rotor of the movement contrast sharply against the matte carbon, emphasizing the watch’s refined sport-luxury appeal. The smoothed angled edges and thin chamfers add a dynamic character, reinforcing the timepiece’s high-performance engineering.
The UltraFino’s integrated carbon bracelet is a game-changer, offering a superior blend of resilience, lightness, and comfort. It enhances the watch’s sporty appeal while maintaining an unmistakable elegance. Additionally, the timepiece comes with a colored rubber strap, carefully matching the rubber gasket of the case – a distinctive Bianchet signature that pays homage to clean lines and a dynamic spirit.
Performance Tested by Elite Athletes
Bianchet’s philosophy of blending mechanical mastery with real-world resilience is underscored by its collaboration with elite athletes. Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon, tennis champions Grigor Dimitrov and Alexander Bublik, Formula E driver Maximilian Günther, and big-wave surfer Francisco Porcella have tested Bianchet’s tourbillon watches in extreme competition environments, proving their durability and precision under intense conditions.
The UT01 Ultra-Thin Automatic Tourbillon Movement
At the heart of the B 1.618 UltraFino Carbon beats the skeleton movement UT01, one of the thinnest and lightest automatic tourbillon movements in existence. Weighing 8 grams and measuring 3.85 mm in height, this titanium caliber with a gold rotor contributes to the pinnacle of contemporary Haute Horlogerie engineering. Despite its flat architecture, it delivers outstanding performance thanks to a series of technical innovations, including:
A suspended mainspring barrel that optimizes both vertical space and efficiency, while providing a 60-hour power reserve despite its ultra-thin construction.
A redesigned escapement featuring a 2.66 mm thin tourbillon cage, allowing for the integration of a large screw balance wheel while maintaining generous functional safety margins and excellent shock resistance.
A unique winding and time-setting system that enhances energy transfer and user comfort.
The Fibonacci-inspired rotor design, formed by 12 interlacing spirals, as well as the concentric Golden Circles on the back bridges, create a visual symphony of mathematics and art while providing full peripheral support for the oscillating weight, absorbing shocks in demanding environments.
Handcrafted Excellence in Swiss Watchmaking
Crafted from titanium with a black PVD finish, the main plate and bridges showcase a combination of soft sandblasted finish with finely satin-brushed surfaces, elevated by hand-polished chamfers that catch and reflect every ray of light. This subtle dialogue between matte and polished surfaces gives the ultra-thin movement a remarkable three-dimensional presence in an ultra-flat architecture, revealing the full complexity of its construction.
Each B 1.618 UltraFino Carbon timepiece is hand-finished and assembled in Bianchet’s atelier in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. With every movement reflecting centuries of fine watchmaking craftsmanship, Bianchet continues to redefine the boundaries of contemporary Haute Horlogerie, delivering a watch that is as resilient as it is refined.
Engineered for both elegance and performance the new B 1.618 UltraFino Carbon embodies Bianchet’s dedication to the art of crafting contemporary tourbillon watches that blend technical mastery, resilience, and aesthetic harmony.
Automatic movement UT01 in titanium with gold rotor
Finished and assembled by hand.
Case
Case in high-density carbon with natural vulcanized rubber.
Dimensions: 40 mm x 47.39 mm x 8.9 mm
Shock resistance 5000G
Water resistance: 5 ATM (50 meters)
Weight 32 grams (without strap)
Strap
Strap 1 in high-density carbon with a titanium buckle.
Strap 2 in natural vulcanized rubber with titanium folding buckle.
About Bianchet
Bianchet stands at the crossroads of art and performance, crafting tourbillon timepieces that merge the highest levels of watchmaking engineering with timeless aesthetic harmony. Rooted in the principles of the Golden Ratio, each Bianchet watch embodies a pursuit of beauty, innovation, and technical mastery, aligning seamlessly with the standards of contemporary Haute Horlogerie. With a dedication to exceptional finishing, advanced materials, and uncompromising craftsmanship, Bianchet creates watches that are masterpieces of engineering performance and artistic expressions of proportion and elegance. For more information, visitwww.bianchet.com.
