Introducing Bianchet Unveils Its Latest Technical Feat, The Ultrathin Sapphire

Since 2021, Bianchet has been offering modern tonneau-shaped watches powered by architectural, openworked tourbillon movements. In early 2025, the brand introduced a milestone creation: the UltraFino, its first ultra-thin watch, its first integrated bracelet, and its first automatic movement. Following the inaugural titanium editions, Bianchet now takes the next step in this collection with a focus on transparency: the new UltraFino Sapphire.

This timepiece represents a major advancement in the brand’s exploration of modern materials and architectural design, delivering what is currently the thinnest full-sapphire tourbillon on the market.

The immediate visual highlight of the UltraFino Sapphire is its case, measuring 40 × 47.5 mm and crafted entirely from sapphire crystal. With a hardness second only to diamond, sapphire offers unrivaled scratch resistance but is notoriously difficult to machine. Shaping it into a tonneau case, with complex curves and sharp angles, demands micron-level precision and cutting-edge technology. The case’s subtle 1.2 mm curvature further increases the challenge, underscoring the technical mastery required.

The sapphire case acts as a transparent vessel, providing an unobstructed, three-dimensional view of the UT01 calibre inside. Achieving a thickness of just 9.8 mm is a remarkable feat in sapphire watchmaking, where cases typically measure between 11.5 mm and 23 mm. This achievement required not only perfecting sapphire machining but also developing an exceptionally slim movement. The synergy between the case and calibre allows the UltraFino Sapphire to claim record-setting thinness without compromising structural integrity or performance.

With no traditional dial, the wearer can admire the full depth of the movement. Luminescent hour and minute hands appear to float above a landscape of gears, springs, and levers, while the transparency of the case magnifies this mechanical intimacy. At 6 o’clock, the flying tourbillon takes center stage with its 2.66 mm cage, while at 12 o’clock, a suspended barrel balances the architecture. The symmetrical layout, barrel and tourbillon aligned vertically, gear train on one side and keyless works on the other reinforces the watch’s architectural purity.

Powering the watch is the Bianchet UT01 Tourbillon calibre, an ultra-thin automatic movement measuring just 3.85 mm in height yet resistant to shocks of up to 5,000 Gs—an exceptional achievement in haute horlogerie. Its grade 5 titanium bridges, satin-brushed, polished, and requiring over 15 hours of hand-chamfering, form a sculptural framework. Around this structure rotates a massive gold oscillating weight, adorned with twelve interlacing Fibonacci spirals, a poetic signature of the Maison. The flying tourbillon beats at 3 Hz (21,600 vph) and delivers a 60-hour power reserve.

The UltraFino Sapphire is paired with a white natural vulcanized rubber strap secured by a grade 5 titanium folding buckle, with a second black strap provided for versatility.

The Bianchet UltraFino Sapphire joins the brand’s permanent collection and is priced at CHF 85,500 which is equivalent to AED 391,350.
 

For more information, visit Bianchet’s official website.