Bianchet UltraFino Tonneau Full Ceramic: High-Tech Ceramic Meets Flying Tourbillon
Bianchet Embraces High-Tech Ceramic for UltraFino Tonneau Collection
Independent Swiss watchmaker Bianchet has introduced two new ceramic editions of its UltraFino Tonneau, a thin, tourbillon-regulated integrated sports watch that has rapidly become the brand's flagship model. Unveiled ahead of Geneva Watch Days 2026, the new white and deep blue ceramic versions expand the UltraFino Tonneau's material repertoire beyond the original grade 5 titanium, sapphire, and carbon fibre editions.
According to Monochrome Watches, the two ceramic editions join the permanent collection at a price of CHF 72,500 (excluding taxes), positioning them in the competitive luxury sports watch segment alongside offerings from brands like Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, and Bulgari.
High-Tech Ceramic in Watchmaking: Properties and Advantages
High-tech ceramic, typically based on zirconium oxide (ZrO2), has become one of the defining materials of modern luxury watchmaking. It offers several advantages over traditional metals:
- Scratch Resistance: Ceramic is significantly harder than stainless steel, making it highly resistant to surface scratches and daily wear
- Lightweight: Ceramic cases are lighter than their steel equivalents, improving wearing comfort
- Hypoallergenic: Ceramic is inert and does not cause skin reactions, making it suitable for sensitive skin
- Color Stability: Unlike coated metals, ceramic's color is integral to the material and will not fade, chip, or wear off over time
- Thermal Properties: Ceramic adjusts to body temperature quickly, making it comfortable in various climates
Ultra-Thin Design Meets Ceramic Construction
The UltraFino Tonneau measures 40mm in width, 47.5mm in length, and just 8.9mm in thickness — an impressive achievement for a watch housing an automatic flying tourbillon. The ceramic editions retain these exact proportions, with the material change bringing no dimensional compromise.
Both editions feature vertically brushed surfaces highlighted by polished bevels, demonstrating that ceramic can achieve the same level of decorative finishing as metal. The white ceramic edition pairs with dark blue contrasting gaskets, while the deep blue edition uses black gaskets for a more understated look.
UT01 Movement: Titanium Flying Tourbillon
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case Dimensions | 40mm x 47.5mm x 8.9mm |
| Case Material | White or blue high-tech ceramic |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Movement | UT01 automatic with flying tourbillon |
| Movement Height | 3.85mm |
| Movement Weight | 8 grams |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph (3Hz) |
| Tourbillon Cage | 2.66mm, one-minute rotation |
| Shock Resistance | Up to 5,000 G |
| Jewels | 29 |
| Price | CHF 72,500 (excl. taxes) |
Material Journey: From Titanium to Sapphire to Ceramic
The UltraFino Tonneau has undergone a remarkable material evolution since its 2025 debut. The original model was launched in grade 5 titanium, followed by an edition in sapphire crystal and a carbon fibre version that extended the composite material to the integrated bracelet. There was also a Maserati collaboration edition with a distinctive dial design. The ceramic editions represent the latest chapter in this ongoing exploration of advanced materials.
Ceramic Integration: Case and Bracelet
Both ceramic editions feature integrated bracelets crafted from the same high-tech ceramic as the cases, finished with satin-brushed and polished surfaces. Quick-release systems allow for easy strap changes, and each watch ships with an additional rubber strap — black for the Deep Blue Ceramic edition and cobalt blue for the White Ceramic edition — included in the presentation box.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does ceramic compare to titanium for watch cases?
Ceramic is harder and more scratch-resistant than titanium, making it better suited for watches that will see daily wear. However, titanium is more impact-resistant and less prone to shattering. Ceramic is also lighter than titanium and hypoallergenic, while titanium offers superior corrosion resistance in marine environments. The choice often comes down to lifestyle and aesthetic preference.
Is the Bianchet UltraFino Tonneau ceramic edition part of a limited run?
No, the two ceramic editions — White Ceramic and Deep Blue Ceramic — are released as part of the permanent collection, not as limited editions. This means they will remain available beyond an initial production run, though availability may vary by retailer.
What makes the UT01 movement special?
The UT01 is one of the lightest automatic tourbillon movements currently in production, weighing just 8 grams and measuring 3.85mm in height. It is constructed entirely from titanium and features a suspended mainspring barrel and a one-minute flying tourbillon with a 2.66mm cage. Despite its lightness, the movement is engineered to withstand shocks of up to 5,000 G.
Related Reading
Learn more about advanced watch materials in our guide to titanium, ceramic, and sapphire in modern watchmaking, or explore how tourbillon complications work.
Source
According to Monochrome Watches, the Bianchet UltraFino Tonneau now embraces ceramic in deep blue and white editions featuring flying tourbillon movements.