Bianchet Debuts Two New Ceramic Ultrafino Tonneau Watches at Geneva Watch Days 2026
Geneva Watch Days 2026 kicks off with Bianchet introducing two new ceramic interpretations of the Ultrafino Tonneau Tourbillon, marking the brand's first foray into high-tech ceramic cases.
The seventh edition of Geneva Watch Days is officially underway, and Bianchet is among the first brands to make waves at the prestigious event. The independent watchmaker, founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife duo Rodolfo and Emmanuelle Festa Bianchet, has unveiled two striking new ceramic versions of their acclaimed Ultrafino Tonneau Tourbillon collection.
Geneva Watch Days 2026, running from September 2-6, brings together 71 brands across the Swiss city in a more decentralized and relaxed format compared to traditional watch fairs. According to WatchAdvice, the event incorporates the city itself as much as the brands, offering visitors a unique horological experience spread across boutiques, hotels, and the Beau Rivage pavilion on Lake Geneva.
Bianchet's Ceramic Innovation
The two new models represent Bianchet's first use of vertically brushed high-tech ceramic in the Ultrafino Tonneau collection. Available in either white or blue ceramic, both watches maintain the collection's distinctive barrel-shaped (tonneau) case design while introducing enhanced scratch resistance and lightweight properties.
Ceramic has become increasingly popular in luxury watchmaking due to its exceptional durability and comfort on the wrist. According to WatchAdvice, the material's extreme scratch resistance and shocking lightness continue to uphold the values of the luxury sports watch category.
Both references feature matching ceramic crowns and crown guards, with rubber gaskets in contrasting colors – blue for the white ceramic model and black for the blue version – adding a sporty accent to the sophisticated design.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| References | TNUFFTSKCMW (White Ceramic) TNUFFTSKCMDB (Blue Ceramic) |
| Dimensions | 40mm case diameter × 47.5mm lug-to-lug × 8.9mm thickness |
| Case Material | White or blue ceramic with matching crown and guards |
| Dial | Openworked skeleton with blue or black accents |
| Movement | Automatic Cal. UT01 with flying tourbillon |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters (5 bar) |
| Strap/Bracelet | Integrated ceramic bracelet with butterfly clasp + interchangeable rubber strap |
Design and Movement
The Ultrafino Tonneau collection builds on Bianchet's B.1618 tonneau case frame, which adheres to the mathematical Golden Ratio (1.618). According to WatchAdvice, this design philosophy creates watches that are both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically comfortable.
At just 8.9mm thick, these ceramic models are remarkably slim for watches housing tourbillon complications. The openworked skeleton dial provides a clear view of the in-house Cal. UT01 movement, which operates at 3Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and can withstand shocks up to 5,000G.
The flying tourbillon, positioned at 6 o'clock, adds visual dynamism to the design while showcasing Bianchet's technical expertise. Despite the aggressive skeletonized aesthetic, the watches maintain excellent legibility with luminescent indices and hands.
Both models come with an integrated ceramic bracelet featuring a quick-exchange system that allows strap changes without tools. An additional rubber strap is included with each watch – blue for the white ceramic reference and black for the blue ceramic version.
Pricing and Availability
The new Bianchet Ultrafino Tonneau Ceramic watches are priced at CHF 72,500 (approximately $80,000 USD). According to WatchAdvice, the timepieces are available immediately through Bianchet boutiques, authorized retailers, and the brand's official website.
These releases position Bianchet as a rising star in the independent watchmaking space, particularly in the niche of luxury sports watches with tourbillon complications. The introduction of ceramic adds another dimension to the brand's material experimentation, which has previously included carbon fiber, titanium, gold, and sapphire cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes ceramic watches special compared to steel or gold?
Ceramic watches offer several advantages: they are virtually scratch-proof, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and maintain their appearance over time. High-tech ceramic is also resistant to UV rays and fading, making it ideal for luxury sports watches that need to withstand daily wear while maintaining their aesthetic appeal.
How does the quick-exchange strap system work on the Bianchet Ultrafino?
The Bianchet Ultrafino Tonneau features a proprietary quick-exchange system that allows owners to swap between the integrated ceramic bracelet and the included rubber strap without requiring any tools. This versatility makes the watch suitable for both formal occasions and active lifestyles.
What is the significance of the flying tourbillon in this watch?
A flying tourbillon is a type of tourbillon mechanism that is supported only from below, creating the illusion that it is floating in space. In the Bianchet Ultrafino, the flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock serves both as a technical complication that improves accuracy and as a visual centerpiece that showcases the brand's movement-making capabilities.
Further Reading
For more information on watch complications and materials, explore our guides:
- Understanding Water Resistance in Luxury Watches
- Guide to Watch Movements: From Tourbillons to Automatic Calibers
According to WatchAdvice (www.watchadvice.com.au), Bianchet's new ceramic Ultrafino Tonneau watches represent a significant step forward for the brand's material innovation and design evolution.