When Abraham-Louis Breguet devised the first tourbillon at the turn of the 19th century, he could never have imagined what the device would become. What began as a practical way to counteract gravity in a pocket-watch has evolved into a modern-day showpiece, now spinning at varying speeds and angles across one, two or even three axes.
Today, the question of how well a tourbillon actually improves timekeeping has largely fallen by the wayside. Most modern examples are celebrated less for chronometry than for artistry – and artistry is precisely what Bianchet has built its entire identity on.
Bianchet G5000 Active Tourbillon
Bianchet appeared at an undeniably unique moment: Baselworld 2019. Launching a new brand just before a global pandemic might not sound ideal, yet the company’s debut – the G5000 Active Tourbillon – made an immediate impact. Designed to withstand shocks of up to 5,000g, it proved that a traditionally delicate complication could thrive in a true sports watch.
Which brings us to the new UltraFino Titanium. Integrated-bracelet sports watches are hardly new, but where most echo Gérald Genta’s designs, Bianchet has forged its own aesthetic. Its tactile, tonneau-shaped case – while sharing a basic silhouette with Richard Mille – feels uniquely elegant, with seamless crown guards that flow into the barrel profile.
Bianchet Flying Tourbillon UltraFino Titanium Black, CHF 55,500 (excl. taxes)
Every element underscores its sporting credentials. The 40mm case and integrated bracelet are crafted entirely from lightweight titanium – unusual in a tonneau watch and executed here with exceptional fluidity – so the UltraFino wears light yet substantial. Like the 2019 debut, it remains shock-resistant to 5,000g. That would be impressive for any sports watch, but this is a flying tourbillon, supported only from below, giving the mechanism its “floating” look while usually making it more fragile. Bianchet’s engineering keeps it robust.
Durability comes in part from a titanium tourbillon cage and in part from the movement’s architecture. Flip the watch over and you’ll see bridges forming two concentric circles in a 1.618 ratio – the Golden Ratio found in nautilus shells and Greek columns. Beautiful as it is, the geometry also strengthens the automatic rotor assembly, absorbing shocks that could otherwise damage the movement.
Offered either skeletonised or with a sumptuous blue guilloché dial, the UltraFino Titanium stands as one of the purest expressions of sporty haute horology: a watch that looks exquisite, performs fearlessly and was designed to be worn, not stored.
Don’t take our word for it – Bianchet will be at Hands On Horology on 14 June 2025. Try the UltraFino Titanium for yourself; you won’t regret it.
More details at Bianchet Watches.
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