A New Chapter for Jacques Bianchi: The Olympique de Marseille Collaboration
Jacques Bianchi, the esteemed Marseille-based brand renowned for its robust dive watches, has announced a significant new partnership that marries its horological expertise with the fervent spirit of football. The brand has unveiled the first timepiece in what is anticipated to be an ongoing collaboration with Olympique de Marseille, the city's historic and beloved football club. This release marks a notable moment for Jacques Bianchi, extending its connection to the vibrant culture and sporting identity of Marseille.
The timing of this release aligns with a period of heightened football enthusiasm, offering a compelling new option for enthusiasts of both watches and the sport. Beyond its immediate appeal to football fans, this collaboration also signals a broader ambition for Jacques Bianchi, hinting at an evolving approach to artistic craft and chronometry within its collections.
Design Inspired by the Pitch: The JB200 Platform Reimagined
The new watch is built upon Jacques Bianchi's popular JB200 platform, a foundation known for its reliability and dive-ready specifications. However, for this special edition, the JB200 has been thoughtfully reimagined to incorporate distinctive elements that pay homage to Olympique de Marseille and the sport of football. The most striking of these adaptations is found on the dive bezel, which traditionally serves a functional purpose for underwater timing but here takes on a new narrative.
The blue insert of the bezel is graduated over a 45-minute period, directly referencing the scheduled duration of a football half. The subsequent period, from 45 to 60 minutes, is contrasted in gray, a subtle yet clever nod to 'stoppage time' – the additional minutes a referee may add to account for interruptions during play. While not designed as a literal referee's tool, this adjustment to the standard dive bezel execution serves as a fitting and easily recognizable tribute to the sport's unique timing conventions.
A Dial of Depth and Detail: The Olympique de Marseille Motif
The true centerpiece of this new release is undoubtedly its dial. The Olympique de Marseille logo is not merely applied but serves as an intricate motif, integrated into the very fabric of the dial's design. Jacques Bianchi has employed a sophisticated multi-layered enamel process, reportedly involving 20 layers, to achieve a precise and deep tone of blue that resonates with the club's identity. This meticulous approach ensures a rich, vibrant color that stands out.
Adding to the dial's complexity and visual interest, the logo motif is embossed, then brushed with a sunray pattern, and finally enamelled. This combination of techniques creates an impressive sense of depth and texture, elevating the dial beyond a simple graphic application. This commitment to traditional watchmaking craft, rather than a straightforward logo placement, speaks to Jacques Bianchi's dedication to creating a piece with broader appeal and lasting artistic merit.
The seconds hand also features a circular counterweight, which the brand describes as being styled in the manner of a soccer ball. This detail, while subtle, further integrates the football theme into the watch's overall aesthetic, reinforcing its connection to the sport.
Precision and Performance: COSC Certification and Robust Specifications
Underpinning the thoughtful design of this special edition is a commitment to precision. The watch is powered by a Soprod P024 movement. In a significant development for the brand, Jacques Bianchi has had this movement chronometer certified by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres). This marks the first instance of the brand achieving COSC certification for one of its movements, a move that aligns it with many competitors in its price segment who offer similar value through enhanced accuracy and reliability.
For a watch associated with a sport where timing is paramount, COSC certification adds a layer of assurance regarding the timepiece's performance. It provides peace of mind that the watch will operate to a high level of accuracy, a fitting attribute for a collaboration rooted in competitive sport.
Beyond the movement, the watch maintains the robust specifications characteristic of the JB200 family. It features a 42mm steel case, ensuring a substantial yet wearable presence on the wrist. A water resistance rating of 200 meters, coupled with a sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown, underscores its dive watch heritage and practical durability, making it suitable for a variety of activities.
Availability and Pricing
This special collaboration piece is described as a limited edition, though the exact number of watches to be produced has not been publicly disclosed at the time of its announcement. For those eager to acquire this unique blend of horology and football culture, a pre-order window is scheduled to open on September 3 and will remain active for a period of three weeks. Deliveries for the watch are anticipated to commence in December, with all orders expected to be fulfilled by early 2027.
The retail price for this Jacques Bianchi Olympique de Marseille timepiece is set at €995, a figure that includes VAT. This pricing positions the watch as an accessible entry into a distinctive collaboration, offering a piece of both watchmaking craft and sporting legacy.
This partnership between Jacques Bianchi and Olympique de Marseille represents more than just a new watch; it's a celebration of shared identity, precision, and the enduring spirit of a city. It's a timepiece designed for those who appreciate the intricacies of watchmaking as much as the passion of the football pitch.
Written by Man of the Hour.