Jacques Bianchi and Olympique de Marseille Team Up for a Unique Diver

Jacques Bianchi's New Partnership with Olympique de Marseille

Jacques Bianchi, a watchmaker based in Marseille, has unveiled its first timepiece created in collaboration with Olympique de Marseille, the city's renowned football club. This release comes during a summer when football is in the spotlight, with the World Cup held in North America. For fans of the sport, this new diver, built on the popular JB200 platform, offers a fresh way to show allegiance. Even for those less interested in football, the watch presents an intriguing blend of artistic craftsmanship and precise timekeeping.

The design pays homage to the beautiful game through a clever modification of the dive bezel. Instead of the standard 60-minute scale, the bezel features a blue insert graduated for 45 minutes, symbolizing the duration of a football half. The section between 45 and 60 minutes is rendered in gray, representing stoppage time. While this might not be a practical tool for referees, it serves as a stylish nod to the sport's unique timing system.

Dial Craftsmanship and Design

The true highlight of this watch is its dial. Jacques Bianchi has employed a complex enameling process, layering up to 20 coats to achieve a deep, rich blue. The Olympique de Marseille logo is not merely printed but embossed, brushed with a sunray pattern, and then covered with enamel to create a three-dimensional effect. This approach sets the watch apart from typical logo-branded timepieces, offering a more refined and universally appealing aesthetic.

The seconds hand counterweight is said to be inspired by a soccer ball, though it appears as a simple circle. This subtlety is appreciated, as a more literal representation might have detracted from the watch's elegance.

Movement and Specifications

Inside, the watch is powered by the Soprod P024 movement, which for the first time in Jacques Bianchi's history has been certified as a chronometer by the COSC. This certification ensures high precision, a valuable addition for a watch associated with a sport where timing is crucial. The watch maintains the robust specifications of the JB200 family: a 42mm steel case, 200 meters of water resistance, sapphire crystal, and a screw-down crown.

Limited Edition and Availability

Jacques Bianchi has announced this as a limited edition, though the exact production number has not been disclosed. Pre-orders will open on September 3 and run for three weeks, with deliveries expected between December and early 2027. The retail price is set at €995, including VAT.

This collaboration marks a significant step for Jacques Bianchi, showcasing its ability to merge sports enthusiasm with traditional watchmaking artistry.