Jacques Bianchi and Olympique de Marseille Join Forces on the OM200 Diver

Introduction

Jacques Bianchi, a French watchmaker with deep roots in military diving, has unveiled a new collaboration with Olympique de Marseille, the iconic football club from the same city. The new OM200 is a fresh take on the brand's JB200 diver, a model originally developed for French Navy divers in the 1980s and 1990s. This edition blends that rugged heritage with football-inspired details, creating a timepiece that appeals to both watch enthusiasts and sports fans.

The Design: A Footballer's Diver

The OM200 retains the robust 42mm brushed-steel case of the JB200, ensuring durability and a classic dive-watch presence. The caseback is engraved with the Olympique de Marseille logo, a nod to the club's proud history. Water resistance remains solid at 200 meters, making it suitable for serious underwater use.

The most intriguing feature is the bezel, which has been reimagined for football. It retains a 60-click unidirectional rotation and a blue insert with a 45-minute scale. However, the segment from 45 to 60 minutes is distinctly marked, representing added time at the end of a half. A luminous triangle at 12 o'clock completes the football-inspired timing system, allowing fans to track extra minutes with ease.

The deep-blue dial is a visual centerpiece, created using a 20-layer enamel-like process that gives it a rich, glossy finish. The club's logo is embossed in the center, then sunray-brushed and enamelled for a subtle three-dimensional effect. Applied indexes and hands are filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9, ensuring excellent legibility in low light. A playful touch is the lollipop seconds hand, whose counterweight is shaped like a football—a charming detail that reinforces the theme.

Movement and Performance

Powering the OM200 is the Swiss Soprod P024 automatic movement, certified as a chronometer by COSC. This movement is a reliable alternative to the ETA 2824, offering a power reserve of at least 38 hours and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Accuracy is rated within -4/+6 seconds per day, ensuring dependable timekeeping. The movement is visible through a sapphire caseback, though the club logo takes center stage.

Straps and Wearability

The watch comes with two straps: a blue FKM rubber strap, ideal for active use, and a blue military-style elastic strap with a central white stripe, adding a sporty, casual vibe. Both straps are quick-release, allowing for easy swapping to match your style.

Buying and Availability

The Jacques Bianchi x Olympique de Marseille OM200 is a limited edition, with pre-orders open from September 3 to September 24, 2026. Deliveries are expected to begin in December 2026. The price is set at EUR 995 including VAT, a competitive price for a COSC-certified diver with such distinctive design elements. Given its limited nature and the popularity of both the brand and the club, it's likely to sell out quickly, so interested buyers should act fast.

Authenticity and Value

As with any limited-edition collaboration, ensure you purchase from authorized dealers or the official Jacques Bianchi website to guarantee authenticity. The OM200 offers excellent value for a Swiss-made, chronometer-certified dive watch with a unique story, making it a worthy addition to any collection.

For more insights on dive watches and brand collaborations, explore our other articles.