The latest addition to Bianchet’s UltraFino lineup is closely tied to the world of electric powerboat racing. In practice, though, the UltraFino Monaco stands comfortably on its own. Even if, like me, you don’t actively follow the E1 Series or Team Monaco’s exploits on the water, there’s plenty here to appreciate about the UltraFino Monaco as a watch. This feels less like a niche collaboration piece and more like a confident evolution of a platform that has already proven its worth.
I haven’t had the Bianchet UltraFino Monaco in hand yet, though I hope that changes at Watches and Wonders. That said, this isn’t my first encounter with the UltraFino concept. I covered the launch of the sapphire and gold models last year and spent time with the UltraFino movement itself at Geneva Watch Days 2025. That familiarity matters here because it allows the Monaco edition to be judged on substance rather than novelty.
A case material that actually earns its place
What immediately stands out is the color combination. The white quartz-fiber composite case paired with red accents and a matching red rubber strap feels fresh without being shouty. White cases can be tricky, often drifting into novelty territory, but here, the material choice does a lot of heavy lifting.
The quartz-fiber composite used for the case feels especially well suited here. Derived from ultra-pure silica fibers and natural quartz, the material was originally developed for high-performance industrial applications. That might sound like marketing shorthand, but in this context, it makes sense, especially when coupled with the partnership with Team Monaco powerboat racing. Lightness is an advantage when speed is the goal. The UltraFino is all about lightness, structural integrity, and proportion, and this material supports those goals without visual compromise.
The 40mm by 47.5mm tonneau case wears well thanks to its slim 8.9mm profile and wrist-friendly proportions. As mentioned, weight is the headline figure. The full watch comes in at around 55 grams, which remains impressive given the presence of an automatic flying tourbillon and a solid gold rotor. This is the sort of spec-sheet detail that matters once you put the watch on the wrist, even if you never plan to test the quoted shock resistance — 5,000 g — for yourself.
The red detailing is restrained and well judged. It outlines the case subtly and ties neatly into the strap without overwhelming the dial. The overall effect is sporty yet refined, a balance that isn’t always easy to strike.
The UltraFino movement still does the talking
If the case and colors pull you in, the movement is what holds your attention. The UT01 automatic flying tourbillon remains the centerpiece of the UltraFino collection, and rightly so. This is a movement that feels engineered with clear priorities rather than built to chase visual shock value.
Seeing it in person previously, what struck me most was how calm and composed it feels. Plenty is going on here, but it never tips into visual chaos. The architecture follows Bianchet’s Golden Ratio philosophy, which may sound abstract until you see how naturally the components flow across the dial. The tourbillon sits confidently at six o’clock, while the bridges and wheels feel deliberately placed rather than stacked for effect.
There’s also a level of finishing here that reinforces the idea that this is a watch first, not an instrument pretending to be one. Over 15 hours of hand beveling on the movement isn’t insignificant, and it shows in the way light catches the edges. This is where Bianchet separates itself from easy comparisons.
Why the obvious comparison only goes so far
It’s almost impossible to talk about a tonneau-shaped, ultra-light, modern tourbillon without someone bringing up Richard Mille. On the surface, the comparison makes sense. Exotic materials, skeletonized movements, and a strong emphasis on performance inevitably invite it.
But the more time I spend looking at Bianchet’s work, the less convinced I am that the two brands are chasing the same outcome. With Richard Mille, the watch often feels like an instrument that happens to tell the time. The dial side leans heavily into mechanical theater and technical bravado, sometimes at the expense of traditional watchmaking cues. And that’s fine.
But the UltraFino, by contrast, still feels rooted in horology. The movement is modern and architectural, but it remains legible, balanced, and undeniably watch-focused. It feels designed to be worn and appreciated as a timepiece, not just admired as an object of engineering. That distinction may be subtle, but it’s important, and it gives Bianchet a clearer identity than it’s sometimes credited for.
A brief nod to Monaco and the E1 Series
The UltraFino Monaco edition is limited to 98 pieces, a clear reference to the Principality’s country code. The partnership with Team Monaco and the E1 Series brings with it themes of sustainability, innovation, and performance on water. Those ideas align neatly with Bianchet’s broader messaging around efficiency and responsible design.
Thankfully, the watch doesn’t lean too heavily on this narrative. Beyond the colorway and the name, the UltraFino Monaco doesn’t feel over-branded or locked into a specific sporting moment. That restraint makes it easier to appreciate, even if electric powerboat racing isn’t on your radar. According to the press release, the collaboration is intended to “reflect shared values rather than serve as a purely promotional exercise,” and I think that does come through in the final product.
Final thoughts on the UltraFino Monaco, at least for now
Until I get hands-on time with the UltraFino Monaco, there are limits to how definitive any judgment can be. Still, based on what I already know, this feels like a strong and confident addition to the UltraFino lineup. The colorway works, the material choice makes sense, and the movement remains one of the most compelling ultra-thin tourbillons in this segment.
Perhaps most importantly, it reinforces the idea that Bianchet is carving out its own space rather than chasing someone else’s shadow. While not everyone may agree, I do strongly believe this. That isn’t easy in a crowded field of hyper-modern, high-end sports watches, but the UltraFino Monaco makes a convincing case that the brand knows exactly what it wants to be. The watch is priced at CHF 75,500 (ex. taxes), and you can find out more on the official Bianchet website.
Dave Sergeant
2026-02-11 14:00:00