Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Fratello x Jacques Bianchi JB200 PoulPro “Night Diver”
A mission-ready black PVD-coated version of Jacques Bianchi's watch, with a full lume dial.
Behind the name Jacques Bianchi is actually a man who, during the 1980s, in his workshop based in Marseille (south of France) produced watches for French military divers. Working closely with COMEX and Jacques Mayol or Captain Cousteau, he was an important figure there. In 2021, the brand made a resounding comeback, faithfully reissuing the classic JB200 diver in an automatic format, followed by the PoulPro model introduced last year. Using this cool, no-nonsense Destro-style diver, our friends at Fratello have created a limited edition model, the night-mission-ready Jacques Bianchi JB200 PoulPro “Night Diver” with its full-lume dial.
Technically and design-wise, Fratello’s take on the JB200 PoulPro relies on the same base as the standard model of last year. It thus retains its characteristic features and its unmistakable 1970s tool watch look. At 42mm in diameter, its destro barrel-shaped case stands out with its left-sided crown hugged by square-shaped guards, a screw-down crown and back, a flat sapphire crystal framed by a 60-click unidirectional bezel with aluminium ring and a 200m water-resistance. Classic diver’s watch territory, robust and mission-ready. Nothing fancy, just a good old aquatic/military watch with the right specs, a cool design and solid specs.
Already far from generic in its standard guise, the Fratello JB200 PoulPro “Night Diver” adds some boldness to the game. For an even more combat-ready style, the steel case has been blacked out with PVD coating (on all surfaces), and the bezel has a black insert with a fully luminous 60-minute scale. The dial is the main attraction here. While it sticks to the signature octopus (or poulpe in French, hence the name Poulpro), the base of the dial is now greenish-beige, with all other elements (hands, markers, tracks, logos and even the date disc) done in black for superior contrast during the day.
But wait for nighttime, as the base is actually fully lumed with SLN, making the watch stand out… maybe a bit too much for a stealthy mission! Jokes aside, this new JB200 PoulPro Night Diver takes a whole new dimension in low light conditions, with all the black elements of the dial standing out even more, including the cool octopus.
Worn on a Tropic-style strap with a matching black PVD buckle with an additional black Perlon strap, the Fratello x Jacques Bianchi JB200 PoulPro is powered by a SoProd P024 automatic movement, an alternative to the ETA 2824. It beats at 4Hz and stores about 38h of power reserve.
The Jacques Bianchi × Fratello JB200 PoulPro “Night Diver” is available exclusively from the Jacques Bianchi Marseille web store from now and will be made in a limited edition of 250 pieces. Deliveries will begin from 17th June 2024 and the watch is priced at EUR 1,162.50 (excl. taxes). For more details, please visit www.fratellowatches.com and www.jacquesbianchi.com.
