Bianchet Announces Big-Wave Surfer Francisco Porcella as their New Ambassador
The Swiss watchmaking brand Bianchet, known for its tourbillon timepieces, just announced its collaboration with big-wave surfer Francisco Porcella, winner of the 2022 Ride of the Year Award.
Bianchet is pushing the boundaries of watchmaking by testing its flying tourbillon watches in the colossal waves of Nazaré and Hawaii. Big-wave surfer Francisco Porcella, who has recently been named Bianchet’s brand ambassador, is leading this ambitious initiative.
After rigorous and detailed testing over several months, Bianchet’s tourbillon watches have proven their exceptional resilience. Able to withstand forces up to 5000 G and depths of 100 meters, these timepieces have shown unmatched durability against shock and water pressure. Francisco Porcella’s high-impact watersport competitions, where he defies gravity and challenges nature, are the ultimate proving ground for Bianchet’s precision and durability.
This marks the first time a tourbillon watch has been tested in waves reaching heights of up to 20 meters. The flying tourbillon movement, a pinnacle of high watchmaking complexity, elegantly defies gravity by continuously rotating as if suspended within the heart of the movement.
Francisco Porcella brings his unmatched expertise and zeal for extreme watersports to his new role as Bianchet’s brand ambassador. An Italian-born New York raised in Sardinia, Italy, and Maui, Hawaii, Porcella’s diverse talents extend beyond surfing, including cliff diving and modeling. He has carved a name for himself in the world of big wave surfing with his fearless pursuit of the planet’s most colossal and treacherous waves. His unwavering commitment and exceptional skills have earned him numerous accolades, including the coveted 2022 Ride of the Year Award for his awe-inspiring performance at Jaws on November 2, 2021.
His exploits have taken him to some of the world’s most famous big wave spots, including Portugal’s hair-raising Nazaré. Porcella’s ability to maintain composure and execute flawless maneuvers in the face of towering walls of water is a sight to behold, leaving spectators in awe of his skill and courage.
Beyond his athletic skills, Porcella blends his love for the ocean with his passion for fashion and environmental activism. He has graced the pages of prestigious magazines and walked the runways of renowned designers. As an ambassador for various environmental organizations, he uses his platform to raise awareness about the threats facing our oceans and the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems.
“We are thrilled to welcome Francisco Porcella to the Bianchet family as our brand ambassador,” said Rodolfo and Emmanuelle Festa Bianchet, the brand’s founders. “His fearless approach to challenging the limits of nature and his innate sense of style perfectly embody the spirit of our brand. Through this collaboration, we showcase the resilience and precision of our tourbillon watches in the most demanding conditions.”
In response, Francisco Porcella conveyed his enthusiasm: “Amidst the waves, gravity presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Collaborating with Bianchet represents a shared commitment to surpassing boundaries and transcending limitations. We aim to elevate our journeys and inspire others to surpass expectations.”
Bianchet’s partnership with Francisco Porcella symbolizes a shared dedication to excellence and performance. Together, they demonstrate where precision meets passion amidst the relentless power of the ocean.