... yes, this timepiece does in fact break some traditional Blancpain design charactistics.
In my understanding the L'Evolution line exists for that sole reason: to try things out designwise, whilst keeping the other traditional values intact.
I personally see no harm in that, as long as the traditional lines are not compromised. And in the case of Blancpain, they are not, imho. The Villeret line is still the most succesful part, the Fifty Fathoms family recently adds some 40mm and 38mm versions, the one thing I miss is a re-emhasis on the Leman line.
Back to the topic: how should a maison try things out? It's very dangerous ground for them, they do not want to irritate their loyal customers, but they can't stand still either.
I personally prefer doing it within a dedicated line up like the L'Evolution. The to me more "shocking" way of doing it is the Blancpain Bathyscaphe Ocean Commitment II with it's blue ceramic case ;-)
Cheers
Henrik