WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH＆BASEL
March 30, 2015
BLANCPAIN | This Year, Pursuing the Pinnacle of Craftsmanship with a World-First Mechanism and Masterful Artistry
BLANCPAIN | Blancpain
Pursuing the Pinnacle of Craftsmanship Again This Year
Introducing Models Featuring World-First Mechanisms and Masterful Artisanship
A Prestigious Maison Representing the "Home of Complicated Watches," Passionate About Mechanical TimepiecesBlancpain hasTourbillons, world timers, and even sharp racingchronographs, releasing numerous models that are both traditional and innovative.
Reporting and Text by Yasuto Shibuya
Unwavering Passion for Complicated Watches
Blancpain, founded in 1735 and positioned at the pinnacle of the Swatch Group's high-end watch brands, has steadfastly adhered to its policy of "making only mechanical watches" since its revival in 1983.
Its products, crafted by inheriting the watchmaking craftsmanship passed down for over two centuries in the Swiss Jura Valley—the birthplace of complicated watches—are a constant source of fascination for watch enthusiasts. Recently, the "one-minute carousel" mechanism, a new system for reducing gravity's effect that was announced in 2008 and continues to evolve, replacing the tourbillon, remains fresh in our memory.
In 2011, the passion for complicated watches remains unchanged. Notable new releases include the "Villeret Half-Time Zone 8 Days," which supports 30-minute time differences and boasts an eight-day power reserve, and the sporty "L-Evolution Tourbillon Big Date," which displays the power reserve on an indicator on the automatic winding rotor. Additionally, the "Villeret" collection debuts its first annual calendar GMT model. These watches, while featuring traditional designs, incorporate innovative mechanisms.
A Burning Passion for Racing Chronographs Continues
The passion for sports models, particularly the racing chronographs born from the collaboration withLamborghinisince 2009, remains fervent. At the Baselworld booth, CEO Marc Hayek himself participated, showcasing a race-exclusive car based on the "Lamborghini Gallardo," used in the "Super Trofeo," the world's fastest one-make race sponsored by Blancpain. During the fair, a special event offering a driving simulator experience was held in Swatch Plaza at the center of the main hall.
However, this year, we would like to specifically introduce to OPENERS readers the "Villeret Grande Décoration." This model features the first large case in the "Villeret" collection, measuring 45mm in diameter, and houses an ultra-thin, manually wound movement adorned with artistic hand-engraving.
From the front, it appears as a simple two-hand watch, but when the case is turned over, one can admire the artistic mechanical movement, where Blancpain's master artisans have meticulously engraved landscapes and symbols onto the baseplate.
This model is produced in a limited edition of one piece each year, themed around different countries or regions. For its inaugural year, the themes are Switzerland, France, Japan, China, and Hong Kong.
We highly recommend this exquisite piece, which showcases a different facet of Blancpain's essence, distinct from its complex mechanisms.
Villeret Grande Décoration
An Artistic Masterpiece Concentrating Engraving Techniques, Alongside Complicated Timepieces, Representing Blancpain's True Essence
This luxurious manually wound watch conceals the highest level of craftsmanship behind its simple facade. The "Caliber 15B," an ultra-thin (movement thickness 2.2mm) manually wound movement with 117 parts, also used in pocket watches, has been transformed into an artistic "canvas" by engravers and decorative specialists over countless hours. The domed dial is made of "Grand Feu" enamel, fired at high temperatures—a traditional Swiss artisanal technique, much like the movement itself. The photograph shows a model themed around China. It is a unique piece, limited to one per country.
Manual winding, 45mm diameter pink gold case, crocodile strap, see-through back. Five types in total, themed around Switzerland, France, Japan, China, and Hong Kong, each limited to one piece. Estimated price: 5,092,500 yen. Scheduled for release this autumn.
Blancpain Boutique Ginza
Tel. 03-6254-7233
http://www.blancpain.com/