WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH&BASEL
May 22, 2015
Blancpain | BASELWORLD 2015 Breaking News | BLANCPAIN
BLANCPAIN | BLANCPAIN
A Legacy Brand Celebrating 280 Years
What Defines a Watch with Presence? (1)
Blancpain is known as the oldest watchmaking brand still in existence. The "Villeret" collection represents Blancpain's classic series. Having mastered the essence of classic timepieces, Blancpain has unveiled artistic, unique piece models within the "Villeret" collection.
Text by KAWADA Akinori
Captivating, Whether Artistic or Sporty
Celebrating its 280th anniversary, Blancpain's 2015 Baselworld releases present a remarkably balanced lineup, ranging from dress watches to complicated timepieces. However, in terms of visual impact, the "Villeret" collection demands particular attention.
Among these, the "Villeret Shakudo" generates a particularly powerful impression.
Each of these unique pieces features an artistic dial crafted from "Shakudo," an ancient Japanese alloy of gold and copper, and depicts the Indian deity Ganesha.
Meanwhile, the "Villeret Large Date," which might seem understated at first glance, leaves a strong impression with its date display at the 6 o'clock position.
Further releases include the deep blue & gray "Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe," the "L-Evolution" with its simultaneous tourbillon and carousel, and the ladies' "Day Night" with its vibrant day-night indicator. A series of striking models continues to roll out. We've selected three that caught our editorial team's eye to introduce.
An Artistic Masterpiece of Four Integrated Techniques
This piece can only be described as a collection of technical heritage, uniting "Shakudo," an ancient Japanese alloy that lends the model its name, with "Damascene" inlay work using gold threads, and delicate hand-engraved goldwork.
Despite the character "red" (aka) in its name, Shakudo is an alloy of gold and copper. It develops a greenish-black hue from the patina that forms on the copper. This precious alloy, historically used for swords and ornaments, is used to create the dial.
Delicate grooves are etched into the surface, into which gold threads are hammered, and then further refined with intricate engraving to create a detailed, cushion-like decoration. Finally, the Indian deity Ganesha, a remover of obstacles, is set in place, crafted through hand engraving. In addition to this dial, three other variations have been produced, making a total of four unique pieces, each with a different motif. This is a model truly worthy of being called a work of art.
Villeret Shakudo
Case | 18K Red Gold
Diameter | 45mm
Thickness | 8.3mm
Movement | Manual-winding (Cal.15B)
Strap | Alligator
Water Resistance | 3 bar
Limited Edition | 1 piece
Release Date | To be announced
Estimated Price | ¥16,880,400
BLANCPAIN | BLANCPAIN
A Legacy Brand Celebrating 280 Years
What Defines a Watch with Presence? (2)
A Date Display That Stands Out Through Simplicity
The large date display mechanism, known as "Large Date," uses separate discs for the tens and units digits, which combine to show the date. In fact, due to its complex mechanism, it is sometimes classified as a complication.
This allows for larger date numerals, improving legibility and enabling a more compact mechanism. The "Villeret Large Date" is a model that maximizes these advantages.
Simple yet classic. With its elegant dial, the date stands out prominently, immediately drawing the eye. Furthermore, thanks to the compact calendar mechanism, the thickness is kept to just 10.88mm, despite being an automatic winding model.
It also features a three-day power reserve, a welcome feature for those who don't wear their watch over the weekend. This is a recommended model for those seeking elegance, luxury, individuality, and practicality.
Villeret Large Date
Case | 18K Red Gold
Diameter | 40mm
Thickness | 10.88mm
Movement | Automatic-winding (Cal.6950)
Functions | Date display (Large Date with two discs at 6 o'clock)
Strap | Alligator
Water Resistance | 3 bar
Release Date | Scheduled for Autumn 2015
Estimated Price | ¥2,289,600
A Diver's Chronograph Operable Underwater
This is a chronograph suitable for marine missions, notably featuring push-buttons with a highly sealed structure, allowing for underwater operation.
Furthermore, the deep blue unidirectional rotating bezel and gray case are made of exceptionally hard ceramic. The movement housed within boasts a high-beat specification of 36,000 vibrations per hour, ensuring high precision.
This model, featuring a blue dial and strap, is dedicated to the "Ocean Commitment," an initiative supporting marine conservation. For each watch sold, Blancpain donates 1000 Euros to marine conservation efforts.
Moreover, purchasers receive a book detailing the history of the "Fifty Fathoms," are registered as members of the "Ocean Commitment Circle," and gain access to various benefits. This is a watch for those who wish to immerse themselves in the ocean through their timepiece.
Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe
Flyback Chronograph
Case | Gray Ceramic + Blue Ceramic Bezel
Diameter | 43.6mm
Thickness | 15.25mm
Movement | Automatic-winding (Cal.F385)
Functions | Chronograph (30-minute counter, 12-hour counter, flyback function, operable underwater), unidirectional rotating bezel, date display
Strap | Sailcloth
Water Resistance | 30 bar
Limited Edition | 250 pieces
Release Date | Scheduled for June
Price | ¥2,138,400
Blancpain Boutique Ginza
Tel. 03-6254-7233
http://www.blancpain.com/ja




