Anyone who knows anything about the world of haute horology will need no introduction to Swiss watchmaker Blancpain. First founded in 1735, this venerable chronogram creator has wowed watch aficionados for almost three centuries with its beautifully crafted and technically intricate timepieces. Perhaps the most iconic of its creations, though, may come in the form of its Villeret Collection – named after the marque’s Swiss hometown. We take a look at three of the latest additions to this heritage-inspired line.
Villeret Quantième Complet GMT
Since the original Villeret Quantième Complet GMT was first launched back in 2002, its ability to simultaneously track the day, date, month and moonphase has made this particular timepiece a horological sensation and a bestseller that surpasses even the marque’s iconic Fifty Fathoms watch. For Baselworld 2018, Blancpain has given this beloved chronogram an added GMT complication to help any well-heeled traveller track a whole new time zone in addition to their home time. The marque has also utilised brand-new, patented under-lug correctors so any wearer can now adjust the calendar and moon phase with a finger without the need for any additional tools.
Villeret Perpetual Calendar
As any true lover of precision timepieces will tell you, the perpetual calendar is among the finest distillations of the watchmaker’s art. Now Blancpain sets the bar even higher with its latest 40mm Villeret Perpetual Calendar. In addition to expertly keeping track of the day, date and month, its self-winding Calibre 5954 movement also factors in leap years as well, which means its wearer won’t need to make any adjustments until the 22nd century. Now that’s some forward thinking.
Villeret Women Quantième Phase de Lune
Long a pioneer in the world of high-end women’s watchmaking, Blancpain expands its selection of feminine-focused watches with the sleek new Villeret Women Quantième Phase de Lune, replete with the brand’s signature moon phase indicator. In this instance, the feminine moon face is charmingly adorned with a beauty spot at the corner of its Mona Lisa smile as it peaks out above the 6 o’clock aperture. Available in rose gold with an opaline dial, or in steel with a white dial, the judicious use of diamonds on its bezel and hour markers rounds out its eye-catching fascia.
