Hands-on with the 2020 novelties: Villeret Extraplate Boutique edition

This one came as a (very pleasant) November surprise: the new Villeret Extraplate Boutique edition in yellow gold with a stunning green dial, reference 6651-1453-55A. Let’s take a close look at this utterly beautiful timepiece under different light conditions.

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The Blancpain Villeret line is the epitome of elegant and timeless watches. It comprises the entire spectrum of the Manufacture, from the entry level with time only stainless steel models to the most complicated Haute Horlogerie marvels executed in precious metals.

A fresh color code

This year‘s novelties already included some beautiful new Villeret timepieces, this latest edition however stands out for multiple reasons.

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It’s been a while since Blancpain last offered a yellow gold case in the Villeret line. The new Extraplate Boutique edition fills that gap, and it does so featuring a green sunburst dial, a perfect and exciting match to the case color.

The timepiece measures 40mm in size and only 8.7mm in height. It is powered by caliber 1151 with 100 hours of power reserve, featuring the Villeret typical honeycomb rotor, also executed in 18ct yellow gold.

The strap choice is quite unusual for the Villeret line: the dark brown Nubuck alligator strap adds an additional dimension to the exciting color code of this timepiece. Interestingly, the watch comes with a tang buckle instead of the usual deployant, possibly because this is the only model in yellow gold.

 

A green dial second to none

The green sunburst dial with a matching date disc is a real pleasure to explore and look at in different light conditions. Let’s take a look at it under the white light ring of the Loupe System lens I used on my iPhone:

In comparison here are some close ups under daylight:

It is a very discreet dial in the shade and under indirect light. The full color needs the sun or artificial light hitting directly, and these different expressions are a real virtue of this beauty. Here you see the warm and the cold hues of the dial depending on light:

The light box is emphasizing the subtle aspects of the Villeret Extraplate Boutique edition:

The bright sunlight (which was not easy to find during these rather grey and wet November days) emphasizes the extrovert character:

Finally, a few wrist shots of this new Villeret version. Personally I like the distinctive look a lot, and of course it is very comfortable to wear due to the dimensions of the watch.

With the exception of the color reduced wrist shot he photos in this report are left unprocessed to provide you an unfiltered view on this remarkable timepiece.

I hope you enjoyed the hands-on report and the photos. The Villeret Extraplate Boutique edition can be found here on the Blancpain website.

You find my hands-on report on two other 40mm Villeret novelties (including reference 6651 in red gold with a blue dial) here in the blog. And of course you will find hands-on reports on all 2020 novelties on the home page.

Cheers

Henrik

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