Recently Blancpain introduced the 38mm Villeret Ultraplate 6224N as the second act in the new and refreshed Villeret line. I now had the opportunity to encounter the three standard collection models, the Boutique exclusive timepiece will hopefully follow soon. So let us take a close look at the new Villeret in the classic case size of 38mm, with two stainless steel timepieces and the red gold version.
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A classic dress watch with classy elements
With the launch of the refreshed Villeret last year we learned that Blancpain successfully kept the virtues and overall design of the long established model family, but they also worked on many details to improve the timepieces in both aesthetic and functional aspects. For a full review of those I refer you to my comprehensive introduction to the new Villeret generation in the blog, the link is provided at the end of this article..
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As with the 40mm Villeret Extraplate 6651N, the combination of an opaline dial with a stainless steel or red gold case builds the backbone of the basic 38mm Villeret model. The warmth and depth of the opaline dial has graced countless Blancpain timepieces for the past 40 years.
With the stainless steel Villeret Ultraplate 6224N-1142-55B and the red gold reference 6224N-3642-55B this tradition is kept alive, even more than that actually since opaline dials in stainless steel watches have been very rare until now.
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Combined with a red gold case the opaline dial emphasizes the elegance of the timepiece, it is luxurious and subtle at the same time.
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Roman numerals never looked that cool
And then there’s the stainless steel Villeret Ultraplate with a salmon sunburst dial. This lively dial color is not only a first for Blancpain, they also combined it with black coated 18ct gold numerals and hands which creates a very unique and impressive look.
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The dial is very sensitive to light, it changes between a copper dominated hue and a soft salmon color depending on whether you’re in bright natural light, shade or artificial lighting.
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What is does always, though, is catch your attention, especially in combination with the utterly beautiful grey Nubuck alligator strap which mirrors the color of the numerals and hands.
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Movement, dimensions and straps
All variants are powered by caliber 1150 with 210 parts, 3.25mm height and 4 days of power reserve. One highlight is no doubt the 18ct gold winding mass, making the backside of the watch a delight, too.
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With 38mm in diameter and 8.35mm in height the Villeret 6224N offers classic dress watch dimensions: comfortable to wear and sophisticated in its appearance.
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And if those timepieces had been configured in the established way with black or dark brown semi matte alligator straps you would have difficulty to tell them apart from any of their predecessors.
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But they are not configured that way. Blancpain have significantly upped their focus on straps, and the new Villeret generation comes on matte Nubuck alligator straps in non-traditional colors, so the two opaline dial models have a very fresh appearance. The new straps are also fitted with quick release spring bars at the lugs and at the double deployant clasp.
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Conclusions
The latest generation of the Villeret is a very convincing offer with all the attention to new details and the continuity of the main design language, both in 40 and 38mm.
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The smaller models hit the sweet spot for classic dress watches and with the straps Blancpain chose they offer a fresh look.
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My favorite is the stainless steel Villeret Ultraplate with the salmon dial and grey Nubuck strap. It offers classic proportions but it also has an extrovert character that makes it stand out in the segment.
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You find the introduction to new 38mm Villeret here on the Blancpain website. My overview on the details that define the refreshed Villeret collection is available here in the blog.
I hope you enjoyed this review and the photos.
Cheers
Henrik