Quintessential Blancpain: two classic moonphase calendar timepieces

We often discuss the sports watches made by Blancpain, the Fifty Fathoms and Bathyscaphe models are in the focus of many here in the forum. We also admire some Haute Horlogerie pieces the Manufacture is well known for, and lately we discussed some controversial L’Evolution models and the motorsport links Blancpain utilized in the design of those.

Now let’s take a closer look at the very core of Blancpain, two timepieces with a full calendar and the iconic moonphase indication. No configuration is more typical modern Blancpain, it is synonymous for the brand resurrection in the 1980s and played a significant role in the revival of the mechanical watch.

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Complet ref 6654 and Blancpain Women Quantieme Complet ref 3663

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Deconstruction Blancpain Villeret Équation du Temps Marchante Quantieme Perpetuel by The Naked Watchmaker

The Running Equation of Time function is rarely executed in watchmaking. Here it is combined with a perpetual calendar, moonphases indication and entirely hand engraved automatic calibre.

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Hands-on with the Basel novelties (4): the Villeret timepieces

This is the fourth part of my hands-on report from Basel, showing the new Blancpain Villeret timepieces. 

There have been three new Villeret watches this year, all in a 40mm case, all available in either stainless steel or rose gold, all of them on either strap or a perfectly crafted Milanaise bracelet, which is entirely manufactured inhouse and assembled by hand requiring a lot of precision in order to support the slight tapering of the bracelet. And obviously all three models feature the patented under-lug correctors.

Let us start with what some of you have instantly called a winner, the new Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel in stainless steel.

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel

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Hands-on with the Basel novelties part 2: the amazing Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Rétrograde

This timepiece left me breathless, personally I have not encountered anything remotely close to the beautiful sensuality of the Blancpain Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Rétrograde. I’m in love.

Blancpain Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Rétrograde

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Haute Horlogerie meets Haute Cuisine: At the Sylt Gourmet Festival with Blancpain

Since many years selected Chefs combine their art and craftmanship with the horological finesse of Blancpain, acting as brand ambassadors. Traditionally the Blancpain publication Lettres du Brassus covers Haute Cuisine as well as Haute Horlogerie, and sometimes there is a rare opportunity to join both arts during an event.

At the Sylt Gourmet Festival with Blancpain

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