Today I invite you to get up close with a watch of the high end Villeret segment that comes in case sizes between 42 and 45mm, featuring gorgeous Grand Feu enamel dials and mostly 8 day Automatic movements: the Villeret 8 Jours Demi-Fuseau Horaire, reference 6661.

Blancpain has a long history of watches indicating multiple time zones, which offer flawless practicality combined with beautiful aesthetics. The first Time Zone model appeared in the late 1990s, a 38mm Leman, later the Complication went into the Women and Villeret lines as well.

With the Villeret 8 Jours Demi-Fuseau Horaire, Blancpain has taken the time zone function to the next level: this timepiece allows the setting of the second time zone in 30 minute steps, hence capturing the full functionality also for countries like India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and parts of Australia and Canada.

The watch is fully operated through the crown, which features an integrated pusher to decide between date or time zone setting. The operation mode is shown on the dial, with a special indication within the date changing section for the time window between 22.00 and 2.00, when the date changing is not possible. You cannot damage the mechanism, though, since calibre 5235DF is a so-called secured movement, a feature Blancpain has invented for their calendar timepieces.

Talking about the hand finished calibre 5235DF: this 324 parts movement offers 8 days of power reserve, being based on calibre 1315, enhanced with a titanium balance and its gold micro metric screws for fine adjustment.

Reference 6661 is available in the white or rose gold Villeret case, which offers both the aesthetic and haptic excellence it is well recognized for.

Now let’s focus on on the spectacular Grand Feu enamel dial:

Besides the beautifully executed roman numerals, the Grand Feu technique allows for a most amazing display of the day/night indicator. In addition the arabic numerals and stick markers of the second time zone are embedded in gold paint, offering a feast for the eyes and yet very clear readability.

This travel companion is indeed offering great functionality and at the same time a striking combination of Haute Horlogerie techniques and finishing. You might be intrigued to take a loupe with you on your travels, just to enjoy the Villeret 8 Jours Demi-Fuseau Horaire to fullest degree.

The details and specifications of the Blancpain 8 Jours Demi-Fuseau Horaire can be found here on the Blancpain website.

And on the Blancpain website you will also find another Villeret Demi-Fuseau Horaire in a 40mm stainless steel case with calibre 5254DF, based on the 1151 with 4 days power reserve. It’s definitely worth taking a closer look as well:

I hope you enjoyed the report and the photos. I would like to send a heartfelt Thank You to the Blancpain Boutique in Munich for offering me the opportunity to take all photos for this article in their facilities!

Cheers

Henrik