Simple is best for Blancpain.
The late Yves Saint Laurent once said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Certainly, these comments ring true for Blancpain. One of the oldest brands in the world of horology, it has forged a reputation for creating timepieces that combine refrained and refined aesthetics with groundbreaking movements.
Nothing embodies this approach better than the classical Villeret collection, which takes its name from the village of Blancpain’s birth, where Jehan-Jacques Blancpain officially registered as a watchmaker in 1735. This year, the spotlight falls on the GMT complication. It is presented in its simplest expression in the Villeret GMT Date, which has a large, clear dial that makes the simultaneous indication of two-time zones easy to read.
The local time—to which the date is linked—is represented by a raised chapter ring composed of traditional applied Roman numerals. This encircles a 24-hour scale of Arabic numerals for the reference time. Separate hands indicate the two-time zones: slim leaf-shaped hands mark the local hours and minutes, while the hand pointing to the second time zone is denoted by a triangular tip in red. In a deft touch, the large seconds hand that completes the Villeret GMT Date’s four-arm quartet is adorned with the initials ‘JB’ in homage to the Maison’s founder. Fast GMT correction, date adjustment as well as time-setting are all done via the crown.
The Villeret GMT Date may be all traditional on the outside, but within its sleek double-stepped case lies a very modern automatic movement. The 5A50 self-winding movement is entirely designed and produced in the Manufacture’s workshops. It is equipped with the latest technical developments, has a four-day power reserve and a silicon hairspring. In terms of finishes, the transparent sapphire crystal caseback reveals a Côtes de Genève motif on the bridges and a honeycomb pattern embellishing the gold oscillating weight.
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Case |
40mm stainless steel or 18K red gold |
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Dial |
Stainless steel: white with stainless steel numerals and hands 18K Red gold: opaline with red gold numerals and hands |
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Movement |
Self-winding Calibre 5A50 with date |
| Bracelet in stainless steel or 18K red gold, or alligator leather strap | |
| Hours, minutes, seconds, dual time zone, date | |
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Power Reserve |
100 hours |
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Price |
RM42,300 (stainless steel with alligator strap) RM70,500 (red gold with alligator strap) |
