To mark this leap year, the Blancpain is delighted to present its new Villeret Quantième Perpétuel model with a green dial. Framed by a 40.3 mm 18K red gold case, its dial is decked out for the very first time in an elegant and mesmerizing shade of green that is inspired by the forests of Le Brassus where the manufacture is located.
Drawing its DNA from the village lined with green spruce trees to which it owes its name as well as from Blancpain's expertise, the Villeret collection symbolizes the value of authenticity. Its timeless nature embodies the strong ties between the manufacture and the extraordinary complications of Swiss mechanical watchmaking.
At Blancpain, this type of mechanism also features a moon phase at 6 o'clock that is recognizable by its unique expression. The emblematic face of the Manufacture, it was also the symbol of prestige and mechanical watchmaking revival in the wake of the 1970s crisis, nurtured by Blancpain whose aim was to restore the reputation of this Art by proving it was truly irreplaceable. The Brand’s introduction of moon phases paved the way for many other horological complications, not least the perpetual calendar.
In this 2024 leap year, the manufacture is once again demonstrating its expertise by unveiling its new Villeret Quantième Perpétuel model. It is driven by the automatic movement calibre Blancpain 5954 composed of 351 parts and which provides a 72-hour power reserve. This movement is equipped with a meticulously finished red gold oscillating weight with a honeycomb pattern and a silicon balance spring that can be admired in full through the sapphire crystal case back.
This inherently complex perpetual calendar features two specific characteristics designed to make it eminently user-friendly. The first is a secure movement that protects the calendar mechanism from damage if the wearer adjusts the watch while the indications are changing. The second is the under-lug correctors. Introduced by Blancpain as the world's first on a perpetual calendar in 2005, this patented system enables the calendar indications to be adjusted simply by pressing with a finger, thus eliminating any need for a correction tool.
These under-lug correctors are concealed when the timepiece is worn, meaning the sides remain smooth and uncluttered, unaltered by the small "dimples" usually found on calendar watches. These elements are complemented by the layout of the calendar indications. Despite the complexity of the mechanism —entirely developed and produced by Blancpain—, the display of information is spread across the dial, ensuring excellent legibility and aesthetic balance.
The green color adorning the elegant sunburst dial recalls the spruce forests of the Vallée de Joux, where this calendar is crafted by the watchmakers of the Grandes Complications workshop. The brown alligator leather strap evokes the bountiful generosity of this region that has fostered the development of watchmaking excellence over the decades. Completing the picture, the Villeret collection's signature double-stepped 40.3 mm case and hands and hour-markers in 18K red gold, add a contrasting touch to the pleasing aesthetic appeal of this timepiece glowing with warm colors.
Complex in its operation yet eminently easy to use, this new Villeret Quantième Perpétuel combines a green dial with a red gold case thus giving pride of place to the distinctive nature of 2024 as a leap year.
Sticker Price USD 50,600. For more info on Blancpain click here.
