Renowned for its engraving and enamel painting workshops as well as its Damascene timepieces, Blancpain has added the Les Métiers d'Art Shakudō unique pieces to their collection. Of Japanese origin, shakudō is an alloy principally composed of copper and gold, which acquires a dark patina between blue and black, according to variations in its composition and texture. The black patina is obtained following a process called passivation, which calls for the application of a solution. This solution, which is composed of copper acetate —green gray—, has been traditionally fabricated in Japan where it is known as rokushō. According to the number of applications of the rokushō solution, the black becomes successively deeper and more intense. The shakudō was used historically among other things to create swords, decorative objects and jewelry. The artisans who practiced shakudō often added engravings and ornaments. Utilized for the first time in horology, the new Blancpain Les Métiers d’Art Shakudō is just out of this world. This new timepiece is available in four different motifs including the one featured here with the fish, there's also a Bonsai, a Ganesh and a Lion Phoenix.

Blancpain has brought this art form forward to today with a series of unique pieces which reflect the expertise of the Manufacture in the practices of Métiers d’Art. The four different models available combine shakudō, engraving and Damascening. Each timepiece will be exclusive as it will reflect the individual handcrafts of the artisan and his or her style of engraving, rokushō patina. The different resulting nuances in depth render each work truly unique.

For instance, recognizable from his elephant's head, the image of Ganesh is portrayed on the dial. For Hindus, Ganesh is the God who conquers obstacles. He is also the God of wisdom, intelligence, prudence and the leader of the schools and academics. This is illustrated with a hand engraved gold throne placed in the center of the Hindu motifs. Finely detailed, the ornaments represented on this piece have been crafted in Damascene. This technique consists of fashioning troughs upon the dial surface into which fine threads of soft metal, in this case gold, are painstakingly hammered in place, thereupon to be hand engraved.

Fully respecting the aesthetics of the Villeret collection, these models are housed in an 18K red
gold stepped bezel case measuring 45 mm in diameter and a thickness of only 8.3 mm, which gives free reign to the creativity of Blancpain’s craftsmen. Through the sapphire case back, one can gaze upon the manual wound Blancpain calibre 15B composed of 117 parts and 20 jewels decorated with hand applied 'Côtes de Genève'. The movement provides a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound. The four watches are available as unique pieces and all of them are fitted with elegant dark brown alligator straps with pin buckle.

Sticker Price $160,600 USD. For more info on Blancpain click here.