Villeret, Blancpain’s native village, is the inspiration for this manufacture's most classic collection. This time, we are presenting you our review of the Blancpain Villeret Chronographe Monopoussoir ref. 6685-1127-55B, a mono-pusher chronograph featuring a complete calendar and moon phase complication. This is perhaps one of the best priced complications out there with a ton of pedigree behind it.
This amazing watch is fitted with a double-stepped stainless steel case measuring 40mm in diameter and 12.98mm in thickness. The watch is fitted with a white 'grand feu' enamel dial with Roman numerals, chapter ring for the dates, chrono-hour register at 9, chrono-minute register at 3, moon phase aperture at 6 and two small rectangular apertures at 12 o'clock for the day of the week and the month. To complete the classic look of this dial, the watch features needle shaped hands and a blue serpentine shaped hand to indicate the date. The serpentine hand embodies a return to the sources of watchmaking tradition as this shape has been used by watchmakers since the 18th century to indicate secondary information given by the watch.
Something quite fascinating about this complicated watch is that it features one single pusher located within the winding crown. This pusher is used to start, stop and reset the chronograph. The presence of one single chrono pusher maintains the case perfectly balanced and the look of the watch purely elegant.
All four complications are set via the under-lug correctors. The Blancpain Villeret Chronographe Monopoussoir is fitted with the automatic calibre Blancpain 66CM8 composed of 450 parts, 35 jewels and provides a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound. The movement is beautifully decorated and fully visible via the display case back.
The watch is fitted with a very nice black alligator strap with a double-folding clasp that includes a pin buckle to ease the adjustment of the strap depending on your wrist size. One downside of the strap is that is very stiff and might require a long break-in period before it becomes supple and nicely molded to the wearer's wrist —not a big deal as once you put this watch on you will not want to take it off.
Due to its thickness, the watch wears slightly smaller than its actual size but extremely comfortably. This watch has an amazing wrist presence and for sure is a timepiece that will be a conversation starter due to its mono-pusher chronograph and its timeless design.
Sticker Price $21,300 USD. For more info on Blancpain click here.
