4 Blancpain Watches That Exudes Sophistication

Blancpain commenced as a modest home workshop in Villeret, Switzerland, of watchmaker as well as schoolteacher Jehan-Jacques Blancpain. Blancpain is a Swiss watchmaker based in Paudex that has adhered to time-honored watchmaking guidelines since its beginnings in 1735. As a result, the company takes great pride in using solely mechanical movements and no digital components. This brand distinguishes itself through low-volume, traditional watchmaking in a workshop setting, with fewer than 30 watches produced per day. The company grew through several generations of the family, eventually industrializing and expanding its operations globally.

Blancpain watches are constantly improved while remaining true to their centuries-old legacy. This expertise of the watchmaking method allows for complete freedom in the design of high-performance movements. The result is some of the most complicated movements ever produced by the manufacturer’s aesthetic rules.

• Blancpain Heure Decentre Petite Seconde Retrograde Watch

Wear a Blancpain watch for sophistication, especially with the Blancpain Heure Decentre Petite Seconde Retrograde Watch. This stunning timepiece is powered by the in-house manufactured caliber 2663SR mechanical movement, which is comprised of 226 individual parts. The self-winding mechanism beats at a rapid rate of 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz). Aside from its delicate mechanics, this Blancpain is distinguished by its intricate lines, harmonious proportions, and the 152 diamonds that sparkle from its bezel and dial, creating the perfect visual balance. The red gold case measures 36.8mm in diameter and houses the watch. Its feminine case is adorned with 108 one-carat diamonds.

The gem-setting, which is made up of two intertwined rows of diamonds of various sizes, is reminiscent of Blancpain’s iconic double-stepped case design. A diamond is also set in the crown, which adds the finishing touch of refinement. Beneath the front sapphire glass is a lovely dial with an off-centered hours and minutes sub-dial at 12 o’clock, four polished Arabic numerals (3, 6, 9, and 12), and drop-shaped open-worked hour and minute hands. The retrograde 30-second indication is located at 6 o’clock, along with the Blancpain signature.

The watch has a sapphire glass case back that allows you to see the Côtes de Genève finish as well as the oscillating weight formed like a five-petal flower. This ladies’ watch is available in three different finishes: red gold with a white mother-of-pearl dial, white gold with a blue mother-of-pearl dial, and stainless steel with a white dial. The gold models have white ostrich leather straps, while the steel model has an alligator leather strap.

• Blancpain Retrograde Calendar Watch

This stunning Retrograde Calendar is housed in a 36mm diameter red or white gold case. The stunning case is only 10.75mm thick and features an incredible bezel encrusted with glittering diamonds. A diamond-topped crown completes its beauty and femininity. The dial is the most impressive aspect of the watch. The one-of-a-kind dial is embellished with mother-of-pearl marquetry and endearing details.

The hour and minute hands have been decentralized and relocated to the lower portion of the dial, at 6 o’clock. Its moon phase indicator at 12 o’clock represents the fantastical nature of this exquisite watch, which is set against a starry, diamond-studded sky. The calendar is represented by a retrograde hand that constantly returns to the first day of the month. Its serpentine blue hand has a star on its tip, which ensures that the date displayed in the upper section of the dial is visible. The brand name and the year the company was founded, 1735, are located at the 9 o’clock position. The watch’s sophistication is also reflected in the sapphire crystal case-back, which reveals a lovely flower-shaped oscillating weight.

The watch is operated by the automatic caliber 2650RL, which has a power reserve of 65 hours if fully charged. The self-winding movement is made up of 302 individual parts and is built on 32 jewels. It comes in two varieties. The first is in red gold and has the reference number 3653-2954-58B, while the second is in white gold and has the reference number 3653-1954L-58B. These two models are both attached to a refined white leather strap that looks great on a lady’s wrist.

• Blancpain Dove Chronograph

The Blancpain Dove is encased in a feminine 18-karat white gold case. The round case has a diameter of 34mm and a thickness of 9.4mm. The case features a stunning bezel set with two rows of sparkling white diamonds totaling 0.7 carats. Furthermore, the case is built to withstand water pressures of up to 30 meters (about 100 feet). When fully charged, this outstanding novelty is powered by a manufacturing automatic caliber Blancpain 1153 that gives no less than 100 hours of power reserve.

The self-winding mechanism is made up of 28 jewels and has a frequency of 21,600 oscillations per hour (3 Hz) as well as functions for hours, minutes, and seconds. It is made up of 186 parts. The most fascinating thing about the mechanism – the hand-decorated oscillating weight with a dove engraving and the inscription ONLY WATCH 2013 – is visible through the case back. The reference number for this watch is 3300-3554L-55B. It is fastened with a folding clasp to a white alligator leather strap.

• Blancpain Villeret “Pièce Unique” Watch

The brand designed the fantastic “Pièce Unique” watch for the Villeret Collection, which features a one-of-a-kind micro-painted enamel masterpiece depicting the classic image of an oriental landscape painting. The micro-painted technique, considered one of the most demanding and rare traditional enamel processes, contributes to the sumptuous aesthetic quality of this chronograph. The creative concept that required multiple color tests, delicate drawing through a highly magnified glass, and the careful selection of the finest brushstrokes resulted in vivid colors, transparent and smooth luster, and beautiful carving on the white enamel plate. This work of art is housed in an 18 karat red gold case with a 45mm diameter.

Takeaway

Blancpain makes wonderful watches with craftsmanship that rivals that of many other Swiss luxury watchmakers. It is one of the few watchmaking companies that has mastered the whole manufacturing process, including the design and development of its movements. From research and development to assembly and hand-finished decoration, every stage of the manufacturing process is conducted in-house. To make sure that the timepieces produced are true to the brand’s centuries-old heritage while remaining innovative, the master craftsmen take watchmaking to the next level by manufacturing their tools in-house as well.