Discover Blancpain's four new deep green models in the Villeret Collection, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship in red gold with sunburst green dials.
Blancpain has introduced four new models to its Villeret Collection, all of them crafted from 18kt red gold and adorned by sunburst green dials whose deep shade was directly inspired by the Vallée de Joux fir trees that surround the Manufacture in Le Brassus.
The Villeret style is recognizable in the rounded double-stepped bezel, stylish hands meticulously crafted in the shape of cut-out sage leaves, applied Roman numeral hour-markers crafted in gold and, of course, slim cases.
The first model is the Villeret Tourbillon Carrousel, ref. 2322-3653-55B, first introduced in 2013 (read more here) to demonstrate Blancpain's ability to create extremely complex mechanical masterpieces by combining two regulators, a tourbillon and a carrousel.
While these two systems serve the same purpose to reduce the effects of gravity on a movement's operation, they are based on distinct construction principles.
In the case of the tourbillon, the carriage is linked to the barrel by a single gear train, meaning that if this mechanical connection is interrupted, the tourbillon also stops turning.
Meanwhile, the carrousel is connected to the barrel by two gear trains. The first supplies the energy required to operate the escapement, while the second controls the speed of the carriage’s rotation.
The difference between the two systems is that the carrousel is more complexly designed and has more components. Thus, integrating these two regulators presents a real challenge.
The achievement was possible by means of Calibre 2322, integrating a flying tourbillon at 12 o'clock and a flying carrousel at 6 o'clock, along with a date display at 3 o'clock.
Featuring two independently rotating carriages linked by a differential that transmits the average rate of the two regulators to the time display, this watch has an external winding crown enabling the two barrels to be wound simultaneously, while guaranteeing equal winding.
Such a sophisticated solution endows the 44.60 mm x 11.94 mm timepiece with impressive precision and a seven-day power reserve, which is displayed through the sapphire crystal case back.
The Villeret Quantième Complet, ref. 6654A-3653-55B, associates a complete calendar with a moon-phase display. This 40 mm x 10.94 mm timepiece shows the date, day of the week and month through a date ring and two dedicated apertures, all arranged to ensure optimum visual balance and readability.
To protect the complex calendar mechanism, Calibre 6654 is secured so as to enable the wearer to adjust the calendar indications whenever they wish, using Blancpain's patented under-lug correctors that can be operated simply at the press of a finger. The power reserve of this model is 72 hours.
In a minimalist approach, the Villeret Extraplate, ref. 6651-3653-55B, focuses on essential time indications (hours, minutes, and seconds) with the addition of the date, leaving ample space to appreciate its new dial.
Driven by the ultra-thin self-winding Calibre 1151 (measuring a mere 3.37 mm), this 40 mm timepiece is just 8.70 mm thick. Despite this remarkable thinness, the Villeret Extraplate has a substantial power reserve of 100 hours ensured by its twin series-coupled barrels.
Finally, we have the exquisitely feminine Villeret Quantième Phases de Lune, ref. 6126-2953-55B. Housed in a 33.20 mm x 10.20 mm case, this model is graced with Blancpain's renowned moon phase.
The moon, adorned with a beauty spot (referred to in French as a mouche for its resemblance to a fly), features closed eyelids framed by long eyelashes, bringing a touch of elegance to the timepiece. A serpentine hand indicates the date on a date ring.
The dial and the case are illuminated by nearly 1 carat of brilliant-cut diamonds while the meticulously finished self-winding 913QL.P calibre offers a 40-hour power reserve.
All models are fitted with alligator leather straps and are water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres / 100 feet). blancpain.com
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