Born in the early 1980s, the design of the Villeret collection took shape around a set of attributes rooted in the grand watchmaking tradition. Easily recognizable at first glance, these features include a slender double-stepped case, an understated dial, applied gold hour-markers and sage leaf-shaped hands.
This year, Blancpain is introducing a new addition to the family of Villeret models: an ultra-slim 38 mm-diameter timepiece displaying the date and offering a contemporary take on the collection’s signature codes. Respectively framed by a steel or red gold case, the luminous white or opaline dial is enhanced by 28 gold appliques patiently positioned and affixed by hand to form the Roman numerals. These are swept over by hours and minutes hands shaped like hollowed sage leaves, while the seconds are marked by a slender hand bearing the initials of the founder, Jehan-Jacques Blancpain. This information is enriched by a date display at 3 o'clock, through an aperture sized to ensure optimal visual balance and legibility.
While simplicity reigns supreme on the dial, the sapphire back reveals a finely structured movement brimming with contrasts, Blancpain Calibre 1150. Circular-grained and adorned with the traditional côtes de Genève motif, it also features a gold oscillating weight with a honeycomb pattern. The 1150 movement is a watch industry benchmark that paved the way for generous power reserves. Thanks to the use of two series-coupled barrels and high-performance springs, it has doubled the standard capacities – of around 40 to 48 hours – in order to achieve a comfortable four days of autonomy while ensuring constant energy throughout this period. These technical features are complemented by the use of a silicon balance-spring guaranteeing remarkable non-magnetic and chronometric properties.
The new Villeret Ultraplate from Blancpain reproduces the onward march of time through a refined blend of slimness and purity, distilled within a case whose dimensions are suited to each and every wearer. For those looking for additional sparkle, a gem-set model is available. Paired with an alligator strap that is black for the steel version and brown for the red gold iteration, this timepiece is also available with a refined mille mailles bracelet in steel or gold respectively.
