Blancpain has just added one of the most useful complications to the Villeret Collection with the introduction of the line’s very first Day-Date model. Known for its superb clean dials and manufacture movements, the Collection now boasts a horological complication that indicates the day of the week and the date, along with the hours and minutes, and small seconds.
The new model is housed in a stainless steel or 18K gold case measuring 40 mm in diameter x 10.40 mm thick. As with all Blancpain Villeret Collection dials, the layout is harmonious and designed so you can read all the information at a glance. Central leaf-shaped cut-out hands point to large Roman numerals to indicate the time. The day of the week and the date are conveniently positioned together, at 3 o’clock, while the small seconds is displayed at 6 o’clock. The day change is instantaneous; that of the date is semi-instantaneous.
This timepiece Ref. 6652-1127-55B is equipped with the automatic calibre 1160DD — a result of Blancpain research that enables the brand to produce its own movements with the latest technology and materials for enhanced timekeeping precision. Here, the balance wheel is made of Glucydur, an alloy used for its non-magnetic and low coefficient of thermal expansion properties. The balance spring is in silicon, known for its low density and more shock-resistant properties, also impervious to magnetic fields. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vph, the self-winding movement is powered by two mainspring barrels for a power reserve of 72 hours.
Through the sapphire crystal case back, we admire the finely hand-finished movement and the yellow gold winding rotor with its honeycomb guilloché pattern.
Water resistant to 30 meters, these timepieces are fitted with a black or brown alligator strap.
Known for its superb clean dials and manufacture movements, the Villeret Collection from Blancpain now boasts a horological complication that indicates the day of the week and the date.
Priced at EUR10,180/$10,900 for the steel version and EUR17,670/$20,500 for the version in 18K gold, they will be in shops from September 2017.
