Cover Blancpain’s Villeret is a classic line of elegant watches
Blancpain’s Villeret is a classic line of elegant watches
1 / 1
Blancpain revisits its classic line, giving it an understated modernity
Launched in 2003, the Villeret is the purest expression of Blancpain’s heritage, a line of watches rooted in the elegance of Swiss classicism. Named after the village where Blancpain was founded in 1735, it distills centuries of watchmaking savoir-faire into restrained lines, clean profiles, and dials of remarkable clarity. Beneath this serenity lies mechanical depth: hand-finished movements, solid complications, and traditional techniques.
The collection stemmed from a 1983 watch, the smallest complete calendar (21mm) of its time. It set the design codes that would come to distinguish the Villeret: double-stepped bezel and refined aesthetics. What was extraordinary about it was the timing of its release—the industry was in the throes of the quartz crisis, and, through this watch, Blancpain wanted to demonstrate that mechanical timepieces would not only endure but also serve as a symbol of excellence.
“This timepiece was more than a tribute to horological tradition. It opened new perspectives and reignited interest in mechanical watchmaking,” said Marc A. Hayek, president and CEO of Blancpain.
Read more: Blancpain reiterates its environmental commitment with this limited-edition Fifty Fathoms
Above The three new models of Blancpain Villeret
The three new models of Blancpain Villeret
1 / 1
This autumn, Blancpain ushers in a new chapter for its Villeret line. A classic palette of golden-brown sunburst dials, opaline surfaces brushed with warm gold introduces a softer, more contemporary sensibility. Paired with supple, hand-stitched interchangeable straps, the subtleties and refinement of the latest Villeret family are the antidote to today’s overstimulated world.
Slender, re-sculpted hands glow discreetly in the dark, while Roman numerals in 18k gold catch the light with crisp definition. The maison’s “JB” emblem at 12 o’clock is a poetic nod to founder Jehan-Jacques Blancpain. The caseback reveals an openworked oscillating weight in red or yellow gold, bevelled and beautifully finished, frames the beating heart within.
See also: Chopard’s tribute to the beauty of Japan
Above Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate
Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate
1 / 1
Moon phase aficionados will find even more to admire. The Villeret’s hallmark receives a soulful update with a larger aperture, a ceramic disc, and a domed, satin-finished gold moon with a face–a masculine version for the complete calendar, a feminine one for the moon phase calendar.
Practicality hasn’t been forgotten either. The 33.2mm moon phase calendar is adjustable via traditional correctors on the caseband. The 40mm complete calendar hides its correctors under the lug, which can be operated with a simple press of the finger—no special tool required.
The most elegant of the three is the Ultraplate—practical, simple, and sublime.
Read more: Swatch pays tribute to Blancpain’s iconic dive watch, the Fifty Fathoms
Above Blancpain Villeret Quantième Phases de Lune
Blancpain Villeret Quantième Phases de Lune
1 / 1
Cases are refined with slimmer bezels, wider crowns, and reworked lugs for a lighter, more fluid profile. Yet what remains constant is the spirit of Villeret—the quiet devotion to craft, the poetic balance of purity and depth, and the conviction that true elegance never announces itself loudly. Powered by in-house calibres finished to haute horlogerie standards, this new chapter reinforces what Blancpain has always known: evolution, when guided by heritage and sensitivity, is not a revolution but a whisper that carries far.
The result is a collection that embodies the spirit of Villeret—the quiet devotion to craft, the balance of purity and depth, and the conviction that elegance never announces itself loudly.
Above Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet Phases de Lune
Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet Phases de Lune
1 / 1
Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
