Blancpain's signature dress watch, the Villeret. The evolution and true value of the collection as seen in the latest model.

The Villeret collection, which embodies Blancpain's elegance, is a model that inherits the tradition of the Six Masterpieces, which was produced over several years starting in 1983 and became a symbol of the revival of mechanical wristwatches. While the exterior appears unchanged at first glance, the latest model has undergone a quiet yet impressive overhaul, with every detail reviewed, from the dial design and rotor to the case. Here you can find timeless elegance that has evolved into the modern era while preserving tradition.

Modern details bring a tranquil newness

　The Villeret model is the brand's signature dress watch collection, launched in 2003. The name comes from Villeret, located in the Swiss Jura Mountains, where the company was founded.

　The design of this watch inherits the legendary "Six Masterpieces" complication, which Blancpain developed over several years starting in 1983, when the brand, which had been dormant since the heyday of quartz watches, aimed to revive mechanical watches. It traces the brand's history from its birth and relaunch to preserve its mechanical watch traditions. Today, the collection offers a wide range of timepieces, from complications such as minute repeaters, tourbillons, and perpetual calendars to simple models such as two-hand manual winding watches.

　Three new models have been announced this time: the Villeret Complete Calendar, which is the subject of this article, as well as the Villeret Ultra Slim and Villeret Date Moon Phase. The case sizes are 40mm and 33.2mm in diameter, the same as the current models, and the movements will also remain the same. At first glance, the appearance does not look very different, but when you look at the details, the differences are clear.

　The double-step bezel, a symbol of the collection, has become slimmer, adding a subtle yet elegant sophistication. The shape of the lugs emphasizes the strength and line with the strap, and the crown, which has been enlarged in some models, has also improved practicality.

　The first thing that catches your eye on the dial is the "JB" logo, the initials of founder Jean-Jacques Blancpain, which replaces the Roman numerals at 12 o'clock. While it has previously been used as a counterweight for the second hand, this is the first time the brand has used it on the indexes. The other Roman numerals have changed from the traditional serif font to a faceted sans serif font, giving a sharper impression. In line with this, the hour and minute hands have also changed from the previous leaf type to a dauphine type, and the skeleton type has been changed to a Super-LumiNova type. This is another practical feature that is rare in dress watches.

　Also noteworthy is the moon phase display, which is popular for its charming moon face. The moon features a separate, satin-finished gold moon on a navy ceramic disc, replacing the traditional plate with a relief, creating a sense of quality. It also harmonizes beautifully with the unique curve of the serpentine hands.

　The dials are available in either a golden brown sunray finish or an opaline grained finish, each with its own distinctive character. The team from the brand's Métiers d'Art department was responsible for the creation, and the result is a full application of decorative techniques and know-how.

　The Villeret Complete Calendar is the collection's signature model. While the original was inspired by the style of a pocket watch, the new model has a more modern appeal as a wristwatch. It exudes timeless elegance, constantly changing without changing.

　Blancpain will celebrate its 290th anniversary in 2025. The brand doesn't talk about it loudly, perhaps viewing it as merely a milestone for one of the world's oldest watch brands. But that pride is evident in Villeret's latest creations.