Blancpain's Masterpiece Dress Watch, the Villeret, Breaks New Ground

As you may know, the "luxury sports" watch boom has died down, and instead dress watches made by prestigious brands are becoming increasingly popular. Among these, Villeret, a watch enthusiasts have once again been enthusiastically attracted attention. Blancpain, the oldest surviving watch brand, has continued to carefully craft its Villeret collection. New releases have been released for the first time in a long time for Villeret's popular models, the Villeret Complete Calendar and Villeret Ultra Slim. While adhering to traditional design codes, these watches have been meticulously refined to exude a modern allure. Let's take a look back at the profile of this masterpiece collection and discuss the highlights of the new releases.

A traditional collection that inherits outstanding craftsmanship and pure style

　Blancpain, the oldest surviving watch brand, will celebrate its 290th anniversary in 2025. It currently has manufacturing facilities in Le Brassus and Le Sentier, Switzerland, but its origins lie in Villeret, a small village in the Jura Mountains.

　As the name suggests, the Villeret collection is not just a dress watch, but a collection that encapsulates the Maison's illustrious history. While the name itself has only been around since 2003, the collection's roots lie in six complication watches released by Blancpain between 1983 and 1989: the Complete Calendar with moon phase in 1983, the Ultra-Slim in 1984, the Perpetual Calendar and Minute Repeater in 1985, and the Split-Seconds Chronograph and Flying Tourbillon in 1989. (Note that the Grand Complication, Ref. 1735, which combined all six functions, was also released in 1991.)

　These watches, known as the "Six Masterpieces," appeared at a time when quartz watches were taking the watch world by storm. Not only did they provide a powerful boost to the revival of the prestigious Blancpain, which was dormant at the time, but they are also known for being the beginning of the revival of mechanical watches.

　Villeret's beautiful and elegant style is firmly established with the Six Masterpieces.

　Its features, including a thin and compact round case, a softly rounded double-step bezel, and hour and minute hands resembling cut-out sage, have remained unchanged for over 40 years. However, as befits Blancpain's signature dress watch, the mechanism and details have evolved over time. This is why the Villeret has always captured the hearts of discerning aesthetes.

　The new model has been meticulously refined in every aspect to ensure that this masterpiece dress watch can be passed down to the next generation. As a result, it retains its classical elegance and sophistication while also exuding a certain modern sexiness. This calculated evolution is sure to be irresistible to discerning watch lovers. Below, we will take a closer look at the revamped points.

Adding a contemporary aesthetic to a classic full calendar model

　The Villeret Complete Calendar is particularly popular among the Villeret collection. Its basic design and functions are based on the first Six Masterpiece model released in 1983, and it features a triple calendar with date, day of the week, and month, as well as a moon phase display.

　The new Villeret Complete Calendar is available in a choice of rich 18K red gold or stainless steel cases, each with a sunburst golden brown dial or a soft milky white opaline dial (the stainless steel model features gold accents). Perhaps because Villeret's dials have traditionally been pure white, both offer a refreshingly fresh impression. The exquisite color choices enhance the vintage style while also evoking a sense of modernity.

　

　

　

　

　The highlight of the watch, the moon phase disc, has also been cleverly updated. The plump moon and stars are crafted from 18K gold applied to a ceramic disc, further enhancing their presence on the dial. Blancpain's moon phase display traditionally depicts a face on the moon, a nod to the ancestors who personified the heavenly bodies, but this expression has now been rendered more three-dimensional. The familiar sidelong glance, a charming feature, also looks more striking.

　The hour and minute hands, shaped like sage leaves, a Villeret signature, have also been updated. The new model features a sharper design, and the center, which was previously skeletonized, is now filled with Super-LumiNova, improving visibility at night.

　The 18K gold Roman numeral indexes have also been significantly revised. Instead of the letter "Ⅻ" at 12 o'clock, the logo now features the initials "JB" of founder Jean-Jacques Blancpain. The font for each numeral has also been redesigned to be clean and unadorned. The top and the sloped surface continuing from it have a fine hairline finish, while the sides are polished, allowing the watch to sparkle even more with the slightest movement of the wrist.

　At first glance, the 40mm diameter case appears unchanged from the previous model, but the double-step bezel has actually been slimmed down. The case thickness has also been slightly reduced. While the difference from the previous model is only 0.3mm, the larger crown accentuates the comparatively slimmer case. The redesigned lugs also improve the actual wearing comfort.

　The movement is still the in-house Cal. 6654.4. It features a complete calendar function, a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, and a thickness of just 5.32mm. The balance spring is made of silicon, which offers excellent anti-magnetic properties.

　The previous model had a guilloched 18K gold rotor, but the new model has a bold openwork design, allowing you to see every corner of the movement, which is a nice feature.

　While fast-forwarding the calendar at a certain time can lead to malfunctions in a regular mechanical watch, the Villeret can be corrected at any time. Furthermore, thanks to the under-lug corrector patented in 2004, this model allows you to easily adjust the calendar with just a finger, without the need for special tools.

　Since its debut in 1983 as the first of the Six Masterpieces, the Complete Calendar model has remained one of Blancpain's iconic watches. The latest Villeret Complete Calendar model retains its beautiful design while incorporating the aesthetics, proportions, and functionality demanded by the times. It's the perfect choice for those seeking a timeless watch that combines classic complications with a modern touch to adorn their wrists.

The new Villeret Ultra Slim, with its pure beauty further accentuated

　On the other hand, for those who want to enjoy the Villeret style in a simpler way, we would recommend the new Villeret Ultra Slim.

　

　

　

　

　Like the previously introduced "Villeret Complete Calendar," this watch also features updated details, such as a new font and finish for the Roman numeral indexes and Super-LumiNova inserts on the hour and minute hands. Perhaps due to the original simple dial, the reinterpretation of Villeret's design code, which is somehow modern despite being a classical dress watch, is more clearly felt. The "JB" logo at the 12 o'clock index is also particularly eye-catching.

　The movement used is the Cal. 1151. The basic design dates back to 1993, and while its vibration frequency is not high at 21,600 vph, it remains a top-tier automatic movement recognized by watch enthusiasts as one of the most powerful in the industry. Despite its compact size of 27.4mm in diameter and 3.25mm thick, the double barrel provides a power reserve of approximately 100 hours. In recent years, the adoption of a silicon balance spring and free-sprung balance has improved magnetic resistance and isochronism.

　Thin dress watches with a simple three-hand and date display are often thought of as being suitable for formal occasions or with a classic suit, but the subtle modern touches make the Villeret Ultra Slim a watch that complements a wider range of styles. If you want to wear a dress watch with a classy aura on a daily basis, this is the perfect model.

Six boutiques where you can experience the world of Blancpain

　If you're interested in Blancpain watches and want to deepen your understanding of the exquisite watchmaking that combines tradition and innovation, the best thing to do is visit a Blancpain boutique. The store, which reflects the brand's worldview, offers a wide selection of major collections, including not only the Villeret introduced in this article, but also the Fifty Fathoms, Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, and Air Command, and you can leisurely check out your favorite model under the guidance of knowledgeable and experienced staff.

　Here we introduce six boutiques currently operating in Japan.

Blancpain Boutique Ginza

Address: 〒104-0061
Nicolas G. Hayek Center 4th floor, 7-9-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Telephone number: 03-6254-7233

Blancpain Boutique Osaka Shinsaibashi

Address: 〒542-0081
Osaka Metro Shinsaibashi Building 1F, 3-11-18 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Telephone number: 06-6281-1735

Blancpain Boutique Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store

Address: 〒103-8001
Watch Gallery, 6th floor, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, 1-4-1 Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Telephone number: 03-6281-9953

Blancpain Boutique Ginza Mitsukoshi

Address: 〒104-0061
Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building 4F, 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Watch
Phone number: 03-3562-1111 (Ginza Mitsukoshi main office)

Blancpain Boutique Isetan Shinjuku

Address: 〒160-0022
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Main Building 5F, 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Watch
Telephone number: 03-6380-1818

Blancpain Boutique Hankyu Umeda Main Store

Address: 〒530-8350
Hankyu Umeda Main Store, 9th floor Watch Gallery, 8-7 Kakuta-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Telephone number: 06-6313-0749

　You can search for Blancpain retailers nationwide, including boutiques, at the following URL.

https://www.blancpain.com/ja/sabisu/fanmaidian

　In addition, Blancpain has recently launched an official LINE account, so add them as a friend and check the latest information.

https://lin.ee/kXsefeY