The prestigious Swiss brand Blancpain introduced a wristwatch in the 1980s that incorporated the moon phase mechanism, a tradition dating back to pocket watches. This showcased the beauty and prestige of mechanical timepieces crafted with expert workmanship. Now, the moon phase, beloved as a symbol of the brand, marks time in a fantastical way, accompanied by a feminine glow.
Styling by MAFUMI, Retouching by Masato Tomita(alpharobe),
Hair & Make-up by Akiko Sakamoto(SIGNO),
Modeled by Mayuka Otsuka, Text by Aki Nogami,
Edited by Yoshimi Kondo(Y-qua)
[Article published in Chronos Femme, September 2026 issue]
Blancpain is a watch brand with one of the world's longest histories.
The rich colors and stylized Roman numeral indices create a captivatingly feminine design. A woman with a star-shaped mole is depicted on the moon. This coral blue model radiates a vibrant charm, like the shimmering sea. "Ladybird Colors." Automatic winding. Rose gold x diamond + alligator strap. 34.9mm diameter. 5,709,000 yen (tax included).
Blancpain, a prestigious name that has produced numerous masterpieces of mechanical watchmaking, has also rewritten the history of women's watches with its superb craftsmanship.
Jean-Jacques Blancpain founded the company in the village of Villeret in the Jura region. In 1859, he opened a workshop specializing in complex movements in Le Brassus in the Vallée de Joux, which is the company's current base, and continued to develop the business.
Betty Pfister, who enjoyed the deep trust of the Blancpain family, took over the business in 1933 after the death of the 7th generation head. As the first female CEO and owner, she contributed to the development of the brand.
Amidst economic headwinds in the watch industry, one of the strategies devised by the company's first female CEO was the development of women's watches. This led to the creation of the "Cal.R55," a hand-wound, round movement with a diameter of just 11.85 mm. The photo shows the "Cal.R550," which features a crown on the back.
The "Ladybird" watch, featuring the world's smallest round mechanical movement, the "Cal. R55," debuted in 1956. This timepiece is still remembered today as a masterpiece embodying Betty Pfister's desire for women's advancement in society.
As Blancpain expanded its market into America, Marilyn Monroe is said to have been a fan of their watches. Perhaps they were a gift from her former husband, Arthur Miller.
An elegant moon phase model born from the tradition of mechanical watchmaking.
A moon phase complication, inherited from the pocket watch era, indicates the phases of the moon that change over approximately 29.5 days. While it serves a functional role in visually conveying the lunar phases, it has also gained immense popularity in the ladies' watch market in recent years. The reason lies in the fantastical designs of the moon and stars on the rotating disc visible through a small window on the dial. The night sky unfolding on the wrist brings the pleasure of appreciating the watch itself.
The Blancpain watches featured here, too, evoke a sense of elegance, with their moon motifs inspired by courtly women adorned with beauty marks. Each watch movement employs a silicon balance spring for superior magnetic resistance. The colorful "Ladybird" boasts a 100-hour power reserve, while the miniature "Villeret" celebrates the tradition of mechanical watchmaking with its classic pointer-style date display. These watches, imbued with the brand's history and the reliable capabilities befitting the modern woman's lifestyle, blend the beauty of the moon and stars to accompany you daily, weaving romantic moments together.
This collection inherits the name of Blancpain's historic masterpiece, the "Ladybird." Equipped with Blancpain's in-house automatic movement "Cal. 1163L," it boasts high practicality alongside its colorful appeal, including a power reserve of approximately four days. "Ladybird Colors." Automatic winding. Rose gold x diamond + alligator strap. Diameter 34.9mm. ¥5,709,000 (tax included).
Moon phase brings beautiful color to life.
This moon phase model is a successor to the "Ladybird," a masterpiece from the 1950s featuring the world's smallest round mechanical movement. It speaks to the brand's pride in developing women's watches that are both elegant and precise.
Based on the theme of "the fusion of watchmaking and jewelry," diamonds are set not only on the bezel but also on the inner ring. Both are from the "Ladybird Colors" collection. Automatic winding. Diameter 34.9mm. Right: Rose gold x diamond + alligator strap. 5,709,000 yen (tax included). Left: White gold x diamond + alligator strap. 5,709,000 yen (tax included).
The moon is in a high heavenly garden.
Like a blooming flower
With quiet joy,
Sitting at night and smiling
--From William Blake's "Night"
Introduced in 2026, the skin-friendly "Nude Mocha" color is a new addition. This warm hue, combined with the high-quality "Nacre Pearl" dial (which accounts for only 2% of the total production), creates a natural beauty. "Ladybird Colors." Automatic movement. WG x D + alligator strap. 34.9mm diameter. ¥5,709,000 (tax included).
Darkness and light,
All of its most beautiful things
Her form and the eyes that reside within her
--From George Gordon Byron's "Hebrew Songs"
A mini size with a diameter of 29.2 mm is now available. The cool color scheme, featuring a moon in the same color as the stainless steel case, is also appealing. The interchangeable strap, which allows for easy strap changes, is a welcome feature. "Villeredate Moonphase". Automatic winding. Stainless steel x stainless steel + alligator strap. Diameter 29.2 mm. 2,541,000 yen (tax included).
The maison's icon, embodying the elegance of the moon.
Named after Blancpain's birthplace, "Villeret" is a collection of dress watches that carries on the tradition of pocket watches. Its miniature size exudes understated beauty, while also possessing a classic charm that we want to pass on to future generations.
The distinctive pointer-style date display uses a curved serpent hand. The combination of warm red gold and the soft-toned opaline dial exudes a refined elegance. Equipped with the cutting-edge "Cal. 913QL" movement. "Villeret Date Moonphase". Automatic winding. RG x D + alligator strap. Diameter 29.2mm. 3,641,000 yen (tax included).
