Blancpain Expands The Villeret Collection With The New “Golden Hour” Series
Blancpain unveils a major expansion of its signature Villeret line with the introduction of the new Villeret Golden Hour series, comprising sixteen new references across three core models. This refresh brings a refined aesthetic language and technical updates that modernize the brand’s classic dress watch collection while maintaining the timeless character for which the Villeret name is known.
A New Design Direction
All three models — the Villeret Ultraplate, the Villeret Quantième Complet Phases de Lune (40mm), and the Villeret Quantième Phases de Lune (33.20 mm) — share several key design updates. The signature leaf hands have been subtly redesigned, now slimmer and enhanced with luminescent material for improved readability. The applied Roman numerals have been replaced by sleeker, more contemporary versions, while the “12” numeral has given way to an applied “JB” monogram, a tribute to Blancpain’s founder, Jehan-Jacques Blancpain.
On the reverse, the openworked oscillating weight replaces the previous solid rotor, featuring the same “JB” motif in a three-dimensional form. The collection also introduces new quick-release leather straps, allowing wearers to easily switch between styles without tools.
The Villeret Ultraplate: Classic Elegance in its Purest Form
The most minimalist of the trio, the Villeret Ultraplate, embodies Blancpain’s understated sophistication. Measuring 40 mm in diameter and just 8.70 mm in height, it presents a refined three-hand configuration with a discreet date display. Available in stainless steel or red gold, and with a choice of opaline or golden brown dials, this model offers four variations in total.
Powering the watch is the Calibre 1151, an automatic movement visible through the sapphire caseback, known for its reliability and slim architecture. With its timeless proportions and elegant simplicity, the Ultraplate remains the quintessential Blancpain dress watch.
Blancpain, Villaret Ultraplate, 6651N. Opaline or golden-brown dial, stainless steel or 18K red gold case, 40 mm diameter, 8.70 mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 30 meters water resistance. Leather strap with a folding clasp. Calibre 1151, automatic movement, hour, minutes, seconds, date, 21,600 Vph, 100 hours of power reserve. Price: CHF 9,900 (steel), CHF 20,500 (red gold).
The Villeret Quantième Complet Phases de Lune: A Refined Calendar Classic
The Villeret Quantième Complet Phases de Lune (40 mm) continues Blancpain’s legacy of complete calendars, displaying the day, month, and date, alongside the brand’s iconic moonphase indicator. The moonphase aperture now features a larger, more expressive opening, showcasing a domed, satin-finished gold moon set against a blue ceramic sky adorned with golden stars.
This model houses the Calibre 6654.4, a 72-hour power reserve automatic movement renowned for its “secured” design, which allows safe adjustment of the calendar functions at any time of day. Blancpain’s ingenious under-lug corrector system enables tool-free adjustment of the calendar — a feature unique to the brand and highly appreciated by collectors.
Like the Ultraplate, the 40mm complete calendar comes in steel or red gold with opaline or golden brown dials, forming four distinct references.
Blancpain, Villaret Quantieme Complet Phases de Lune, 6654N. Opaline or golden-brown dial, stainless steel or 18K red gold case, 40 mm diameter, 10.60 mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 30 meters water resistance. Leather strap with a folding clasp. Calibre 6654.4, automatic movement, hour, minutes, seconds, day, date, month, moon phases, 28,800 Vph, 72 hours of power reserve. Price: CHF 15,400 (steel), CHF 27,200 (red gold).
The Villeret Quantième Phases de Lune: Compact and Graceful
For those who prefer a smaller case, the Villeret Quantième Phases de Lune (33.20 mm) offers a poetic interpretation of the moonphase complication. This model pairs a pointer date with the signature moonphase display, which now features a gentler, dreamy expression for the moon design.
Inside beats the Calibre 913QL.P, another secured automatic movement that allows safe adjustment of the indications at any time. Unlike its larger counterpart, this version uses traditional correctors on the case flank. It is available in the same combinations of steel or red gold with opaline or golden brown dials, and each version also comes in a diamond-set variant, resulting in eight total references.
Blancpain, Villaret Quantieme Phases de Lune 33mm, 6126N. Opaline or golden-brown dial, stainless steel or 18K red gold case, 33.20 mm diameter, 10.40 mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 30 meters water resistance. Leather strap with a folding clasp. Calibre 913QL.P, automatic movement, hour, minutes, seconds, date, moon phases, 21,600 Vph, 40 hours of power reserve. Price: CHF 11,600 (steel), CHF 16,400 (steel with diamond bezel), CHF 19,400 (red gold), CHF 24,400 (red gold with diamond bezel).
The Essence of Modern Blancpain Elegance
With the new Villeret Golden Hour series, Blancpain brings a subtle yet meaningful evolution to its most traditional collection. The refreshed designs balance heritage and modernity, while the brand’s technical innovations — particularly the secured movements and under-lug correctors — continue to enhance functionality and everyday usability.
Whether in steel or gold, the warmth of the new dials, the refined proportions, and the enhanced legibility reinforce Blancpain’s position as a master of classic watchmaking — where timeless design meets contemporary craftsmanship.
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