Introducing The New Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar
In 2012, Blancpain presented the world with the first wristwatch with the traditional Chinese calendar, in a platinum edition with a white enamel dial and now that a new cycle of the lunar year begins, the Swiss watch brand celebrates the date with a new limited edition of 50 pieces that come in a red gold case and a green enamel dial.
Twelve years is the cycle that runs through each lunar year and therefore the existence of twelve different animals in the Chinese zodiac, this year displays the Dragon but over the next few years it will cycle through the remaining animals that now appear redesigned in the new Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar displayed at the top of the dial in a small window positioned at noon.
But the figure of the Dragon is not only present on the dial, as it is also engraved on the red gold rotor flanked by a ruby and the words ‘Dragon’ and ‘Wood’ in Chinese, elements of 2024.
The exquisite watch once again wears a polished round case measuring 45.20mm in diameter and 15.10mm thick, which this year comes in red gold, straight lugs and between them we can find the discreet and patented calendar correctors, sapphire crystal on both sides, fluted crown at three o’clock with the brand’s signature and 30m of water resistance.
On the Grand Feu Enamel green dial red gold applied Roman numerals operated by two open leaf-shaped centre hands, three registers at 12-3-9 o’clock, with a 24-hour double counter with numbers and symbols, a 10-year counter celestial stems and a double 12-month and 30-day counter that also adds a leap month indicator, respectively. On the busy dial we can also find a moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock and a central serpentine hand that indicates the Gregorian date.
Inside is once again the automatic Caliber 3638 movement with 464 components responsible for the operation of the timepiece, which thanks to its three mainspring barrels offers up to seven days of power reserve.
Finally, the watch comes attached to a brown alligator leather strap with a folding clasp in the same material as the case priced at €76,050 lower than the €96,250 of the previous platinum version.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Blancpain
Model: Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar Limited Edition
Reference: 0888 3632C 55B
Dial: Grand Feu Enamel Green
Case Material: 18k Red Gold
Case Dimensions: 45.20 mm Diameter, 15.10 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire glass
Case Back: Sapphire glass
Water Resistance: 30 Meters
Strap: Brown alligator leather strap with a 18k red gold folding clasp
Calibre: 3638
Dimensions: 32 mm Diameter, 8.30 mm thickness
Functions: Hours, minutes, date, month, Chinese calendar, moon phase, zodiac indications
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Jewels: 39
Power Reserve: 168 hours
Components: 464
Price: € 76,050
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 50 pieces
