BASELNEWS 2011The Blancpain Villeret Grande Décoration
For the first time in its history, Blancpain is introducing a 45 mm-diameter wristwatch in its Villeret collection. The new Villeret Grande Décoration is a watch distinguished by vivid contrasts. The extremely pure design of its dial with its discreet enamelled chapter ring is counter-balanced by the incredibly refined decoration of its movement visible through the case-back of this outstanding exercise in style.
Pared down to the extreme, the Villeret Grande Décoration is the simplest possible expression of the watchmaking art. It is equipped with Calibre 15B, an ultra-thin hand-wound 117-part movement stemming from the pocket-watch in the same collection and indicating the hours and minutes. The domed grand feu enamelled dial covering it bears only 12 painted enamel hourmarkers and two hands in the same material as the 45 mm case housing it.
The Villeret Grande Décoration also shines for reasons above and beyond its refined lines. A glance through the transparent case-back provides a stunning view of the exceptional movement decoration work, entirely hand-crafted by the Blancpain engraving artists and decorative specialists. Thanks to the slightly thicker bridges of Calibre 15B, the artistic teams of the Manufacture in Le Brassus have given free rein to their talent in creating an original décor for each of the five models unveiled at Baselworld this year. Each is a unique work of art depicting landscapes and landmarks evoking a particular country. Switzerland, France, Japan, China and Hong Kong are honoured in this way on the models being introduced at the start of this year. Blancpain’s master-engravers will be offering different variations, each truly one of a kind, throughout 2011.