Villeret Extra-plate (left) and GMT Date

Described as the most classical of all of Blancpain’s collections, the new Villeret welcomes an ultra-thin and a GMT model.

A minimalist dial with slender leaf-shaped hour and minute hands as well as elegant Roman numerals, the new Villeret Extra-plate is thinner than ever with the case measuring only 7.4mm in height. Complementing the understated narrative is the dial, in either pure white (for steel case) or opaline (for 18k red gold case) for that slight touch of colour that beautifully matches the gold of the hands and numerals.

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The thinnest Villeret yet, the power reserve indicator can be found on the caseback
Above The thinnest Villeret yet, the power reserve indicator can be found on the caseback

The exterior minimalism, however, doesn’t mean that the watch lacks technical prowess. The manual-winding 11A4B caliber is equipped with two series-coupled barrels that provides not only four full days of power reserve but also constant force throughout, ensuring precision from when it’s fully wound to the final minutes. The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the power reserve indicator engraved on one of the bridges.

Also see: Marc A. Hayek on Blancpain’s commitment to raise awareness about the importance of the oceans

In terms of grand complications, the Villeret is synonymous with the perpetual calendar that includes a Lunar New Year edition that also comes with a Chinese calendar display. This year, the Villeret is adding to these complex calendar predecessors with the first GMT Date model.

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The GMT Date in red gold with mesh bracelet
Above The GMT Date in red gold with mesh bracelet

A second time zone can be read via a fourth hand with red arrow-shaped tip that rotates around 24-hour scale below the indexes. The date aperture appears at ‘3’. Despite the addition of the GMT, the overall look maintains the clean aesthetic of the Villeret.

Also see: 3 GMT watches For the practical-minded jetsetter

Tatler Asia
Gold oscillating weight with honeycomb pattern
Above Gold oscillating weight with honeycomb pattern

The movement is an in-house automatic with silicon hairspring and a gold oscillating weight decorated with honeycomb pattern. There is the option of an 18k red gold case with opaline dial or steel with white dial, paired with a leather strap or mesh-type bracelet.

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