Blancpain introduces a new complication in the Villeret collection: a retrograde day of the week indication. Presented with the Villeret Grande Date Jour Rétrograde, it is complemented by a large date displayed in two windows.
Classicism and refinement are the watchwords of the new Villeret Grande Date Jour Rétrograde, reasserting Blancpain's attachment to authentic horological values. The signature aesthetics of the collection are the double stepped (double pomme) bezel, thin profile, as well as elegant understated hands and indexes. To maintain a clean profile, unmarred by calendar adjustments requiring dimples on the case sides, the Villeret philosophy takes advantage of Blancpain’s patented exclusive under-lug correctors. Neither calendar indication requires a pusher or tool, as the day of the week can be set with a fingertip via a hidden corrector, and the date is adjusted through the crown.
To ensure visual balance, the day of the week is positioned on an arc between 7 and 9 o'clock, while the large date windows are placed between 5 and 6 o'clock. Further underscoring the sophistication of the new Villeret Grande Date Jour Rétrograde, both the large date and day of the week change instantly at midnight, while the retrograde day returns smartly from Sunday to Monday to start the week. In addition to the calendar displays, this new model features an elongated central seconds hand bearing the Blancpain initials on its counterweight.
Powering this Villeret model is Blancpain’s new 6950GC in-house movement based on caliber 1150 with its two mainspring barrels offering 72 hours of power reserve. The fine Côtes de Genève finishing and honeycomb guilloché motif adorning the gold rotor are visible through the clear case back.
Several options of the new Villeret Grande Date Jour Rétrograde are being offered: red gold with silver opaline dial, stainless steel with white dial, and for both, a choice of alligator strap or metal bracelet. All versions are 40 mm in diameter.
