The "Beast"...

Aug 20, 2017,03:49 AM
 

... okay, it's actually named Blancpain L'Evolution Tourbillon Carrousel, but given it's impressive technical and visual characteristics, the nickname may not be too far out 😉





During a visit at the Blancpain Boutique in Munich I had a chance to get closer to this very special watch, and I must admit, I did so with a lot of respect and care ⚠️

Lighting is always a challenge indoors, I tried to capture the essence of this piece, as good as I could with an iPhone. Before I'll share my thoughts on it, let's have the photos do the talking:















Now, here's my initial thoughts:

The combination of Tourbillon and Carrousel is a specialty Blancpain has introduced almost 10 years ago. It has been realized in the Villeret and Le Brassus lines, now followed as a L'Evolution with a unique case design, which looks like a 45 degrees turned pillow case.

This design works very well with the very 'technical' looks of the movement and the motorsports inspired arabics, we've seen those with some Super Trofeo models in the past. Actually, they work better with the L'Evolution Tourbillon Carrousel than they did with the Super Trofeo watches, but that's just my very own personal taste.

Contrary to all other lines, the L'Evolution line works with totally different case shapes. I personally like this experimental approach, it gives Blancpain some freedom to test some new designs whilst keeping the traditional excellence and attention to detail.

The heft of the platinum case is considerable, fortunately the massive double deployant clasp brings a nice balance to it. 

I'll conclude with a wristshot and a heartfelt THANK YOU to the team of the Blancpain Boutique in Munich. Not everyday you have the chance to handle a timepiece like this one - and even though it is not my favourite Blancpain design, I was very impressed with the watch. I apologize that my photos do not do justice to the L'Evolution Tourbilon Carrousel, but I had to take a chance at it 😎

Hope you enjoyed!

Cheers
Henrik





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Well, I think I prefer (no, I'm sure) to see a Carrousel and Tourbillon complication in a more "traditional" case in white or rose gold for instance. For me, I prefer to see them in a kind of "old-fashioned" style rather than a modern one

 
 By: Alkiro1 : August 20th, 2017-05:11
In addition, I didn't understand why Blancpain has decided to make it in platinum. I would have prefer or better understood a titanium or steel case regarding the modern style of this timepiece. Just my personal feeling. Credit: Hodinkee Best wishes Alkir...  

Absolutely agree with you!

 
 By: Freccero : August 20th, 2017-05:55
In this case a traditional shape is definitely the right choice. Best.

In my opinion maisons, who dedicate themselves to traditional watchmaking(in terms of materials, shape and complications) should not try to compete with maison, who have in their DNA a more modern and futuristic approach to watchmaking.

 
 By: Freccero : August 21st, 2017-14:02
For me. everybody should do what he can do better and not go in other's pitch. In this specific case from a purely technical point of view L'Evolution is a stunner but it has (almost) no relationship with brand's DNA. You unveiled a very interesting topic... 

Thx, guys, for your thoughts. Let me share my take on it...

 
 By: shortys home : August 22nd, 2017-01:01
... yes, this timepiece does in fact break some traditional Blancpain design charactistics. In my understanding the L'Evolution line exists for that sole reason: to try things out designwise, whilst keeping the other traditional values intact. I personall... 

I'm not "shocked" by the L-Evolution line or models (I like them in general) but much more, in the specific context of this timepiece, by the accumulation of both tourbillon and carrousel

 
 By: Alkiro1 : August 22nd, 2017-04:21
For me, these both complications have nothing to do with such a modern timepiece. Or, as I wrote previously, I'm ok with that if it's in a very modern context such as the UN Freak with new materials... About this last point, do you know if the Tourbillon ... 

I agree with you. I simply do not see Blancpain doing futuristic watches and using exotic materials. They were one of the first brand to reborn after the quarz crisis, not with futuristic items but with the force of their heritage and tradition.

 
 By: Freccero : August 22nd, 2017-06:24
By the way this is in my opinion the context in which Blancpain should operate and in which tourbillon and carrousel should be used. This is pure class because this is what they can do best! Best. ...  

Guys, I do not disagree at all...

 
 By: shortys home : August 22nd, 2017-10:16
... I think it is not a pure Blancpain DNA timepiece designwise and a titanium case would have probably worked better. It still is a watch you have to capture in photos and share once you have a chance to run into it 😉 cheers Henrik It still is

Very interesting piece, Henrik!

 
 By: KMII : August 20th, 2017-10:16
Thanks for sharing it here - do not think I have ever seen it before