Quintessential Blancpain: two classic moonphase calendar timepieces

Sep 01, 2018,04:09 AM
 


We often discuss the sports watches made by Blancpain, the Fifty Fathoms and Bathyscaphe models are in the focus of many here in the forum, besides obviously the vintage marvels.

Now let's take a closer look at the very core of Blancpain, two timepieces with a full calendar and the iconic moonphase indication. No configuration is more typical modern Blancpain, it is synonymous for the brand resurrection in the 1980s and played a significant role in the revival of the mechanical watch. 







With the kind support of the Blancpain Boutique in Munich I was able to take the Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Complet ref 6654 in white gold with a blue lacquered flinqué dial and the latest version of Blancpain Women Quantieme Complet ref 3663 in stainless steel on photo session. The 40mm Villeret and the 35mm Women Quantieme Complet are good a representation of classic Blancpain virtues, so let's get closer to them. 

I'll start with the Villeret Quantieme Complet ref 6654, a timepiece full of details that show the excellence Blancpain is known for. The 40mm white gold case is perfectly shaped, it features the under-lug correctors for the calendar indications, a beautifully decorated calibre with 321 parts and 3 days power reserve, a blue-lacquered so called Flinqué dial, that adjusts in many shades to the surrounding light conditions. I will now leave you to many photos, so you can gain your own impressions: 





















Let's play a bit with natural light, the chameleon like effect of the dial is best shown that way... 

























Now we move on to the beautiful ladies timepiece, the Women Quantieme Complet in it's latest version, the well known Blancpain case in 35mm with display back, revealing a special rotor decoration, on the front side we see a modest MOP dial with nine diamonds, applied roman numerals and of course the feminine moonphase indication. Here are a lot of photos of this beauty, proving that women's timepieces have no shortage of lovely details: 





































... and finally both timepieces on the wrist, with respect to the Women Quantieme Complet I beg your pardon it's only my wrist and not what the watch would have deserved ;-)





















Well, you made it through all the photos and I hope you enjoyed the report! I have really enjoyed those two beautiful and extremely well executed Blancpain timepieces, which showcase that the modern heritage of the complete calendar with moonphases is as compelling as it was 35 years ago. 





Let me finish with a big THANK YOU to the Blancpain Boutique in Munich for having given me the opportunity to do the photo session and share the outcome with you. 

Cheers 
Henrik 


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Thanks for sharing Henrik

 
 By: traineract : September 1st, 2018-04:33
I've always admired the villeret and their dial layout for the calendar. V nice and proportional. The movement looks v well finished too. I think the 35mm would work pretty good on my wrist actually haha

Very nice photos of this Villeret pair....do I smell something brewing here? 🧐

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : September 1st, 2018-07:29
I was right identifying the future Moderators like Mark, KMII and CC 😬

Wow Henrik, lovely photo shoot of a lovely pair 👍

 
 By: Maltie : September 2nd, 2018-00:43
Congratulations. I have the feeling you might become the owner.

Thank you so much!

 
 By: TJMike : December 3rd, 2018-23:31
Your photographs are absolutely stunning. I was amazed by the ref 6654 when I saw it for the first time on Blancpain's website. Your review of the watch has made the watch my "grail". It will be my next purchase.

Blue dial

 
 By: Jurry : December 31st, 2018-04:13
I always admired blancpain for their nice creamy white dials but this blue is stunning

Visit at the Boutique

 
 By: almapama : January 17th, 2019-09:04
Dear Henrik and all, Inspired by your post and the fantastic pictures I visited the boutique myself today to try the full calendar and some other pieces. I would like to share some pictures and would be very interested in your thoughts. The Ultraplate has...  

Dear Matthias, what a selection!

 
 By: shortys home : January 18th, 2019-09:29
Since it’s quite diverse it’s not easy to compare, e.g. a white gold Villeret Quantieme Complet with a Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MilSpec 😉 Between the beauties shown I personally find the last three most compelling. The Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MilSpec is ... 

Dear Henrik,

 
 By: almapama : January 19th, 2019-13:47
Thank you so much for your detailed answer! I agree that the watches are not really comparable. I was actually looking for the full calendar and on that occasion they also showed me the other watches. So let me share my thoughts: Like you I found the Vill... 

Beauties

 
 By: Jurry : February 9th, 2019-02:51
Two beauties and superb watches The history of the Villerette line is visible and classical The ladies model might benefit from few more diamonds to distinguish it more from the white ladies sports watch like the bathyscape