Blancpain

Here is part two of the 2019 Blancpain novelties, focussing on the non limited watches from the Villeret and Fifty Fathoms model families.

There are three new Villeret timepieces introduced, a time only Villeret Extra-plate with a redesigned manual wind calibre, a 40mm Villeret GMT Date and last but not least a new beautiful and versatile Villeret Women Date in various configurations. They all deserve a closer look...

Let’s start with the Villeret Extra-plate ref 6605 in a 40mm stainless steel or red gold case which has a height of only 7,39mm.

Next, let’s get closer to the Villeret GMT Date ref 6662, also available in stainless steel or red gold:

Last but not least, this is the new ladies Villeret Women Date ref 6127 in either stainless steel or red gold and with or without diamonds on the dial and bezel.

The dial of this new 33,2mm Villeret shows an elegant oval date window and is executed in either plain white for the steel version or opaline for the red gold timepiece.

Reference 6127 is powered by calibre 1151 with its 100 hours power reserve and automatic winding, which can be seen through a sapphire case back. And of course this Villeret is available on a stainless steel or red gold Mille Mailles bracelet, if you don’t prefer it delivered with a kit of 5 interchangeable straps.

The next novelty was already announced at the end of 2018, but first shown to retailers and the press during the two Time to Move events: the Fifty Fathoms executed in brushed titanium.

This is the third titanium Fifty Fathoms after the version with blue dial and bezel, introduced 2017, and the FF Grande Date, introduced last year.

Thus being almost identical to the classic ref 5015, the brushed titanium gives the Fifty Fathoms a totally different feel and look. It is a bit more balanced on the wrist due to it's lower weight, it transports more of a stealthy toolwatch character whilst the polished Fifty Fathoms Automatique carries more of a luxury appeal.

It also offers a sapphire caseback so you can enjoy the beautifully decorated calibre 1315 - what I cannot show you since the watch was on a Nato strap, but I think you can imagine.

The details in case execution are flawless, as one can rightfully expect from Blancpain. The brushed finish actually highlights the perfectly rounded shapes a lot more, so whilst being a bit under the radar from a distance, the entire excellence of this timepiece is revealed when getting up close and personal with it.

With the titanium version of the basic reference 5015 Blancpain has gone full circle in the collection. What is missing is a titanium bracelet which would compliment the three titanium Fifty Fathoms models perfectly. I just do not give up hoping for that to happen...

The last one to show you left a very strong impression with me from my photo session: the Fifty Fathoms 5015 executed in brushed rose gold with a blue ceramic dial, ref 5015-3603C-63B. This is an utterly beautiful timepiece in an unusual combination of colors.

A brave configuration it is, with the mix of warm and cold colors and executed in 45mm size. The blue leather strap on a solid rose gold deployant clasp completes this very impressive timepiece.

You can easily picture this watch in a maritime setting, worn confidently on slightly tanned skin and perfecting a smart casual outfit. It speaks excellence and easiness at the same time, full of character and luxurios appeal.

For the first time Blancpain chose a ceramic dial for this timepiece. It has a slightly different expression than the blue FF dials we know from the titanium and limited white gold versions, the sunbust finish of the inner dial segment is even more 

 I am curious to see this one under bright sunlight, which obviously was not available during my photo session... but the opportunity will hopefully arise later this year.