The deep green shade of Vallée de Joux fir trees takes root in the Villeret collection

Synonymous with timeless elegance, the Villeret collection is characterised by the purity of its design and the technical sophistication of its movements. Highlighting the natural world around us, Blancpain unveils new timepieces in this collection attired in splendid shades of green, whose contrast with the 18ct red gold of the characteristic double-stepped cases is captivating. These subtly combined mechanical and aesthetic characteristics make for exceptional timepieces.

The tourbillon and the carrousel (also spelled karussel) are among the great achievements aimed at reducing the effects of Earth's gravity on a movement’s operation. Presented as a world first in 2013, the Villeret Tourbillon Carrousel demonstrated Blancpain's ability to create extremely complex mechanical masterpieces by combining these two regulators in a wristwatch by means of Calibre 2322: a flying tourbillon at 12 o'clock and a flying carrousel at 6 o'clock, along with a date display at 3 o'clock. Featuring two independently rotating carriages linked by a differential that transmits the average rate of the two regulators to the time display, this watch has an external winding crown enabling the two barrels to be wound simultaneously, while guaranteeing equal winding. This endows the model with admirable precision and a seven-day power reserve, indicated by a display visible through the sapphire crystal case back. This year, the Villeret Tourbillon Carrousel returns in a new guise, with a 44.6 mm 18 ct red gold case framing a dial in a dainty sunburst green shade that is as understated as it is sophisticated.

Harmoniously associating a complete calendar with a moon-phase display, the Villeret Quantième Complet is a mechanical marvel. This 40 mm 18 ct red gold timepiece indicating the date, day of the week and month through a date ring and two dedicated apertures is carefully proportioned to ensure optimum visual balance and reading comfort. The contrast between the new dial in a subtle shade of green and the red gold hands and hour-markers makes the information even easier to read, while adding unique warmth. To protect the complex calendar mechanism, Calibre 6654 is secured so as to enable the wearer to adjust the calendar indications whenever they wish, using Blancpain's patented under-lug correctors that can be operated simply at the press of a finger.

Graced with Blancpain's famous moon phase, the Villeret Quantième Phases de Lune radiates a poetic aura. Featuring a beauty spot (referred to in French as a mouche for its similarity to a fly) at the corner of its mouth along with closed eyelids framed by long eyelashes, the Brand’s feminine moon phase appears attired in all its beauty to enliven this timepiece. This benevolent face attunes the watch with lunar cycles, along with a date ring and a moon crescent-shaped hand. In a further nod to the starry sky, the dial and case are lit up by almost 1 ct of brilliant-cut diamonds, not forgetting the dainty sunburst pattern adorning the new green dial, whose soothing colour is picked up on the strap. This timepiece thus shines in radiant beauty both day and night. Embodying a concentrated blend of mechanical expertise, this creation houses the secure 913QL.P self-winding movement in a 33.20 mm 18 ct red gold case.

Elegantly understated, the Villeret Extraplate focuses on essential time indications (hours, minutes and seconds) while simply adding the date, leaving ample room to contemplate its new dial in a comforting green colour. This self-winding timepiece with its pared-down design reflects the DNA of the Villeret collection, its minimalist appearance belying the complexity hidden beneath the dial. Driven by ultra-thin Calibre 1151 (measuring a mere 3.31 mm), this timepiece with its 40 mm 18 ct red gold case is just 8.70 mm thick. Despite this remarkable thinness, the Villeret Extraplate has a substantial power reserve of 100 hours ensured by its twin series-coupled barrels.