Blancpain has unveiled its second version of the Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar, this time in red gold and green enamel to celebrate the coming Year Of The Dragon in February.
The first Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar from Blanpain was introduced in the last lunar cycle back in 2012. It was a world first at the time, combining both a Chinese calendar as well as a Gregorian date and moonphase. Essentially covering both Eastern and Western chronologies. This year, Blancpain has released their second variation in a new Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar, but this time with a red gold rotor engraved with an ornate dragon, and a case done in red gold and green enamel dial.
The Chinese Zodiac is based around the 12 animals that were summoned by the Jade Emperor and the order in which they arrived at the palace gate upon being summoned. As we’ve seen, this coming year is the year of the dragon and a big one for the watch world. Rather than doing a one-off piece that memorialises the Dragon, Blancpain has gone one step further and added this special edition with the 12-year Chinese Calendar on the dial.
Blancpain have fused both Western and Eastern elements on the jade green-colored Grand Feu enamel dial in an elegant way. The Chinese calendar is displayed within three subdials. The top subdial is the Chinese hours, which are 120 minutes in length with a window above this for the current zodiacal year. The dial at 3 o’clock showcases the 5 elements and 10 celestial stem elements of the 60-year cycle of the elements associated with Chinese mythology, along with the Yin and Yang symbol.
The dial at 9 o’clock indicates the Chinese days of the month on the outer part of the dial, indicated by the longer of the two hands, and the smaller hand pointing to the symbols on the inner track indicates the Chinese months, with a leap month indicator at the very top in a small circular window.
In the 6 o’clock position, an astronomical moonphase window showcases the current phases of the moon, and around the outer track of the dial, the Gregorian date is indicated via a traditional serpentine hand. Red gold applied Roman numerals adorn the dial, making reading the time fairly easy due to the contrasting red gold on green. The whole dial stands out wonderfully on the 45mm red gold case, which is slightly on the thicker side at just over 15mm. However, this is understandable when you see what is packed into the case and movement.
Flipping the piece over and you can see the beautifully decorated Calibre 3836 automatic movement complete with red gold rotor engraved with the dragon. Set against a frosted background the dragon is flanked by a red ruby and a Chinese character engraving of the words “dragon” and “wood”, the element of 2024, meaning this year is the year of the Wood Dragon. Behind this, you’ll notice the Côtes de Genéve on the plates, solarising on the wheels and rubies popping against the silver and gold of the movement.
This piece is not only a work of art, but science and maths too. A full five years have been devoted in the development of the movement, which comprises 464 individual components arrayed in six layers. Its complexity exceeds that of a perpetual calendar and approaches that of a minute repeater. This intricate construction is carried out in Blancpain’s Le Brassus grand complication workshop.
The Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar is powered by Blancpain’s three mainspring barrel movement which achieves a seven-day power reserve. This is a major feat given the intricacy of the movement and complications within it. To set the calendar, the case features Blancpain’s patented under-lug correctors. This mechanism means that you’re able to set the calendar with your fingers, and does away with the correctors normally found in the case.
Final Thoughts
The Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar is a stunning piece that blends tradition and elegance with modern tastes. Yes, it’s a large watch when you compare to other perpetual calendars on the market, but this is one with a difference and done to commemorate this special Year of The Dragon.
The red gold contrasting with the green makes both the dial and case stand out from each other respectively, as well as the numerals on the dial popping from the grand feu green enamel dial. You’re able to see both the artistry on this piece alongside the Blancpain DNA, so if you’re in the market for a special piece, this could fit the bill. The Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar is limited to 50 pieces.
Reference: 00888-3632C-55B
Specification
- Size: 45.2mm, 15.1mm thick
- Case: 18k Red Gold
- Dial: Green Grand Feu enamel dial with red gold applied indices and hands
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Caseback: Red gold with Sapphire crystal
- Movement: Automatic winding Calibre 3638. Beating at 4Hz / 28,800 VpH and pivoting on 39 jewels and with 3 barrels
- Power Reserve: 7 days (168 hours)
- Water Resistance: 30m (3ATM)
- Strap: Black alligator leather strap with folding red gold clasp
