​5 of the Most Sought-After Blancpain Watches

Blancpain watches are some of the finest timepieces in the world. These Swiss watches date back to the 18th century, and Blancpain is the oldest known maker of fine timepieces. The reason these watches are some of the most sought-after is exclusivity; only 30 watches are produced a day. Blancpain does not produce digital or quartz watches, and a single watchmaker handcrafts each watch one at a time. Known the world over as the premier timepiece-maker, Blancpain is acknowledged for its high-quality and precision in every watch. If you’re a horophile who is enchanted by these elegant timepieces, you’re not alone. Here are the five of the most sought-after Blancpain watchesin the world.

Source: Grzegorz Czapski/Shutterstock.com

1. The Fifty Fathoms

Blancpain was one of the first watchmakers to introduce a diving watch, a timepiece that can withstand the pressures of underwater activity. Blancpain created this watch in 1953 and, soon after, famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau wore it in The Silent World, introducing it to the public. Not only are these watches safe up to 50 fathoms, or 300 feet, but they have other details that make them exceptional for those who spend a lot of time, and even combat time, under the waves.

Created specifically for the French special forces, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms (5015-1130-52B) features an outer bezel that rotates, easy-to-read numerals, and a black dial. Divers can adjust the bezel to align with the minute hand to read how much oxygen time they have left.

2. The Ladybird

This model is specifically geared toward elegant female clientele and was first introduced by Blancpain in 1956. What distinguished it from other lady’s watches was that it had, at the time, the smallest round watch face of any watch in the world.

The Ladybird had several details that set it apart from other ladies’ watches, including an 11.85mm diameter, a Caliber R550 movement, and up to 40 hours of reserve power. Since the 1950s, the Ladybird has undergone many metamorphoses with changes made to the band and the inclusion of gems set into the timepiece. A celebratory Ladybird watch was unveiled in 2016 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the model’s creation. The Ladybird (0063B-1954-63A) features a mother-of-pearl face that undulates in a foliage motíf and open-droplet hour and minute hands.

Blancpain L-EVOLUTION 8805-3630-53B

3. L-Evolution

The Blancpain L-Evolution (8805-3630-53B) is part of the L-Evolution series, focused on connecting the high-velocity sport of auto racing to high-end luxury watches. This timepiece has the oversized numerals 3 and 9 to give it a bold look, and rose gold minute and second hands lend the watch polished elegance. The multi-level dial has a black outer rim with a large cutout featuring the baseplate’s contrasting shades. The watch’s center is filled with luminous materials, and each rose-gold hand has a skeleton tip. The L-Evolution is an elegant, modern timepiece for men that features an interchangeable strap and an instantly recognizable facade.

4. Blancpain Le Brassus Chronograph

This line of timepieces from Blancpain shares its name with the town that first saw Blancpain watches come to fruition—Le Brassus. The Blancpain Le Brassus Chronograph (4286P-3642-55B) is one of the more complicated watches in the brand’s lineup and is aimed at serious collectors. With an automatic winding function, Le Brassus Chronograph has a battery reserve of up to 100 hours. With many complications for weekday, moon phase, GMT, and the date, the face of Le Brassus Chronograph may at first seem overly crowded, but, once you have acquainted yourself with the different features, you will be amazed at how much information the watch can convey at only a glance.

5. Blancpain Villeret

The most classic timepiece in Blancpain’s range, the Villeret (6263-3642-55B), has sleek lines, double-stepped cases, and simple faces. The calendar feature is indicated with serpentine hands made of blue steel, and the dials introduce the grand feu enamel.

This watch has prodigious power reserves, a moon phase indicator, and an ingenious way of marking the day of the month. Instead of another inset dial, the Blancpain Villeret has the dates numbered around the outer rim, set just inside the roman numerals that indicate hours. This is the perfect Blancpain watch for someone who has a classic style and wants one watch to match with any ensemble or lifestyle. A true classic, the Villeret is also offered in an ultra-thin model and in women’s styles, which can include additional diamonds.

Shop Our Entire Selection Of Luxury Watches.CTABTN {display: table; text-decoration: none; background-color: #9D752D; color: #fff; line-height: 1.2rem; padding: 10px 15px; border-radius: 5px; text-shadow: -1px -1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.15); box-shadow: 0 0 20px -5px #333;margin:10px auto;}.CTABTN:hover {background-color:#fff;color:#9D752D;}

135pixels/Shutterstock.com

The Final Word

As a horologist, you understand the intricacy and meticulousness involved in creating some of the world’s most sought-after watches. With details that are both profoundly useful and gorgeous to behold, Blancpain watches are unparalleled in the world of timepieces. For a selection of some of the most valuable watches available, shop all Blancpain watches at Luxury of Watches.