About Blancpain: Founded in 1735 in Villeret, Blancpain holds the distinction of being the oldest watchmaking brand still in operation. Deeply rooted in tradition yet boldly innovative, Blancpain is renowned for its timeless mechanical excellence, hand-finished movements, and the elegant balance between heritage and haute horlogerie. From the legendary Fifty Fathoms — the first modern dive watch introduced in 1953 — to highly complicated tourbillons, perpetual calendars, and minute repeaters, Blancpain’s collections reflect a commitment to exclusively mechanical timepieces: the brand proudly states, "Since 1735, there has never been a quartz Blancpain watch. And there never will be." Blancpain continues to produce limited quantities in-house, blending traditional craftsmanship with technical mastery — making each watch a piece of art for true connoisseurs.
About the Villeret: Blancpain introduced the Villeret in the early 1980s as its purest expression of classical watchmaking. The line takes its identity from a slender case shaped by distinctive apple-form lugs, paired with Roman numeral dials and a restrained, understated finish. A defining moment came in 1983, when Blancpain unveiled a complete calendar with moon phase display, a complication that has remained central to the collection ever since. The Villeret name itself was formalised only in 2003, honouring the Jura village where Jehan-Jacques Blancpain set up as a watchmaker in 1735. Today the line still represents Blancpain's most restrained take on Haute Horlogerie, built on mastery of mechanical complications rather than outward display.