Introducing the Blancpain Lady B

A New Chapter for the Ladybird

To mark the 70th anniversary of its Ladybird collection, Blancpain introduces the Lady B, a compact mechanical timepiece directly inspired by the 1956 Ladybird Bullet. Created during the leadership of Betty Fiechter the original Ladybird combined an exceptionally small movement with the robustness required of a mechanical watch. The new Lady B continues this tradition with the manufacture Caliber 615, housed in a spherical red gold or stainless steel case measuring just 19mm in diameter and 13.2mm in height (0.75 x 0.52 inches), with a volume of just 2.9 cm³, or approximately 0.18 cubic inches. The concept recalls an era when mechanical watchmaking pushed the boundaries of miniaturization. Rather than simply making a smaller conventional watch, Blancpain developed the Lady B as a three-dimensional object, with the case, movement and strap designed around its compact volume.

Betty Fiechter’s Legacy

The Ladybird has a direct connection to Betty Fiechter, who joined Blancpain as a 16-year-old apprentice in 1912 and became the company's co-owner in 1933. Following the death of André Leal, she took sole leadership of the manufacture and became the first woman to own and lead a Swiss watchmaking company. Fiechter understood the importance of mechanical watches for women and made miniaturization an important part of Blancpain's expertise. She also played a key role in the development of the manufacture's broader product portfolio. During her tenure, Blancpain introduced the legendary Fifty Fathoms in 1953 with her nephew Jean-Jacques Fiechter, followed by the Ladybird in 1956.

From the Ladybird Bullet to the Lady B

The original Ladybird was powered by the R55, which measured only 11.85mm in diameter and was, according to Blancpain, the world's smallest round mechanical movement produced in series. Its compact architecture incorporated an additional wheel in the gear train and shock protection for the balance.

The Lady B brings that spirit into the present with the automatic manufacture Caliber 615. Measuring 15.7mm in diameter and 3.9mm thick, it contains 180 components and 29 jewels. The movement beats at 3 Hz and provides a 38-hour power reserve. A silicon balance spring and Côtes de Genève decoration bring the 1995-developed caliber up to date.

Defined by Volume

Where the traditional watch is defined by its diameter, the Blancpain Lady B is defined by its volume. More than 30 technical drawings were required for its two-part spherical case. Its polished, satin-finished and micro-blasted surfaces are completed by hand, with the construction designed to conceal the junction between the upper and lower sections. The result is a continuous, highly polished form. The case has no conventional lugs. Instead, the leather strap passes directly through an opening in the case, creating an integrated look while keeping the silhouette clean.

Restrained by Design

The warm beige opaline dial is shared by both versions and deliberately avoids gem setting. Applied gold indexes measure just 1.82 x 0.39mm, accompanied by polished hour and minute hands. The stainless-steel model uses gray gold for the hands and indexes, while the red-gold version uses red gold. The polished rehaut follows the curves of the case.

Worn Like a Jewel

The double-tour calf-leather strap is available in white, light beige, dark beige, burgundy, fuchsia purple and classic blue. Measuring 10mm wide, it passes through the case and wraps twice around the wrist. A pin buckle completes the design, and the strap can be changed through the opening on the back.

Price and Availability

The Blancpain Lady B is not limited. The stainless-steel version is priced at $12,600 USD, while the 18K red-gold model costs $19,200 USD. Both will be available from September 17, 2026, at Blancpain boutiques and authorized retailers.