To celebrate the beginning of the Chinese New Year, Blancpain once again launches a limited edition Traditional Chinese Calendar model that is dedicated to one of the zodiac signs. In 2023, the water rabbit takes center stage.
Crafted from platinum in a 50-piece limited edition, this exceptional haute horlogerie timepiece is based on the principles of Chinese tradition and its lunisolar calendar, which it combines with the Gregorian calendar. The white grand feu enamel dial features a chapter ring composed of gold appliques swept over by hands shaped like hollowed-out sage leaves. The dates of the Gregorian calendar are indicated by a blued steel serpentine hand. They are painted in enamel, as is the main information of the Chinese calendar, i.e. the double hours, the day and month with the mention of the leap months, the signs of the zodiac, as well as the five elements and the ten celestial pillars. Moon phases are also represented and have become a signature Blancpain complication since returning to the forefront of the watchmaking scene in the early 1980s. They are not only an integral part of the brand’s complete calendars, but also serve to determine the months of the Chinese calendar.
The case measures 45mm in diameter and is equipped with a sapphire case back, which displays the 3638 self-winding movement whose gold oscillating weight is engraved with the zodiac sign of the year 2023. Depicted as a couple, the Blancpain water rabbit inspires gentleness and trust, two notions that emanate from its refined, perceptive and diplomatic nature.
Pricing for the Blancpain Villeret Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel is marked at approximately $94,000 when converted to USD.
To learn more, visit Blancpain, here.
