Blancpain Villeret Squelette 8 Jours
Blancpain introduced a very complicated Chinese Calendar timepiece at Baselworld last month. It was, however, the less complicated three hand model that impressed me the most. And although it is not even considered a complication by definition, skeletonization is an art that requires a master watchmaker, just like any highly complicated timepiece.
The Villeret Squelette 8 Jours features a beautifully skeletonized, 157 component, 30 jewel, hand-wound movement. In-house Blancpain caliber 1333SQ is equipped with a titanium balance, a Breguet balance-spring and three series-coupled barrels. Thanks to the three power barrels (mainsprings), the maximum power reserve is an impressive 8-days (192-hours).
Housed inside a 38 mm x 9.08 mm white gold case the entirely openworked and decorated movement is fully visible through the two sapphire crystals, front or back. Water-resistance is 30 meters. Black alligator strap (20 mm width at lugs).
The movement is skeletonized so well, it looks as though it is floating in the case.
Ref. 6633-1500-55B
Retail $63,800
