By Kien Lee
The Traditional Chinese Calendar model from Blancpain is an exclusive design found only at Blancpain. Complexity-wise, it falls within the Grand Complications of the manufacture, where only a few watchmakers are capable of mastering its construction.
This Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar unique in which the lunisolar calendar has been combined 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.
Not forgetting the signature complication of Blancpain, Moon Phases also feature, serving to determine the months of the Chinese calendar.
Crafted from platinum and measuring 45 mm in diameter, the double-stepped case of the Traditional Chinese Calendar is faithful to the aesthetic of the Villeret collection.
The famous Blancpain correctors are concealed beneath its lugs and can be activated by the simple touch of a finger. Equipped with a sapphire caseback, it houses 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.
The Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar is issued in an individually numbered 50-piece limited edition,