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For nearly four decades, the Villeret collection has been offering timepieces combining technical sophistication with refined aesthetics. In keeping with this tradition, Blancpain is now unveiling a GMT with date complication presented in its simplest expression.
The GMT complication enables the simultaneous indication of two timezones. Until now within the Villeret line, it has been associated with complex calendars. This year, Blancpain wished to shine a spotlight on this function by dedicating a new timepiece to it, the Villeret GMT Date model. Featuring the restrained and refined appearance typical of all the models in the collection, this new release is remarkably easy to read. Local time – to which the date is linked – appears in the foreground thanks to a raised chapter ring composed of the traditional applied Roman numerals so characteristic of the Villeret models. Meanwhile, the reference time is indicated using a 24-hour scale. Separate hands indicate the two timezones. They are shaped like cut-out sage leaves for local hours and minutes, while the hand pointing to the second timezone is tipped with a red triangle. A large seconds hand completes this information. It is recognisable by its counterweight, adorned with the initials JB in homage to Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, who founded the House in Villeret in 1735. Fast GMT correction, date adjustment as well as time-setting are all easily handled via the crown.
The new Villeret GMT Date is powered by the 5A50 self-winding movement, entirely designed and produced in the Manufacture’s workshops, as is customary at Blancpain. This mechanism, which is endowed with the brand’s latest technical developments, has a four-day power reserve and a silicon hairspring. In terms of finishes, the transparent sapphire crystal caseback reveals a côtes de Genève motif on the bridges and a honeycomb pattern embellishing the gold oscillating weight.
The 40 mm-diameter case of this new product is available in 18K red gold or steel versions, the former paired with an opaline dial and the latter with a white variation. Both models are available with an alligator strap or metal bracelet, enabling globetrotters from around the world to select and adopt a worthy Blancpain travelling companion.
