SimplyAbuDhabi XIV

9 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I B lancpain values are based on a process of perpetual renewal by pushing the boundaries of watchmaking and constantly improving horological craftsmanship. Two centuries after the invention of the tourbillon, and twenty-five years after the creation of Calibre 23, the world’s first and thinnest hand-wound flying tourbillon, Blancpain reinterprets and further refines this mechanical marvel designed to break free of the effects of gravity and represent one of the masterpieces of traditional horology. Developed in the watchmaking workshops of the manufacturer, as indeed are all Blancpainmovements, the newCalibre 242 takes things to a whole new level by further improving on the outstanding autonomy of Calibre 25 unveiled back in 1998: the world’s first self-winding tourbillon with an eight-day power reserve. The new movement has an exceptional twelve-day power reserve guaranteed by a single barrel. Comprising 243 parts united within a space just 6.10 mm thick and 30.60 mm in diameter, it is equipped with a silicon balance-spring and pallet-fork horns in order to alleviate the effects of magnetic fields around the vicinity of the watch. For this new model, Blancpain has applied its technical expertise to serving aesthetic elegance. Each detail of the movement has been designed to highlight the decoration visible through the stunning sapphire crystal. The automatic winding mechanism and the power reserve have been integrated so as to create a superbly thin movement. The oscillating weight has also been entirely opened and the perimeter ridges have been eliminated so as to provide a broader space for embellishment. On the dial side, the off-set tourbillon carriage at 12 o’clock has been enlarged to offer a perfect view of the new design of the balance and the escape-wheel. This being a flying tourbillon, the carriage has no upper bridge and thus provides an unobstructed view of this complex and beautiful mechanism. It rotates once a minute in order to compensate for the effects of gravity. Reflecting the Villeret collection identity, the dial and the painted Roman numerals are in grand feu enamel, gracefully swept over by hollowed sage leaf- shaped hands of distinct quality. This timepiece with its double-stepped 42 mm case is available in a limited, numbered, platinum edition. It also comes in 18k red-gold teamed with a chocolate brown alligator strap lined with Alzavel calfskin and secured by a triple-blade folding clasp for security on the wrist and added comfort. Villeret Tourbillon