Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVII

1 2 1 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I I n the last issue of Simply Time, we introduced you to Blancpain’s homage to classic watchmaking, the Villeret Collection – and in particular, the Grand Feu enamel edition with an eight-day power reserve and in-house Calibre 1335. This was the perfect watch to start exploring the collection, which represents the manufacture’s tribute to its home village of Villeret, Switzerland, and stands as a testament to the time- honoured traditions of Swiss watchmaking and pure, clean design aesthetics. Now we are pleased to show you the latest edition to the collection: the calibre 6950 Grand Date complication, the first such complication in the Villeret line. Elegant yet practical, the new timepiece is a harmonious fit with the timeless values of the classical collection. Key signature Villeret elements have been woven into the design of the Grand Date: the 18k red-gold 40mm case, the opaline dial with applied Roman numerals, red- gold hands, date display at six o’clock, and a clear sapphire caseback offering a view of the finishing of the movement and its honeycomb pattern oscillating weight. Completing the ensemble is a chocolate-brown alligator strap. When Blancpain’s watchmakers conceived the calibre 6950 (previously only used in the ladies’ Aqua Lung Grand Date and the Blancpain L-Evolution Grand Date), their objective was to maximise legibility of the date, while at the same time enabling an instant change at midnight. This optimal readability is evident in the two side-by-side windows at six o’clock: it leaves no question as to why the watch is called the Grand (French for ‘large’) Date. However, the Blancpain craftsmen also wanted to ensure that the date mechanism would not significantly increase the profile of the movement. The result is an automatic movement with two mainspring barrels and a date mechanism designed to resist shocks. It is further distinguished by its free-sprung balance with silicon spiral, regulated by gold screws. Because of the architecture of the movement, the base is extraordinarily thin for such a powerful timepiece – only 4.75mm. The Grand Date delivers 72 hours of power reserve and there are some 35 jewels in the self-winding movement, which keep all pivots rotating with as little friction as possible. At just under 11mm, with its clean, classic design and warm red-gold hues, the Blancpain Villeret Grand Date is a refined and elegant dress watch that showcases all the time- honoured traditions of traditional Swiss craftsmanship whilst remaining sleek and stylish.