A Closer Look at The Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet GMT

The classic Blancpain has just received an upgrade in technology. The watchmaker has made additions to the best selling piece in its line. The moonphase with triple calendar is firmly established as the flagship complication for Blancpain, but a new example has been upgraded.

Not the most complicated, but still a favorite

While Blancpain offers watches with greater complications and more working parts, there is something that admirers of the brand love about the Villeret Quantieme Complet. The favorite has been the recipient of a 24 hour hand that tracks a second time zone. This is a practical and handy inclusion for fans who have a desire to stay on top of the time in other regions of the world. It gives current owners of the original a good reason to add the upgrade to their collections.

Evolution in style

The main difference between the GMT model and the original is the accommodation for monitoring the second time zone, but the observant eye will note that the travel friendly edition of the non-GMT features under-lug correctors, as seen in the GMT, while they are absent in the original version. Differences that may only be noticed by a connoisseur of the brand, but one that adds to the convenience factor for the sake of practicality and usefulness.

Design work at its finest

Combining a GMT function with the triple calendar with moon phase was a brilliant move on the part of Blancpain. In a stroke of sheer design genius, the integrity of the dial is preserved with high legibility and symmetry of functions and displays, making it easy to read at a glance. There is no overcrowding, but rather, a sense of harmony in the details of the features.

A Closer Look at The Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet GMT

Covering the basics, the new GMT features a case material that is available in your choice of stainless steel or red gold. This example is 40 mm in diameter with a thickness of 11.8 mm, and is water resistant up to 30 meters, outperforming many of the competing diving watches of similar design. The water-resistant case houses the In-House Caliber 67A5 movement which is 27 mm x 6 mm. Thee 28 jewel automatic winding movement features under-lug correctors dedicated to the calendar functions. The functions of the GMT include hours, minutes, month, day, date moon phase and GMT with a power reserve of 72 hours.

Dial

The dial is available in white coloring on the face for the stainless steel version, and Opaline for the red gold choice. The dial is adorned with Indexes of applied Roman numerals, true to the styling of the original example. This watch has foregone the use of Lume in the paint for the Indexes. The crystal offers high readability and legibility with a resistance to glare from bright sunlight or indoor lighting. The moon phase display offers a neat half circle cutaway with contrasting white on black features that enhance the lovely appearance of the watch face. The moon portion of the display is accented in the material used for the body of the respective watch, e.g. red gold on red gold or stainless on stainless. The feature is stunning and transforms what would otherwise be a clean and orderly aesthetic. The day and month are neatly cut in square displays immediately atop the center spindle holding the thinly stylized minutes, hour and seconds hands. The GMT hand is set apart in a blue tone yet remains quietly in the background.

Strap

There are few options included for the bracelet. Depending on the version, it comes in either genuine alligator leather with neat stitching, stainless steel or red gold. The stainless and red gold bracelets feature a rice grain pattern that offers a pleasing and decorative aesthetic, perfectly complementing the overall personality of the watch.

Availability and pricing

The new Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet GMT is denoted as a high end luxury time piece from the distinguished Blancpain brand. The new model has not yet been released. It is scheduled to make its first appearance for sale in the Spring of 2018. Pricing has not yet been determined, but will be announced as the release date approaches.