Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar “Year of the Water Rabbit”

Back in 2012 was the first time Blancpain released a watch equipped with a traditional Chinese calendar. This complication requires elevated expertise in order to properly develop and assemble all the intricate parts that make it possible to track these measures in time. It's been a decade since the start that now leads to this new “Water Rabbit” themed model that symbolizes longevity, prosperity, and peace. An uplifting message that will ring in the new calendar year for China.The round 45.2 mm case is made of 950 platinum with an overall polished finish and a height of 15.1 mm. This is a very sleek and elegantly crafted design with 23 mm lug width.On the flipside is a sapphire exhibition caseback that allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. It features a platinum rotor with the engraving of two rabbits and the unique numerals for each of these limited editions.It comes equipped with a knurled setting crown that includes a cabochon ruby. Plus five patented under-lug correctors to efficiently reset all the complications jam packed into this model. Water-resistance can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet).Time is exhibited on a white Grand Feu enamel dial with applied white gold Roman numerals, while circling around the flange are the 31 Gregorian calendar days painted in black enamel.There are three sub-dials with Chinese hieroglyphs painted in black enamel that are clearly aimed at Mandarin speakers. At 3 o’clock are the five elements (wood, earth, fire, water, and metal) with the ten celestial branches and the yin and yang symbol in the middle, at 9 o’clock are indicated months and lunar days with a small hole that turns red when the year has a 13th intercalary month, and finally at 12 o’clock  is a small sub-dial with double hours in numbers and symbols over 24 hours.A small opening at the 12 o’clock spot displays the image of a rabbit, although a different animal from the Chinese zodiac can be selected via the crown. Meanwhile on the lower-half of the dial we find a moonphase decorated with silver toned stars and moon, over a blue sky.

Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar “Year of the Water Rabbit”

The Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar “Year of the Water Rabbit” (Ref#: 00888K-3431-55B) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 3638 with 39 jewels, 464 components, and 28,800 vph. It comes equipped with a silicon balance spring. Power reserve can last up to 168 hours (7 days), when fully wound.Mounted on the watch is a black alligator scaled strap with tone-on-tone stitching, secured to the wrist by a platinum folding clasp. This is a limited edition of only 50 manufactured pieces. For more up to date information visit the official Blancpain website here.

Blancpain, Villeret, Traditional, Chinese Calendar, Rabbit, Platinum, Luxury Watches