Recently, Blancpain introduced three significant new additions to the Villeret family， with a whopping twelve new references total in the new Villeret Golden Hour series. These pieces not only continue the collection's inherent graceful DNA, but also introduce a refined and restrained new theme: the “Golden Hour.” You might be surprised to learn that this does not refer to a specific complication, but rather a clever philosophy of color cohesion. The core idea is to achieve perfect harmony by matching the gold of the indices and hands to the precious metal of the case, then setting them against a new opaline silver dial surface. Whether opting for the warm glow of red gold or the quiet dignity of white gold, these three novelties achieve a high degree of visual unity, injecting the traditional Villeret line with a fresh, contemporary appeal.
The Quantième Complet
Among the three new releases, the Quantième Complet (Complete Calendar), is undoubtedly the most functionally complex, and a perennial classic within the Villeret family. A complete calendar must simultaneously display the date, day of the week, and month, and is typically complemented by a moon phase indicator. Achieving this array of functions on a 40-millimeter dial while maintaining an elegant layout is a true test of the watchmaker’s skill.
This Complete Calendar model is powered by Blancpain's renowned automatic Calibre 6654.4, a movement celebrated for its reliability and meticulous finishing, offering approximately 72 hours of power reserve. Through the sapphire caseback, we can admire the refined details, such as Côtes de Genève and delicate anglage.
The most significant technical highlight of this watch remains Blancpain's patented under-lug correctors. You may have encountered other complete calendar watches that require a dedicated tool for adjustment, which can be frustrating. However, with the under-lug correctors, the wearer can effortlessly push the hidden buttons beneath the lugs with just a fingernail to quickly set all calendar functions. This is a design detail genuinely considerate of the wearer. Not only does it simplify operation, but crucially, it preserves the sleek, uninterrupted lines of the caseband, avoiding the functional clutter often seen on the sides of traditional calendar watches. Complex function, effortless wear—isn't that the mark of contemporary haute horlogerie?
Extraplate's Inner Strength
For collectors who prioritize purity, but still require a date function for daily utility, the Extraplate, is an excellent choice. This watch also adopts the classic 40-millimeter size, yet is notably slender (Extraplate means ultra-thin). Its dial layout is one of ultimate simplicity: central hour, minute, and seconds hands, complemented by a date window at six o’clock.
Beneath the refined exterior lies Blancpain’s commitment to technical endurance: it is powered by the automatic Calibre 1151 movement. This calibre, equipped with twin barrels, delivers an astonishing 100 hours (over 4 days) of power reserve.
The Delicate Moon Phase
To further refine the Villeret collection’s “Golden Hour” theme, Blancpain also introduced a more petite and sophisticated model: the Quantième Phases de Lune. Available in either opaline or golden brown dials and steel or red gold cases, the new complete calendar represents four of the new references. This moon phase watch measures a mere 33.2 millimeters in diameter and approximately 10.2 millimeters in thickness, clearly designed for those who appreciate traditional, smaller sizes or for female wearers.
It is powered by the automatic Calibre 913QL.P, providing a respectable 40 hours of power reserve. While the power reserve may be shorter, this calibre perfectly integrates the poetic moon phase display into the delicate dial space.
This small-diameter moon phase watch makes no compromises on design, inheriting all the Villeret aesthetic genes: the double-stepped bezel, the elegant squelette leaf hands, and the gold indices unified with the red gold case. Its introduction further underscores Blancpain's dedication to traditional watch sizing and refined elegance. After all, who is to say a watch's value must be measured in its diameter? This 33.2-millimeter moon phase watch is the ultimate expression of the idea that "refinement is power."
Final Thoughts
Blancpain’s Villeret "Golden Hour" collection marks an update achieved in a distinctively "Blancpain" manner. They haven’t relied on complex dial textures or dramatic color shifts to grab attention. But they have successfully captured our interest through the subtle unification of precious metal tones and the comprehensive technical enhancement of the internal movements.For collectors seeking a subtle, refined, yet technically robust precious metal dress watch, this wave of "Golden Hour" novelties is undoubtedly one of the most essential introductions of the moment to explore.
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