Blancpain expands its Villeret Ultraplate collection with a new Villeret Ultraplate 38 mm, offering a more compact alternative alongside the emblematic 40 mm models.
Faithful to the collection’s understated elegance, the new case retains the signature double-stepped bezel and a slim profile, measuring just 8.35 mm thick with a lug-to-lug distance of 43.35 mm.
Available in stainless steel or 18 ct red gold, it brings the proportions of the Villeret closer to those of some of the collection’s historic references while maintaining its contemporary refinement.
The new Villeret Ultraplate 38 mm fully incorporates the refined design language introduced across the wider Villeret line last autumn, scaled specifically for its more compact dimensions.
Solid 18 ct gold Roman numerals feature satin-brushed upper surfaces and polished bevelled edges, while the traditional XII numeral is replaced by the Jehan-Jacques Blancpain (JB) monogram.
Slender hands filled with Super-LumiNova enhance legibility in low-light conditions, while an enlarged date aperture at 3 o’clock improves everyday usability.
Within the new Villeret Ultraplate 38 mm range, Blancpain introduces several dial and case combinations.
The first reference (Ref. 6224N-1135-55B) introduces a sunburst salmon dial housed in a stainless steel case, marking a color first for the Villeret family. The warm metallic tones of the dial contrast with solid 18 ct gold Roman numeral indexes treated with a distinct black finish, paired with a matching anthracite nubuck strap.
For those seeking the most classic steel configuration, the standard production catalog includes an opaline dial variant (Ref. 6224N-1142-55B) that pairs the stainless steel case with matching white-gold numerals.
Alongside the standard steel models, a boutique-exclusive variant (Ref. 6224NA-1142-55B) explores a two-tone study in contrast.
This edition pairs the stainless steel case with solid 18 ct yellow-gold numerals over its opaline dial, completed by an olive-green nubuck alligator strap that is saddle-cut and hand-stitched.
Finally, the collection is rounded out by a traditional precious metal execution (Ref. 6224N-3642-55B), which pairs an 18 ct red-gold case with matching red-gold numerals over the opaline dial, offering the warmest register in the standard line-up.
Powering the Villeret Ultraplate 38 mm is Blancpain’s automatic manufacture calibre 1150, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback.
Measuring only 3.25 mm thick, the movement operates at 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and is equipped with a silicon hairspring for enhanced resistance to magnetic fields.
Its twin-barrel construction provides an impressive 100-hour power reserve. The open-worked gold rotor reveals the refined finishing of the movement beneath.
Complementing the new Ultraplate models, Blancpain also introduces a smaller version of the Villeret Phases de Lune.
Housed in a 29.2 mm case available in either stainless steel or 18 ct red gold, this ladies’ model features the brand’s signature moon-phase display with a blue ceramic moon-phase disc and an applied 18 ct gold moon bearing Blancpain’s characteristic smiling face.
A blue serpentine hand indicates the date around the gold-toned opaline dial’s periphery, while diamonds set into both the bezel and hour markers add a discreet touch of brilliance.
The watch is powered by the automatic manufacture calibre 913QL, which offers a 40-hour power reserve and incorporates Blancpain’s secured calendar mechanism, allowing corrections to be made at any time without risk of damaging the movement.
All new references are fitted with Blancpain’s tool-free interchangeable strap and clasp system, allowing owners to easily change the look of the watch.
The Villeret Ultraplate 38 mm is priced at CHF 9,600 in stainless steel and CHF 19,700 in 18 ct red gold, while the Villeret Phases de Lune 29.2 mm is priced at CHF 15,300 in stainless steel and CHF 21,900 in 18 ct red gold. blancpain.com
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