The Blancpain Villeret Golden Hour series refreshes the maison’s most classically-inclined collection
They say you can wait a long time for a bus to come, and then two arrive at once. Blancpain’s latest evolution of the Villeret collection feels similar to that, except that instead of two, the maison has unveiled a whopping 16 new references.
In truth, the wait has not been especially long. The Blancpain Villeret line has seen steady refinement in recent years, including the deep green-dial editions of 2024. Yet the newly unveiled Villeret Golden Hour series represents a more comprehensive, seasonally inspired reinterpretation of the maison’s most classical timepiece.
While 16 new references might sound like a great many, what we’re really looking at are three watches expressed in several variations. The new Villeret series revolves around a trio of core models: the 40 mm Ultraplate and Quantième Complet Phases de Lune, as well as the smaller 33.2 mm Quantième Phases de Lune. Across these models, Blancpain has introduced a suite of subtle refinements that, together, mark a renewed chapter for its most classically-inclined collection.
Nowhere are these changes more apparent than in the collection’s simplest and purest form, the Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate. The straightforward 40 mm time-and-date watch now comes in either a classic opaline or a warm golden-brown dial. Both dial choices exude refinement, but their appeal is heightened by the subtle updates made across the collection: slimmer, more elongated hands, sharper gold Roman numerals, and a polished JB appliqué at 12 o’clock. Together, these details lend the watch a cleaner, more contemporary balance without disturbing its timeless restraint.
Those who prefer a little contrast, however, may find the 18k red gold versions more appealing than its stainless steel counterparts. While the steel versions lean towards a sense of understated refinement, the warm red gold variations introduce a touch of formality and stateliness—pairing beautifully with the golden-brown dial, or standing in refined contrast to the opaline. Coming in four new references, the timepiece is powered by the calibre 1151 and boasts an impressive 100-hour power reserve.
The new Quantième Complet Phases de Lune, meanwhile, builds on the Ultraplate’s simplicity, adding depth and complexity without disturbing the collection’s balance. Housing Blancpain’s complete calendar and moonphase, the 40 mm case has been further refined, boasting a slimmer bezel, an enlarged crown, and shortened lugs for a more natural fit on the wrist.
The dial layout, while familiar, feels more straight-edge, thanks to the watch’s updated hands and indexes. More than that, the moonphase now sits within a broader aperture, adding a touch of expression that draws the eye without overwhelming the composition. As before, the watch is offered in opaline or golden-brown dials and in either stainless steel or 18k red gold, for four variations in total. Powered by the calibre 6654.4, the timepiece offers a 72-hour power reserve, while Blancpain’s discreet under-lug correctors make adjusting the calendar simple and intuitive.
Lastly, the 33.2 mm Quantième Phases de Lune carries the same design language into a smaller silhouette.. Replacing the full calendar with a simple date and moonphase, the timepiece maintains both the symmetry and character of its larger counterparts. Similarly, the dial retains the same straight-edged clarity, distilled through its slim hands, crisp numerals, and a moonphase that sits slightly wider for easier reading.
Powered by the calibre 913QL.P that boasts a 40-hour power reserve, the watch comes in stainless steel or 18k red gold, each available with or without a diamond-set bezel, making for eight variations in total.
