Blancpain Villeret Ultra Thin

In keeping with our promise, we occasionally offer modern timepieces that match our personal taste preferences.  In other words, these timepieces must combine elements of style and manufacturing quality that lend themselves to the same timeless qualities we seek in our vintage collection. 

It is hard to get more timeless than Blancpain.

The esteemed Swiss Manufacture started way back in 1735, and is known for crafting some of the most elegant pocket and wristwatches in history - along with the prototypical modern diver's watch, the legendary Fifty Fathoms.  Today, Blancpain exists as part of the Swatch Group, and many of their innovative case and movement designs have gone on to inspire the rest of the industry.

While much of the manufacture's modern offerings don't do it for us, selections from their Villeret collection most certainly do.  Combining an ultra-thin case design (9.15mm!) with sensible diameter (38mm), high grade self-winding movements, and function first elegant dial designs, there is nothing here that's not to love.

This particular piece, a steel-cased Reference 6223, features a crisp white dial with polished Roman hour markers, feuille hands, and a subtle date window at 3;00.  There is nothing here that doesn't belong, and it serves its job as a dress piece without making a fuss.  Even the Porsche-like "automatic" script towards the bottom of the dial evokes a sense that this piece has checked all the boxes and accomplished its goals.

With a (documented) full factory service just a few months behind it and its complete kit (which includes a presentation box that is nearly as beautiful as the watch itself!) it is ready to go on the wrist of its next owner at considerable savings over a brand new model, which retails for over $8K.  This truly is a lovely modern piece, a timeless choice in every sense.