Blancpain Just Gave The Villeret A Golden Glow You Can’t Look Away From

There’s something about the autumn light that is both warm and fleeting. It’s the kind of golden glow that feels timeless, much like Blancpain’s Villeret collection. This season, the Manufacture revisits one of its most emblematic lines with subtle yet meaningful evolutions: new dials in golden brown and soft opaline, refined hands and indices, and a renewed sense of modern elegance that celebrates its mechanical heart.

The new Villeret lineup unfolds across three beloved models: the Automatic three-hand with date, the Complete Calendar with Moon Phase, and the Moon Phase Calendar. Each presented in 16 variations, available in 40 mm and 33.20 mm cases crafted from 18 ct red gold or stainless steel. Together, they form a collection that feels both familiar and freshly inspired, echoing the warmth of autumn light and the enduring beauty of Blancpain’s craftsmanship.

An Evolution in Every Detail

At first glance, the changes appear subtle. But look closer and you’ll see the careful artistry that defines every Blancpain evolution. The Roman numerals, sculpted in 18 ct gold, are now satin-brushed on top and polished along the edges, while the hands which are slimmer, more refined feature luminescent inserts for improved readability. Even the moon phase, a signature Blancpain hallmark, has been reimagined: now larger, more expressive, and rendered in gold with a soft, domed satin finish that gives the lunar face a lifelike warmth.

The opaline and golden brown dials lend each piece a unique personality the former serene and classic, the latter glowing with a richness reminiscent of the season itself. The redesigned date window at 3 o’clock integrates more harmoniously into the dial, balancing proportions and enhancing readability.

Underneath these surface refinements beats the kind of mechanical excellence Blancpain is known for. Each model houses an automatic manufacture movement with a silicon hairspring, beautifully finished with Côtes de Genève and hand-beveled bridges. The oscillating weight, newly openworked and satin-finished, now gleams with polished bevels and is crafted in red or yellow gold — a perfect view through the sapphire caseback.

And for those who wear their watches daily, the new quick-change strap system adds practicality without compromising elegance. Offered in shades of brown, blue-grey, honey, and beige nubuck velvet, each strap features a supple finish designed to develop a natural patina over time.

The Return of an Icon

While the name “Villeret” officially appeared in Blancpain’s catalogue in 2003, its spirit was born decades earlier. Back in 1983, at a time when the quartz crisis was redefining watchmaking, Blancpain released the smallest complete calendar moon phase ever made the Calibre 6395. Measuring just 21 mm, it was a technical marvel that quietly helped reignite faith in mechanical watchmaking. Both its design elements the double-stepped bezel, clean Roman numerals, and poetic moon phase became defining traits of the Villeret collection. More than just a watch, it was a symbol of confidence in tradition and the artistry of horology.

As Blancpain President and CEO Marc A. Hayek puts it, “The Villeret embodies the very essence of Blancpain. Each of its evolutions requires great attention. It is both the expression of our watchmaking tradition and the proof that timeless elegance can always be reinvented with subtlety.”

The Magic of the Moon

Few watchmakers have embraced the moon phase as profoundly as Blancpain. It’s a complication that bridges science and poetry acting as a window into the heavens that also reveals the brand’s deep romantic streak. Blancpain’s moons are always depicted with a face, a human touch that draws on centuries of storytelling and symbolism. It’s more than an aesthetic flourish; it’s a reminder that time is not only measured but felt.

In the new Villeret models, this tradition continues with fresh nuance. The moon, crafted in gold and set against a ceramic disc, peers out from an enlarged aperture, adding depth and dimension. Whether in the 40 mm complete calendar or the 33.20 mm moon phase models, this celestial companion remains one of Blancpain’s most endearing details.

Inside, the Calibre 6654.4 powers the Complete Calendar with Moon Phase, offering a 72-hour power reserve and the convenience of under-lug correctors- Blancpain’s patented system that allows adjustments with just a fingertip, without the need for tools. The Calibre 1151, found in the ultra-slim three-hand model, provides an impressive 100-hour power reserve, while the Calibre 913QL.P, in the 33.20 mm moon phase editions, balances delicacy with precision. All models feature sapphire casebacks, are water-resistant to 30 metres, and come with a five-year warranty, underscoring Blancpain’s confidence in its craftsmanship.

A Timeless Light

Through the decades, the Villeret has stood as a bridge between past and present its design grounded in tradition, yet always evolving with grace. The 2025 collection continues this quiet dialogue between heritage and innovation, between the enduring rhythm of mechanical movements and the fleeting beauty of time itself. As daylight fades into the soft glow of evening, the Villeret much like the season it embodies feels like a golden hour captured forever on the wrist.

Price:

Villeret Ultraplate (40 mm): CHF 9,900 (Rs 10,90,776 Approx) in steel / CHF 20,500 (Rs 22,58,677 Approx) in red gold

Villeret Complete Calendar Moon Phase (40 mm): CHF 15,400 (Rs 16,96,762 Approx) in steel / CHF 27,200 (Rs 29,74,843 Approx) in red gold

Villeret Moon Phase Calendar (33.20 mm): CHF 11,600 (Rs 12,78,081 Approx) in steel / CHF 19,400 (Rs 21,37,480 Approx) in red gold

Villeret Moon Phase Calendar with diamond bezel (33.20 mm): CHF 16,400 (Rs 18,06,942 Approx) in steel / CHF 24,400 (Rs 26,88,377 Approx)  in red gold