In 2012, Blancpain made history with the introduction of its Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar wristwatch, a groundbreaking fusion of a complex Chinese calendar and a Gregorian date and moonphase. Now, as the Manufacture embarks on its second 12-year cycle, it unveils a new limited edition of this extraordinary complication, paying homage to the symbol of the lunar year with a dragon engraved on the red gold winding rotor. Notably, this special edition is crafted in red gold and features a vibrant green enamel dial.
Each year, Blancpain releases a special limited edition inspired by the legend of the Jade Emperor summoning twelve animals to his palace’s gate. This ritual dictates the order of the 12-year Zodiac cycle in the Chinese calendar, with each Blancpain special edition celebrating the official animal of the year. The 2024 edition showcases a red gold winding rotor with an intricately engraved dragon, flanked by a red ruby and a Chinese character denoting “dragon” and “wood,” the element of the year 2024. As a nod to the new 12-year cycle, Blancpain’s artists have refreshed the Zodiac animal symbols with new portraits.
The Chinese calendar’s mysticism unfolds on the dial through four dedicated hands, a Zodiac window, and a leap month window. These elements depict Chinese hours, the 60-year cycle of elements and Yin/Yang, the 12-year Zodiac cycle, and Chinese days, months, and leap months. The Gregorian date is indicated by a traditional serpentine hand, while the moon phase is elegantly displayed at six o’clock.
The movement behind this masterpiece has undergone five years of meticulous development, boasting 464 individual components arranged in six layers. Surpassing the complexity of a perpetual calendar and nearing that of a minute repeater, this intricate construction takes shape in Blancpain’s Le Brassus grand complication workshop. The calendar mechanism is powered by Blancpain’s three mainspring barrel movement, ensuring a seven-day power reserve.
The dial, fashioned in full fired grand feu enamel, complements the 45mm red gold case in a harmonious green hue. The case incorporates Blancpain’s patented under lug correctors, facilitating easy calendar adjustments while maintaining a sleek appearance. True to Blancpain’s commitment to secure design, the Chinese calendar ensures protection against damage during automatic changes.
Limited to just 50 pieces, the 2024 Traditional Chinese Calendar stands as a testament to Blancpain’s mastery in horology and commitment to crafting exquisite timepieces.
For more information, please visit Blancpain.com.