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Both the Anniversary GMT Alarm model (top) and the Large Date model (second from top) are fitted with a sapphire crystal case-back that reveals the Côtes de Genève decorative motifs, bevelled bridges, screws and oscillating weight engraved with the name ‘Blancpain’ |
SWITZERLAND. Blancpain, one of the world’s oldest watch manufacturers, has introduced two limited-edition watches to celebrate the 270 years since the company was founded.
The Anniversary GMT Alarm model from the Léman collection comprises two complications which are useful for travellers: a second time-zone indication and a mechanical alarm function.
The watch has a self-winding movement, the Blancpain Calibre 1241, fitted with two barrels – one driving the watch, the other the alarm mechanism. It is composed of 407 parts and features several functions integrated in an original way, according to the company.
For the first time in the history of the mechanical wristwatch, Blancpain says, the self-winding mechanism also winds the alarm striking-mechanism reserve, which may be viewed on the dial via a dedicated power reserve indicator. The alarm hand is connected to the second time-zone display (the temporary travel location), indicated by the large hour and minute hands. The date also moves in time with the travel time-zone and is automatically adjusted to the temporary place of residence, which Blancpain calls “a rare feature on such models”.
The Anniversary model is issued in a limited numbered series of 270. Its black dial, topped by a sapphire crystal and carrying the inscription “1735-2005 Blancpain” at 6 o’clock, offers a variety of useful indications reflecting the complexity of the Calibre 1241.
Features include a time-zone of the temporary place of residence displayed by the large centre hour and minute hands, alarm hour and minute counter at 3 o’clock, reference time on a 24-hour scale at 9 o’clock, small seconds at 6 o’clock, date window between 4 and 5, alarm power reserve indication between 10 and 11 o’clock, and alarm activation indication between 12 and 1 o’clock, controlled by a crown at 8 o’clock via a column-wheel.
The case of the Anniversary limited series is in brushed-finish 18ct red gold. Measuring 40mm in diameter, it is fitted with a sapphire case-back enabling the wearer to see the self-winding movement.
The crowns, screw-locked pushpiece and case-back are water-resistant to 100 metres. The black rubber strap has an 18ct brushed red gold folding clasp. Each case in this limited series is engraved with its individual number.
Blancpain also marks its 270-year anniversary with the new limited-edition Aqua Lung Large Date model.
Produced in a limited, numbered series of 2005, the watch is distinguished by its large date display shown in a double window at 6 o’clock. Dubbed by the firm as “a distinctive watch with a strong personality”, the Aqua Lung Large Date is part of the Léman collection, which is said to combine contemporary aesthetics with a sporting appearance.
The model is driven by the 283 components of Blancpain Calibre 6950, a mechanical self-winding movement with a 70-hour power reserve. In addition to the large date display, it also indicates the hours, minutes and seconds by central hands.
Calibre 6950 is distinguished by its intricate detail visible through the sapphire crystal case-back: Côtes de Genève decorative motifs, bevelled bridges, blued screws and oscillating weight engraved with the name ‘Blancpain’ in blue.
The Aqua Lung Large Date is endowed with a brushed steel case measuring 40mm in diameter, equipped with a sapphire crystal, screw-locked crown and case-back, featuring water-resistance guaranteed to 100 metres.
The black dial is enhanced with luminescent Arabic numerals and hour-markers. The Aqua Lung Large Date is teamed with a black rubber strap with folding clasp. Each case in this Aqua Lung limited series is engraved with its individual number, from 1 to 2005.
For information, contact Christel Räber on tel.: +41 21 796 36 36; fax: +41 21 796 36 37; email: christel.raeber@blancpain.com. Website: www.blancpain.com.
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