A Flying Start
Harking back to history for inspiration or affirmation is the way forward for most brands, especially those who boast a rich provenance. Luxury watch marque Blancpain, is no exception and has reinterpreted its flying tourbillon-the first of its kind to equip a wristwatch at the time of its launch in 1989-for Baselworld 2018. For its reimagined version, the Manufacture is pairing it with new complications-jump hours and retrograde minutes-in the Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Retrograde model.
In addition to the tourbillon that appears to be floating on air, the new model offers an entirely decorated movement and a grand feu enamel dial handcrafted in the Blancpain workshops. With each movement having been produced in-house, the construction offers an unsurpassed view of the tourbillon's key components, unobstructed by the upper bridge featured in conventional tourbillon designs. Adding diamond-polished gold rings around the hours window as well as the tourbillon porthole lends further sophistication. The new model is housed in a double stepped 42mm red gold case and teamed with an alligator strap or metal bracelet. A limited-edition 50-piece version in platinum is also available. Price on request; Available Brand outlets