The story of this Blancpain Villeret
At the beginning of the 1980s, the watch industry was going through the violent quartz crisis. Blancpain then made the bold choice to place its faith in mechanical tradition and ancestral craftsmanship. In 1983, the manufacture unveiled the Blancpain Villeret Complete Calendar Moon Phase reference 6395. This timepiece answered the vital need to reaffirm the superiority and poetry of Swiss high watchmaking in the face of standardised electronic modules. The true feat of this creation lies in its extreme miniaturisation. At the time of its launch, this piece established itself as the smallest self-winding complete calendar in the world. The dial proudly displays a moon with a mischievous face, an aesthetic detail that became a powerful symbol of mechanical resistance and the emblem of the brand. Owning this watch means celebrating the revival of a mythical manufacture, bearing witness to an uncompromising horological vision.
Case, calibre and bracelet of this Villeret
Crafted in solid 18-carat yellow gold, the case measures 26 mm in diameter and features a charming double gadroon bezel. The carefully engraved solid caseback protects the self-winding calibre 953. This extremely complex miniature movement offers a 40-hour power reserve and beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The assembly brings together more than 200 components in an extremely restricted space. The matt white dial welcomes delicate applied gold Roman numerals as well as leaf-shaped hands. The complications are displayed with remarkable clarity thanks to apertures for the day and the month, paired with a fine central hand indicating the date. The moon-phase indicator sits majestically at the lower part of the dial. A brown alligator leather strap fitted with its original yellow gold pin buckle dresses this model. 4 correctors subtly concealed on the sides of the caseband allow the various calendar indications to be adjusted.
Why this Blancpain watch
On the pre-owned market, finding such a refined complication in such a compact format remains a particularly rare quest. This piece inevitably appeals to collectors sensitive to astronomical displays and traditional watchmaking mastery. While current trends often lean towards large diameters, this model offers a refined return to classic and discreet proportions. Its perfect balance between technical sophistication and timeless design makes it a judicious choice for acquiring a true part of Swiss history. The Swiss Collector gives you the opportunity to make this historical reference your own, often impossible to find through traditional sales channels. This acquisition provides the indescribable pleasure of wearing an exceptional mechanical creation designed with absolute rigour.
Contents delivered and condition
This watch is delivered on its own, accompanied by its original leather strap. It is in used condition and presents signs of wear that bear witness to its history. The yellow gold case shows several regular micro-scratches consistent with its age and with its use over the years. The sapphire crystal and the dial remain, for their part, in an excellent state of preservation. The strap shows normal traces of wear linked to daily friction. Professional polishing can be carried out on simple request from the client in order to revive the original brilliance of the yellow gold and erase the marks of time.
Guarantee and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this piece for a duration of 12 months. We accept returns within 10 days subject to our conditions. Leader in pre-owned luxury in Switzerland and backed by the largest network of boutiques, we offer online reservation for a fitting and collection in store or fully secured international shipping. The watch is in used condition, with visible signs of wear. Its appearance remains fully consistent with the life and age of the piece, and polishing is available on request.
