For Only Watch 2015 charity auction, Blancpain has prepared a special and unique version of the Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar timepiece. This one-of-a-kind watch is designed specifically for the event that will take place on 7 November 2015 in Geneva. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to the charitable medical cause, to assist in furthering research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar for Only Watch 2015 pays homage to the age-old Chinese culture in this symbolic model based on fundamental principles that have been established for centuries in Chinese tradition.
Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar is housed in an elegant 18-karat red gold case which measures 45mm in diameter. Underneath the front sapphire glass there is a black enamel dial, with indications that are painted in gold before firing. The hands and the applied Roman numerals which are made in the brand’s typical shape are also made from 18-karat red gold.
The beautiful dial features hours, minutes and the Gregorian calendar rub shoulders with the main indications of the Chinese calendar: traditional double-hour indication, day, month with an indication of leap months, as well as signs of the zodiac which are placed in a window at the 12 o’clock position, five elements placed inside the sub-dial at the 3 o’ clock position and 10 celestial stems which are situated outside the counter at the 3 o’ clock position.
The combination of the celestial stems with the 12 animals of the zodiac that represent the terrestrial branches follows the 60-year cycle that is pivotal to the Chinese culture. The Chinese Calendar complication is developed in-house.
The dial also comprises a moon-phase which connects the lunar cycle and traditional Chinese months. This complication is the important role in this Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar model.
From the rear, the view through the sapphire display back shows the oscillating weight specially crafted for this occasion in a black champlevé enamel finish and bearing the Only Watch inscription.
This unique timepiece will be kept secured to its future owner wrist with a comfortable dark brown leather strap.
Before the auction, there will be a promotional world tour starting in Monaco from September 23rd and continuing with stops in Europe, the United States, and Asia, which will enable the public to view all 42 unique wristwatches that will be auctioned this November in Geneve.
