Founded in 1735, Blancpain is the oldest, registered watchmaking maison in the world. The brand has a long, rich history but not without turmoil. A number of re-organizations and marred by the quartz crisis the brand was purchased in 1981 by Jacques Piguet and Jean Claude Biver. Piguet and Biver immediately began working on repositioning the company into a more prestigious luxury brand. Playing an integral role in this mission was the release of there "Six Masterpieces." These masterpieces included an ultra slim, moonphase calendar, perpetual calendar, minute repeating perpetual calendar, Tourbillon, and split seconds chronograph.
This example, a reference 5395, is one of those six masterpieces: a perpetual calendar with moonphase. There is a moniker when it comes to perpetual calendars that goes something like this: "By the time you are able to actually afford a Perpetual Calendar you are too old to read it." This statement is significant, particular for the price point that one of these references can be acquired. Relatively speaking, while certainly significant, its price when compared to other perpetual calendars within and outside of the era epitomizes value proposition. Considering the brands history and heritage this reference is disproportionately cheaper than its counterparts while still maintaining a level of craftmanship and that doesn't sacrifice. With a new appreciation in newly coined "neo-vintage" category of watch clecting this watch is a perfect example. If history is any indication price point for entry will become increasingly more difficult.
ABOUT THIS WATCH:
MANUFACTURER: Blancpain
MODEL: Villeret Perpetual Calendar
REFERENCE: 5395
SERIAL: No. 677
YEAR: C. 1990s
CASE: The 33mm solid 18kt yellow gold case is in good shape. The case has previously been polished in the past. There is a dark burgundy tarnishing that can be observed on the mid case that can occur at times from years of sitting. The case presents with even wear throughout.
DIAL: An original white dial. Patina can be observed on the printed month, day and date registers. There is also patina that can be observed on the disc of the moon phase.
MOVEMENT: Ultrathin, automatic winding, FP caliber 5395. According to the previous owner, the watch was serviced in July of 2023. There is no documentation to evidence the servicing so that has to be taken with a grain of salt. The watch was placed on a timegrapher which illustrated that it is keeping time within 8 seconds per day with an amplitude of 248.
BRACELET: Will come on a different strap to be discussed with the buyer. Not the strap included in the pictures.
ACCESSORIES: The watches original, 18kt yellow gold buckle.
BOX/PAPERS: No.
WARRANTY: None unless serviced prior. If serviced the watch will come with a one year warranty.
BANK WIRE/ZELLE PRICE: $7,600 shipped.
