For sale is a true Blancpain "grail" - the rare and iconic Reference 7002. If you are not familiar with this timepiece, you can learn more than I could possibly convey in this listing by searching (i) "The ABCs of Watch Finish" by Walt Odet, and (ii) SteveG Blancpain 7002 --- take a quick read through these posts and you will quickly see why this watch is so desirable and special. And this one, at least to my eye, is the most desirable configuration of BP 7002.
In short, around the year 2001 Blancpain decided to launch an extremely limited run of 36mm chronometers which would test what this venerable house could accomplish in a movement. At the time it was Blancpain's only C.O.S.C. certified watch. I am not sure if that remains the case, but this timepiece was always intended to be special and has assumed a revered place in the history of Blancpain and time-only timepieces generally. In fact, this movement is often mentioned in the same breath as the "Big Three" when considering the finest time-only wrist watch movements of all time (the "Big Three" being the Zenith 135, the Peseux 260 and the Omega 30T2rg).
These were created with a variety of dials during their limited run, some with a date and a limited number without a date. On this type of dial, as you might imagine, the non-date model is generally considered to be far more desirable. The dial on my example has applied, silver Roman numerals surrounding a truly magnificent white, stepped center dial. This was the only iteration I wanted during my many years of searching for this watch. Unfortunately, I have a few too many right now so some desirable timepieces need to be moved to a new home!
This one will also be accompanied by its original box, manual and warranty booklet. Very few of the 7002s to have surfaced include the full set of box and papers, so this is another rarity.
To my eye, these were quite simply the most beautiful watches ever created by Blancpain, both on the dial side and within the movement. They didn't mess up this dial with a date, a radial flip, unnecessary text or anything else to detract from its beauty, and the size is perfect. When combined with an incomparable movement, you have quite a timepiece.
I am asking $4,950 for a rather quick and easy sale. This is less than the price of other 7002s I have seen listed, especially when viewed in light of the stature, quality, substance and appearance of this timepiece. You are unlikely to see another of this model come up for sale any time soon (if at all).
Feel free to contact me with any questions. Plenty of references from plenty of transactions over the years.
United States
