Comments:
Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6605 3642 55B. Released 6 years ago, it doesn't seem to have been a great success. I think it is a great alternative to the PP Calatrava, VC Traditionelle and Breguet 7147.
40 x 7.39mm. Calibre 11A4B, manual winding. 100 hours PR.
Source: Monochrome watches.
Source: Monochrome watches.
Power reserve display at the back. Source: Monochrome watches.
Source: Monochrome watches.
Power reserve indicator at the back.
Source: Monochrome watches.
Source: Monochrome watches.
Power reserve display at the back. Source: Monochrome watches.
Source: Monochrome watches.
What do you think?
Best.
Best.
Beautiful!
Probably one of those watches that have to be experienced in person in order to be properly appreciated.
The Breguet 5907 uses the same caliber.
Wow, lucky you!!. Right now I am seriously thinking to buy the Breguet 7147 or
something that style. Sadly they don’t have that caliber.
Breguet 5277 would be a fitting comparison too.
All shown here are top watches to collect.
Yes. And the 5157…
...although at the moment the watch I have in mind is the Breguet 7147, which has a movement similar to the 5157. You mentioned, about this one, a few days ago, that "The only 'problem' is the lack of a barrel housing for the mainspring, which can release 'sand' into the movement." That left me a little worried...
5157
5157
base calibre fp cal 1150 automatic
manual wind version cal 510 or 511 for the breguet 5907
I am triggered by the 'flipped' Romans : )
...I even told JCB that years ago. He didn't listen to me : )
Like I've said before...
...noticing such things is a curse. It's a deal-breaker for me...
A very fine watch indeed.
That said, the VC 82172 or the Calatrava 6119 or 6196 have greater and better finished caliber, imo.
The VC bears the Geneva Seal, the two PP bear the Patek Philippe Seal.
Also, I've never been completely fond of the open hands of the Villeret collection.
So, as much as I like this Blancpain, which is really nice, I would choose the VC or one of the PP.
Just my feeling of course.
Best, Emmanuel
Thanks for your valious feedback. To say the truth, the two dress watches I have in mind at the moment are the Vacheron and the Breguet 7147.
It is going to be a difficult choice. I suppose that the finishing of the calber of the Vacheron is better but the dial of the Breguet is a dream. Time will tell.
Are you interested in the guilloché dial or the enamel one concerning the 7147?
Both are great and "superior" to the regular dial of the VC, imo.
Tough choice.
Please, let us know when you will be the owner of one of them: it will be pleasure seeing your photos!
Best, Emmanuel
I saw the enamel some years ago and it is a beauty. But I prefer the guilloche. Now, when I have the chance, I have to try it on and see how those long lugs fit on my wrist. Best.
The answer here is the boutique edition with guilloche of the VC?
A very hot watch...
Not bad. When I saw it, my first impression was... great! A bit of spice on the dial. But its guilloche pales compared with the Breguet´s. Thanks for your comment.
I guess Blancpain is still a brand on search of an identity…
Outside the FF line. That is not to say that historically there hasn’t been one but right now it feels like a one trick pony, which is problematic.
Objectively I do not think there is much wrong with the watch (personally I would have preferred it to be thinner bearing such a name) but where is the niche in the marketplace? 🤷🏻♂️
I think a lot of the conglomerates should think about their brand portfolios long and hard…
The niche… well, an elegant, rather minimalist, classic
dress watch, manual winding and with the bonus of the power reserve indicator at the back. But it is expensive and of course there are many great alternatives.
All correct…
But the question is would one add BP to the consideration set for such a watch? 🤷🏻♂️ Historically yes but over the past 5-10 years? Not really sure…
In fact it’s not high in my dress watch
wishlist 😂😂 but I like to hear the purists comments in order to help me with the final decision. 😀😀
That’s more than fair 😁
Personally I love the minimalist dial and the power reserve indicator on the back. I would have preferred it to be a tad thinner, though. And as the movement is shared with Breguet, maybe a solid case back and hence a thinner profile would also have been an option not taken 😊🤷🏻♂️
My choice is always the Leman
In my opinion, Blancpain focused far too much on the FF for far too long and also discontinued the Leman series, which offered optimal robustness for everyday use.
And please don't forget JLC with their Master Ultra Thin in this category, a timeless classic.
Vow. Such an impressive piece you have. It is difficult to understand why they stopped that line.
Thanks for reminding me about the JCL. Best.