The rarest of the perennial favorite Reference 7002, featuring the a movement that was subject of numerous wonderful articles and reviews of yesteryear. It is estimated that fewer than 1000 reference 7002’s were produced, and though it is currently unknown, my estimation is that is across all dial variants, white, blue, and black, the black dial is the least frequent to come to market and potentially the lowest production quantity. Making this even more special is that it is in excellent condition and accompanied by its original boxes and papers; likely the only such black dial 7002 full set to come to market this year (and the only I’ve seen in the last 4 years).

Reference: Villeret Ultra Slim Chronometer Reference 7002

Case: The 36 × 40.8 mm stainless steel case is just 6.8mm thin with its thin signature double shoulder bezel and nicely sized signed crown. The 7002 was the brand’s first (and only at the time) stainless steel case to feature a sapphire caseback displaying the beautifully finished movement. The case is in nice condition throughout with, thick, full lugs, and minor hairlines present as photographed.

Dial: The rich and deeply saturated black dial is as mysterious as it moody, with a mix of deep glossy and finely grained eggshell surfaces, that swallow the black polished applied Breguet numerals at various lighting angles. The original dial and hands are in excellent condition.

Movement: The manually wound Blancpain caliber 64-1 is a heavily modified and finished Pseaux 7001 that was Blancpain’s only certified chronometer at time of launch. The watch is winding, setting, and running well at approximately +6 s/d, averaged across 6 positions.

Strap: Presented on a Forstner beads of rice bracelet that will fit an approximate 6.5” wrist.

Includes: Original outer and inner boxes, manual, undated guarantee booklet, mailed registration envelope, and COSC certificate.