If you’ve been following meticulist for any length of time, you probably know the Blancapain Villeret Ultra-slim Reference 7002 is one of my absolute favorite watches that I’m very passionate about.  So, you can see why I’m equally excited to offer this stunning 1161 as a full set.  Both make for such perfect watches: an elegant 36 mm stainless steel case that wears both larger than the diameter would suggest with the expansive dial as well as wears perfectly on smaller wrists due to the excellent shape and modest lug to lug length.  The dials are where I feel the real magic is though, an elegant eggshell white stepped dial with black polished applied Breguet numerals and lume filled sword hands that add just the prefect amount of sportiness and presence. The 1161 offers the practicality of a quickset date and a 100-hour power reserve (!) automatic movement. To top it off, the Blancpain bracelets are some of the most robust and refined from the period and this one also retains the option of putting it on a strap of your choosing. 

Reference: Blancpain Villeret Ultra Slim Automatic 1161-1127-11

Case: The 36 x 40.5 x 8.7 mm stainless steel case features the classic double stepped bezel and signature downturned lugs.  The case is in overall good condition with surface scratches throughout, as detailed in the photographs. There is a small, very minor indentation at 4 o’clock that was only noticed when reviewing photos, and exaggerated in the photo showing that lug.

Dial: The original matte white dial with mirror polished applied Breguet numerals set neatly in a slightly sunken hour track, providing depth and dimension to the dial, is clean and free of any imperfections with matching original handset.  The original tritium lume on the dial and hands has developed a warm patina.

Movement: The Frederic Piguet base caliber is a thin automatic winding with quickset date movement that has been absolutely souped up with a 100-hour power reserve! The watch is winding, setting, and changing date perfectly, and running +5.8 s/d averaged across 6 positions.

Bracelet: The Blancpain 5-link bracelet will fit up to a 6.75” wrist and is removable should you wish to wear the watch on a strap.  The Blancpain bracelets from this period are a thing to experience, they’re so solid and robust and very refined.

Includes: The original outer box, inner leather box, booklet holder, manual, and guarantee dated 1 April 1998.