Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon 0023

A solid yellow gold flying tourbillon created for Blancpain’s Six Masterpiece collection rebirth, with eight-day power reserve, and ultra-thin proportions for less than twenty-grand.  Just let that sink in.  Usually, that kind of statement would mean the watch has impressive stats but is ugly, not wearable, not really desirable, etc., but this is an absolutely gorgeous, perfectly proportioned, ultra-classy, and mesmerizing delight on the wrist. Oh, and you can actually see your wrist through this sapphire tourbillon window, something that I never fully appreciated just how mesmerizing and impressive this watch is, until handling in person. Neo-vintage Blancpain remains one of the absolute best values, no better represented than here.

Reference: Villeret Flying Tourbillon 0023-1418-55

Case: The 34 x 38.5 x 7.9 mm thick solid yellow gold case is in good condition showing honest wear throughout, as photographed. The watch appears to have been lightly polished in the past, with hallmark still clearly legible and present on the caseback.

Dial: The white dial is a lesson in restraint, refinement, and proportions. The main dial emphasizes negative space with the undersized applied roman numerals, date and power reserve tracks subtly defined by gold borders, and restrained signature all emphasizing the outsized sapphire flying tourbillon window. The dial is free of any defects.

Movement: At the time of launch, it was the world’s first flying tourbillon wristwatch and world’s thinnest hand wound tourbillon, designed by Vincent Calabrese for F. Piguet and Blancpain.  The flying tourbillon appears to be suspended in air and provides an expansive view of the tourbillon cage, balance wheel, and escapement.  The watch features a whopping 8-day power reserve packed into the 8 mm thick case.  It is winding, setting, and running smoothly at approximately -3 s/d, averaged across 6 positions.

Strap: presented on a standard length Saffiano textured tan leather aftermarket strap in excellent condition, accompanied by its originally signed yellow gold buckle.

Includes: Watch and buckle.

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