After last year’s pre-Basel 2013 launch, Chronographe Grande Date, Blancpain once again wed elegance with horological complexity for Baselworld 2014. Touted a true anthem to femininity, the brand’s latest creation is a revelation in 152 diamonds and the mark of a manufacture that dates from early 18th Century.
The double-stepped case design plays the usual suspect, this time boasting a 36.8 mm red gold diameter exalted by 108 diamonds totaling one carat. While a white mother-of-pearl dial features an off-centered hours and minutes subdial. Divided the Blancpain way, by a row of diamonds, four Arabic numerals and drop-shaped cut out hands make up this part and the other subdial constitutes the signature retrograde 30-second indication as highlight. The dial’s expanse is dotted with diamonds and if you think that’s impressive, the inside is every bit as beautiful as the outside.
Housing Blancpain’s new 226-part mechanical self-winding movement Calibre 2663SR, with a heart rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the sapphire crystal case back also bears the Côtes de Genève or Geneva Stripes. And since it’s Blancpain, the oscillating weight shaped like a five-petal flower can’t be too far from sight. Speaking of sight, you can’t miss the stunning white ostrich leather strap perfect for this timepiece as well as another white gold variation with a blue mother-of-pearl dial. There is even a steel model with an alligator leather strap to don a slightly simpler Blancpain in style.
