Marilyn Monroe, Hollywood’s brightest star, once said, “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” On the centennial of her birth, June 1, 1926, Blancpain celebrates the eternal icon with the timeless elegance of the Ladybird Tribute, a capsule collection of seven unique pieces in seven striking colors. Far from being boring, the number is no coincidence, and neither is the design of the timepiece. It draws from the seven letters in the name Marilyn, the woman born Norma Jeane Mortenson, and is directly reinterpreted from the jewelry watch once worn by the Hollywood legend and acquired by the Maison in 2016.
For Hollywood fans, Marilyn maniacs, and watch aficionados, this is a win-win. The reinterpretation is truly one for the books, retaining the essence of the original piece while giving it a distinctly modern spin. Monroe’s watch from the 1940s and early 1950s was a glittering specimen of American Art Deco, with an elongated rectangular case that echoed the architectural drama of the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building. Crafted in platinum 950, it was set with 71 brilliant-cut diamonds and two marquise diamonds, with diamond-studded lugs adding to its allure. The rectangular opaline dial featured yellow-gold applied hour markers, while the Blancpain logo was stretched vertically to mirror the watch’s slender proportions.
In the latest Ladybird Tribute, each of the seven timepieces bears one letter of the name MARILYN engraved on the caseback, making every piece feel even more personal and special to own. It is also fitted with an innovative sapphire exhibition caseback, allowing the wearer to witness the magic of the movement. It is fair to call this one of the most incredible tributes to a star whose beauty captivated millions, ruled hearts, and whose life was cut tragically short at just 36. Yet her 100th birthday is not about mourning what was lost, but celebrating all that she gave the world, and this capsule collection feels every bit like a deeply personal homage.
Each of the seven creations is mounted on a double-wrap calf strap in one of seven exclusive Pantone-developed colors. The softer shades include Peach Bud, Dynasty Pink, Star White, and Golden Touch, while the bolder choices come in the form of High Risk Red and Hot Pink. Last but not least is Black Beauty, which, like the others, is powered by the in-house Caliber 510 manual-winding movement measuring just 2.60 mm thick. The 18K white gold Ladybird Tribute is a collectible, in my opinion, comprising 128 components and 23 jewels and offering a power reserve of 52 hours. Its opaline dial is highlighted by yellow-gold applied markers and conical hands.
Altogether, this glittering tribute to one of the most photographed women of the 20th century features 85 diamonds weighing 1.360 carats. Priced at over $52,000, it feels like the kind of watch Marilyn Monroe herself would have loved to own and keep. As Martin Nolan of Julien’s said of the broader Monroe trove, “She kept everything.”
