Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Complet 8 Jours 6639-3631-55B
The name Villeret is sacred to Blancpain as this the brand’s native village. In this collection, the brand seeks to go back to its roots where the ideals of true watchmaking are at its strongest. All Villeret models have a few things in common such as their double tiered bezels, the usage of Roman numerals as the hour markers, and a style of simplified elegance that has made the brand an important part of the heritage of watchmaking.
This model, the Quantieme Complet 8 Jours 6639-3631-55B, carries a dial that is made from the Grand Feu style of enameling which goes back to the very origins of Swiss watchmaking. This material is completely unalterable and is designed to always keep its shine. The Grand Feu style is achieved by layering enamel and firing them at temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees centigrade. The hour markers are also done in enamel and are fired sometimes as much as 12 times successively. After each process the dials are inspected and retouched by hand. These processes put Blancpain in a category of its own as the watchmaker to offer domed enamel dials. 
Another trademark of the 6639-3631-55B is the blued steel serpentine hand that was used originally by 18th century watchmakers to indicate secondary information on the dial. The bluing of steel is done when iron is heated to a very specific temperature in the presence of oxygen for a very specific time. If overdone the steel is ruined as it turns brown.
This timepiece features a complete calendar on the dial, with the day and month in apertures at the 12 position and the date displayed by the central blued steel serpentine hand. At the 6 o’clock position is the 29 ½ moon phase with small seconds indication.
The case on this model is made from 18kt red gold and it carries dimensions of 42mm for the diameter and 13.07mm for the case height. This model uses a highly scratch resistant sapphire crystal for the dial window. This masterpiece is water resistant to 30 meters or 3 ATM. The case back is also crafted from sapphire crystal which is used to evince the highly decorated self-winding movement.
The movement carries the amazing power reserve of 8 days (192 hours). The movement Caliber 6639 is comprised of 303 components and is fitted with 35 jewels. The strap is brown alligator lined with alzavel and is fitted with a folding clasp. Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Complet 8 Jours 6639-3631-55B is made in a limited series of 275 pieces worldwide.
