As the first complication launched by the revived Blancpain in 1983, the triple calendar with moon phase is arguably the brand’s signature. Now Blancpain has reveal the latest generation of the model, the Villeret Quantième Complet Phases de Lune.

The new version is primarily a cosmetic facelift, which includes a blue ceramic moon phase disc, but it builds on solid foundations. The model retains the innovative and patented under-lug correctors for the calendar that make for easier setting and a clean case outline.

The new Villeret Villeret Quantième Complet Phases de Lune (centre) is being launched alongside the the Quantième Phases de Lune, a 33.2 mm model for ladies (left), and Extraplate, the time-and-date base model (right), both of which have been similarly facelifted.

Initial thoughts

The triple calendar is a simple complication, but functions and aesthetically pleasing in the traditional layout that Blancpain employs. Though it is widely found across brands, Blancpain probably offers the most advanced triple calendar watches on the market thanks to its sophisticated movements. And Blancpain manages to do so at a reasonably competitive price relative to its peers.

At a distance, the facelifted models look pretty much identical to the earlier generation – a good thing if you like the look, but the classical style might look dated to some. I find the aesthetic appealing, especially with details like the serpentine date hand and recessed dates scale.

The facelift is light touch, but extends to the movement, which is technically unchanged but now sports an open-worked, solid gold rotor. The fact that the movement is unchanged isn’t a bad thing, in fact, it illustrates the strong technical foundations of the calibre.

Despite being several years old, the cal. 6654.4 has solid specs, including a 72-hour power reserve and a free-sprung balance mated with a silicon hairspring. And it has all the calendar amenities typical of Blancpain calendars, including the under-lug correctors and “secure” setting mechanism.

Price wise, the new Villeret Quantieme Complet is priced almost identically to the outgoing model, with the price increasing less than 4% for either metal. The pricing is competitive for a simple calendar; it costs about the same as the equivalent models from Jaeger-LeCoultre, though the quality of make is higher, while being priced much, much less than simple calendars from the likes of Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

Complete calendar

When Blancpain was revived by Jean-Claude Biver and Jacques Piguet, the brand debuted in 1983 with a pair of triple-calendar moon phase models, the larger ref. 6595 that was 34 mm and the ladies’ ref. 6395, just 26 mm in diameter. The complication has remained in Blancpain’s catalogue since then, retaining the same aesthetic but enjoying substantial upgrades along the way.

The new Villeret Quantieme Complet is the latest generation of the model. As before it has the day, date, month, and moon phase, but is otherwise far removed from the 1983 original in terms of build and mechanics.

The latest version preserves most elements of the classic design, but many details have been reworked. The changes are subtle for the most part, and the new model greatly resembles preceding versions, which was no doubt the point of the exercise.

Both the hands and applied Roman numerals have been sharpened, while the moon phase disc is now ceramic with solid gold moon “face”. The case has also been redesigned with a slimmer bezel, shorter lugs, and thinner profile.

The new Villeret Villeret Quantième Complet Phases de Lune debuts in four variants, with either a steel or 18k red gold case. Each metal is offered with either an opaline or metallic brown dial, which Blancpain describes as “autumnal shades”.

All four share the same dimensions and movement, which is the cal. 6654.4. It is essentially identical to the calibre in the earlier generation, except for a redesigned rotor that is open worked but still solid gold.

Though not a new movement, the cal. 6654.4 is high spec, underling the excellent technical foundations of Blancpain (thanks in part to its parent, Swatch Group). The cal. 6654.4 runs at 4 Hz and has a three-day power reserve, along with a silicon hairspring and free-sprung balance. Beyond the specs, the movement is also executed to a high standard, with an industrial-haute horlogerie finish that is done well.

And as simple calendar watches go, this is also one of the most advanced. Like many of Blancpain’s current calendar watches, the cal. 6654.4 sports the patented tabs under the lugs to correct the calendar. These replace the traditional recessed pushers in the case band, making for a quicker and easier setting of the calendar. Additionally, the calendar mechanism incorporates a “secure” feature that allows the calendar to be set at any time, evening during the midnight changeover.

Key facts and price

Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet Phases de Lune
Refs. 6654N 1142 55B, 6654N 3642 55B, 6654N 1146 55B, 6654N 3646 55B

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 10.6 mm
Material: 18k red gold or stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 6654.4
Functions:Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, and moon phase
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Crocodile with folding clasp

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Blancpain boutiques and retails
Price:

For more information, visit Blancpain.com.