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Min. ReadAnother addition to the Traditional Chinese Calendar models comes from Blancpain. The new model combines an 18K rose gold case with a rich green enamel dial.
In 2012, Blancpain introduced the Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar, an extraordinarily complex model that combines the Chinese and Gregorian calendars, complete with a moon phase complication corresponding to the Year of the Dragon. After the past 12 years, the calendar marks the Year of the Dragon again, and the well-established brand appeared with its new model dedicated to this theme.
The new model comes with a case designed with a diameter of 45.2mm and a height of 15.1mm. The impressive case made of 18K red gold has sapphire crystals on both sides. The stylish case, which consists entirely of glossy surfaces, also hosts 5 patented pushers placed under the lugs to adjust the functions of the model.
The rich green-toned dial using Grand Feu enamel balances the functions of the model much more clearly than the white dial versions. The peripheral date display shows the date with a snake-shaped golden hand. Displayed with elegant open hands, the hours are represented by pink gold Roman numerals and dots at 12, 3, and 9 o'clock. At 6 o'clock, there is a moon phase indicator with a smiling golden moon face and stars.
Three subdials with silver enamel inscriptions in Mandarin convey Chinese calendar information. Below the dragon is a small sub-dial with dual hours with numbers and symbols. The subdial at 9 o'clock is devoted to lunar months and days, and the small circular aperture turns red when the 13th intermediate month of the year occurs. The third subdial, at 3 o'clock, with the yin and yang symbol in the middle, shows the five elements (wood, earth, fire, water, and metal) and the ten celestial bodies.
Blancpain Caliber 3638 gives life to the new model. Operating at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph), the automatic caliber offers a power reserve time of 168h (7 days) when fully wound, despite its complex structure and number of functions.
The model, which is limited to only 50 pieces, is complemented by a brown alligator leather strap and an 18K pink gold folding buckle.