BLANCPAIN L-EVOLUTION, “Super Trofeo” Flyback Chronograph

The second season of the “Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo” championship is now under way. The very first races have just ended on the Hockenheim circuit in Heidelberg, Germany. The new Blancpain-branded Gallardo LP560-4 cars vied with each other throughout the weekend within the context of the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) championship. Blancpain once again salutes the remarkable performance of its President and CEO Marc A. Hayek, racing alongside famous driver Peter Kox of the Netherlands.

This second season confirms the important place Blancpain occupies in the world of motor-racing. While now serving as official timekeeper for the new FIA GT1 World Championship, the Manufacture from Le Brassus also remains the title sponsor of the “Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo”.

Blancpain has created an exceptional new sports watch in honour of this prestigious championship: the L-evolution Super Trofeo 2010* features a titanium case with all carbon-fibre dial and lugs. A chronograph model equipped with a flyback function, this timepiece is also distinguished by its appliques symbolising the Lamborghini Gallardo tail-lights and by its oscillating weight shaped like a double chequered flag, while, the alcantara strap is subtly reminiscent of car upholstery.

Blancpain results (Team Reiter Engineering – no 24):

Marc A. Hayek / Peter Kox (2nd in the 1st race ; 1st / 2nd ; 1st / 3rd)

The next five rounds in the Super Trofeo series will take place in:

• Brno (Czech Republic), May 22-23
• Paul Ricard Le Castellet (France), July 3-4
• Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), July 30-31
• Budapest (Hungary), August 21-22
• Vallelunga (Italy), September 25-26

2010 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Collection: moon phase, complete calendar, column-wheel controlled flyback chronograph

A New Complete Calendar Moon Phase Flyback Chronograph

Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms Collection is home to the most rugged sports watches in all of Blancpain’s lines. For 2010 Blancpain expands the Fifty Fathoms domain of sport to embrace the complications of a moon phase and a complete calendar married with the traditional sport companion of a column-wheel controlled flyback chronograph.

This newest member of the Fifty Fathoms family, with its complicated 448-part movement, has been fitted with a host of Blancpain movement innovations. The moon phase complete calendar mechanism is drawn from the caliber F185 movement, offering the unique capability of risk-free setting of any indication regardless of the time of day or night. Other complete calendar moon phase mechanisms offered in the industry forbid setting of indications at certain times because of risk of damage to the delicate components of the calendar. Blancpain solved this problem with its unique design that frees the owner from worrying about whether it is safe to set the calendar indications. Setting itself is further facilitated by the incorporation of Blancpain’s patented under lug correctors that eliminate the need for adjusters on the sides of the case and which allow finger-tip setting in place of an adjusting tool.

The chronograph base is Blancpain’s classic vertical clutch column-wheel controlled flyback movement.

The stainless steel case is 45 mm in diameter and fitted with a blue colored sapphire unidirectional bezel and blue dial.

2010 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Collection: moon phase, complete calendar, column-wheel controlled flyback chronograph

Technical Specifications

Ref: 5066F-1140-52B

FIFTY FATHOMS, Complete Calendar Flyback Chronograph, moon phases, under-lug correctors, blue dial, one-way rotating bezel, self-winding

Caliber
66BF8

Thickness
7,50 mm

Diameter
32,00 mm

Power-reserve in hours
40

Jewels
37

Components
448

Case
Steel

Thickness
17,40 mm

Diameter
45,00 mm

Water-resistance
30 bar (The water-resistance value expressed in metres corresponds to overpressure expressed in bars. Each bar corresponds to a 10-metre water column.)

Sapphire crystal back
Yes

Interhorn space
23,00 mm

BLANCPAIN Introduces a “Re-imagined” Villeret Moon Phase

Baselworld 2010 marks the 275th Anniversary for Blancpain and is the occasion for the debut of a new Villeret Collection. The first timepiece from this new series to be unveiled is a new complete calendar moon-phase model featuring a fully secure calendar mechanism, and under-lug correctors, fitted into a half-hunter red gold case.

This new Blancpain Villeret Collection distills aesthetics and complications that have been at Blancpain’s core since the early 1980s. The understatement and elegance that have always marked Blancpain’s Villeret models have been brought forward in a new way, backed by the technical advances achieved through Blancpain’s heavy investment in movement development over the past several years.

The complete calendar moon-phase has always been the signature complication for the Villeret Collection. This Blancpain’s exclusive in-house automatic calibre is fitted with a balance oscillating at 28,800 vibrations per hour with an antimagnetic index assembly, and with two barrels guaranteeing it a 72-hour power reserve. Nearly as complex as a full perpetual calendar, this Villeret model features a revolutionary method for adjusting the indications without fear of movement damage, regardless of the time of day. To facilitate setting of the indications, Blancpain has equipped the new Villeret timepiece with its patented under-lug correctors. This not only leaves the sides of the watches with a remarkably pure finish, unmarred by the presence of adjusters, but also means that changes can be accomplished with one’s finger tips instead of requiring a dedicated tool.

For the first model of the new Villeret Collection, Blancpain has opted for a 40 mm red gold half-hunter case and a decorated opaline dial.

Source: www.blancpain.com

A preview of the Blancpain Saint-Valentin 2010

An authentic jewelery creation
Manufacture in Le Brassus is presenting an authentic jeweler creation set with over 500 diamonds and pink sapphires, and housing the world’s smallest self-winding movement, Calibre 615. This extraordinary timepiece is to be issued in a symbolically limited edition of 14 to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2010.

This exceptional creation is an anthem to Love and to Femininity, starting with the white and pink mother-of-pearl dial forming a heart and framed by a bezel set with over 500 diamonds and pink sapphires. A heart-cut diamond also appears at 12 o’clock, while the pin buckle is set with a pearshaped
pink sapphire.

The exquisite beauty of this exceptional two-hand watch also lies in the slenderness of its movement. Blancpain is proudly reintroducing the famous “Lady Bird” Calibre 615, still regarded as the world’s smallest self-winding movement and which can be admired through the sapphire crystal case-back.

This shaped watch is delivered with two genuine satin straps – one black and the other white. It comes in an extremely elegant presentation box featuring a design reflecting the pure lines of this dainty Valentine’s Day model crafted in a strictly limited edition of 14.

BLANCPAIN Spécialités Tourbillon Diamants

Technical Specifications

Ref. #: 2926-5222-55B

SPÉCIALITÉS, Tourbillon set with baguette-cut diamonds, dial paved with 164 diamonds, diamond hands, clasp set with 16 diamonds, self-winding

Caliber 25A

Thickness
4,85 mm

Diameter
23,90 mm

Power-reserve in hours
168

Jewels
29

Components
238

BLANCPAIN Spécialités Tourbillon Diamants

Case
White gold, bezel, case middle and back set with 571 diamonds, crown set with 8 diamonds and 1 briolette-cut diamond

Thickness
12,48 mm

Diameter
40,00 mm

Water-resistance
100 m

Sapphire crystal back
Yes

Interhorn space
21,00 mm

Carat weight
Dial 5,17
Case 14,15
Briolette-cut diamond 0,2
Clasp 0,55
Hands 0,072
TOTAL 20,142

Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph

In May 2009, Swiss luxury watch company Blancpain and Lamborghini Manhattan teamed up for a special unveiling of the Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce in New York.

An exclusive cocktail reception for 70 guests was held at the Blancpain Boutique at Madison Avenue, New York. Guests had the unique opportunity to “test drive” the 2009 Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph, a limited edition timepiece which celebrates the partnership between Blancpain and Lamborghini in the Super Trofeo race series. Directly in front of the Boutique, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce and LB715 Gallardo Spyder drew much attention from guests as well as passers by on prestigious Madison Avenue.

“The alliance between the world’s oldest watch brand and one of the most iconic car manufacturers has resulted in the creation of an exceptional automobile championship, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.” said Marc Junod, Blancpain USA Brand President. “As a crowning touch to this partnership, Blancpain is proud to introduce a new horological gem: the Super Trofeo Chronograph.”

Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce

About Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph

The Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph displays state-of-the-art design and all the attributes of cutting-edge technology. The case, specifically designed for this prestigious line, is inspired by the sleek profil eof the Lamborghini Gallardo. Crafted in steel – the 43.5 mm diameter case that is water-resistant to 100 metres features alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces. At this heart of this new sophisticated and performance oriented case, the Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph, lies its throbbing “engine”, Calibre F185. This mechanical self winding calibre is endowed with a 40-hour power reserve and comprises 308 parts. The unmistakable black dial is distinguished by two red and white 9 and 12 o’clock numerals stylised to evoke the numbers painted on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 racing cars. Another exclusive feature of this exceptional model is its gold oscillating weight engraved with the inscription “Super Trofeo 2009”. The Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph is teamed with a strap in alcantara – like the seats in the Lamborghini Gallardo – secured by a steel folding clasp. The Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph comes in a presentation box inspired by the taut, opulent lines of the ultra-dynamic Gallardo.

Marc Junod (Blancpain USA Brand President) and John Kaufman (General Manager of Manhattan Motorcars)

Preview Episode: Friday, June 12th, 2009 at 9:00pm ET on the Science Channel

Please tune in to witness Blancpain’s master watchmakers hand assemble a movement and apply the delicate hand finishing in accordance with the traditional arts and practices of fine watch making.

For additional screening times, please refer to below:
http://science.discovery.com/tv-schedules/series.html?paid=48.14293.126455.16541.1&start=10

The Blancpain USA Team

Weehawken, New Jersey (April 26, 2009) – The Swatch Group Ltd, the world’s largest watch company, announced today the expansion of an entirely new retail concept to the United States with the opening of the second Tourbillon Boutique on New York City’s Wall Street.

Tourbillon is a multi-brand watch and jewelry boutique network, bringing all the prestige brands within the Swatch Group together under one roof. The brands currently presented in the Tourbillon boutiques are Breguet, Blancpain, Glashütte Original, Jaquet Droz, Léon Hatot and Omega. In homage to the parent company’s namesake, a selection of exclusive watches and jewelry from the Swatch brand is also featured. Prior to the arrival of the New York City boutique, the Tourbillon network comprised of seventeen boutiques, first one in the United States in renowned South Coast Plaza, five within Swiss national borders (Crans-Montana, Montreux, St. Moritz, Lausanne, Lugano), eight others dotted across Europe (Amsterdam, Baden-Baden, Kitzbuhl, Mykonos, Nice, Porto Cervo, Portofino, Puerto Banus), two in Beijing, China and one in Singapore. The second Tourbillon boutique to open in the US will be located on Wall Street in the heart of New York’s financial district.

The Swatch Group is especially proud to continue its expansion in a time when so many are downsizing. After Omega boutique on Fifth Avenue, Tourbillon is the second Swatch Group owned retail store to open in New York City within this month. In this uncertain market, the Swatch Group is pleased to have the opportunity to create jobs and looks forward to another successful luxury venture.

The Tourbillon philosophy embraces the longstanding Swiss tradition of exceptional horological expertise. Tourbillon boutiques present extensive collections of each brand, offering consumers the broadest choice of premium watch models. Recruited from among the finest professionals in the sector, the carefully trained sales people are dedicated to providing customers with impeccable and highly personalized service. As ambassadors of the magnificent brands represented, Tourbillon associates cultivate a passion for the art of watch making and a devotion to sharing with clients the wonderful history of each brand.

About Swatch Group:

The Swatch Group Ltd is the largest manufacturer and distributor of watches and jewelry in the world. It is a synonym for emotional and luxury products of high quality and has its own worldwide network of distribution organizations. The Group is an expert in the manufacture of finished watches, movements and components. Its watch brands are Breguet, Blancpain, Glashütte-Original, Jaquet-Droz, Léon Hatot, Omega in the luxury and prestige segment; Rado, Longines, Union in the high end range; Tissot, Calvin Klein, Certina, Mido, Hamilton, Pierre Balmain in the middle range; Swatch, Flik Flak in the basic segment, and Endura.
www.swatchgroup.com

Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph

The high-powered alliance between two legends

Blancpain and Lamborghini have joined forces in creating an exceptional automobile championship. Played out over six events per year, the Super Trofeo stars a field of 30 Lamborghini Gallardos. To celebrate these superlative races, the Manufacture in Le Brassus is presenting a Super Trofeo flyback chronograph, a resolutely sporting watch with a production run limited to 300.

Encounters between two myths are bound to engender exceptional events. The alliance between the world’s oldest watch brand and one of the most iconic car manufacturers has resulted in the creation of an exceptional automobile championship. The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo is not only the fi rst Lamborghini racing series, but also to become – right from the start of the fi rst race in Silverstone this May – the world’s fastest and most demanding singlemake championship. 30 gleaming Lamborghini Gallard LP560-4 cars – the latest version of this legendary model – are to face off on six equally fabled race tracks during the year 2009. Each of these speed machines bears the colours of the watch manufacturer, while the car driven by Blancpain’s President and CEO, Marc A. Hayek, is entirely dedicated to the brand.

For Marc A. Hayek and Stephan Winkelmann, respectively at the head of Blancpain and Lamborghini, this partnership in a joint championship enables them to fulfi l the dreams of many devotees of exceptional mechanical engineering. When Lamborghini decided to join the race to push the boundaries of speed, its decision to work with Blancpain – a watch brand renowned for its pioneering sprit and mechanical expertise – was a natural choice for this high-octane union.

The first single-make racing series in Lamborghini’s history, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo 2009 features six European events scheduled from May through October, at Silverstone (United Kingdom), Adria (Italy), Norisring (Germany), Spa Francorchamps (Belgium), as well Catalunya (Spain) and Paul Ricard (France). 30 Lamborghini Gallardo cars are to take part in each of the races.

Cutting-edge technology
Boasting exceptional performances fuelled by 570 HP and 540 N/m torque enabling it to reach top speeds of over 300 km/h, the latest racing version of the Gallardo line from Lamborghini is a truly exceptional car. Its mettlesome character and its taut, sophisticated lines have inspired the Blancpain designers and master-watchmakers in creating the latest gem from the Manufacture in Le Brassus: the Super Trofeo Chronograph endowed with a flyback function. Like the powerful engine of the Gallardo, this new Blancpain chronograph displays state-of-the-art design and all the attributes of cutting-edge technology.

The case specifically designed for this prestigious line is inspired by the sleek profi le of the Lamborghini Gallardo. Crafted in steel coated with a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) treatment – blacker than ruthenium and more resistant than PVD – the 43.5 mm-diameter case that is waterresistant to 100 metres features alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces. Highly sought after for its hardness and its anti-allergenic nature, as well as its intense colour, DLC treatment combines the properties of diamantine carbon (hardness, insulation, chemical resistance) with those of graphite (black colour, elasticity). Based on state-of-the-art technologies, DLC is a treatment applied in thin layers (sometimes less than 2 μm) by a “vacuum deposit” process. Moreover, DLC boasts an extremely low friction coeffi cient and remarkable chemical inertia, two qualities that ensure excellent resistance to wear, corrosion and friction, as well as a fl exible kind of hardness.

Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph

A sports model through and through, the Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph is teamed with a strap in alcantara – like the seats in the Lamborghini Gallardo – secured by a steel folding clasp.

Available in a limited edition of 300 with its individual number engraved on the case-back – the Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph comes in a presentation box inspired by the taut, opulent lines of the ultra-dynamic Gallardo.

Marc A. Hayek and Stephan Winkelmann at the 79th International Motor Show in Geneva

On the occasion of the 79th International Motor Show in Geneva, Marc A. Hayek and Stephan Winkelmann, the respective Presidents and CEOs of Blancpain and Lamborghini, set the seal on the exhilarating union of two legendary names. Just ahead of Baselworld 2009, Marc A. Hayek treated the press on the Lamborghini booth to a sneak preview of the new Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph, dedicated to the world’s fastest and most demanding automobile championship. The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo will roar into action on May 2nd and 3rd in Silverstone (UK), and this first race will be followed by five others in Italy, Germany, Belgium, Spain and France.