Introduction
Blancpain's Villeret collection represents the manufacture at its most classical, taking its name from the Swiss village where Jehan-Jacques Blancpain established his workshop in 1735. Defined by restrained proportions, clean dials and traditional round cases, the collection has long provided a counterpoint to the brand's more overtly sporting Fifty Fathoms. The Ultra-Slim models distil that approach even further, pairing elegant dress-watch styling with remarkably slender automatic movements.
The present reference B1151-1127-11 is a particularly understated execution, combining a compact 34mm stainless steel case with a crisp white dial, applied Roman numerals and a discreet date aperture at 3 o'clock. It is fitted with a beautifully constructed stainless steel multi-link bracelet, giving what might otherwise be a traditional dress watch a slightly more versatile character.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$2,000 – $3,000
The Details
Brand
Blancpain
Dimensions
34mm
Model
Villeret Ultra-Slim
Movement
Automatic Blancpain cal. 1151
Reference
B1151-1127-11
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
Circa late 1990s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Elegantly restrained, the white dial features applied Roman numeral hour markers, slender hands and a discreet framed date aperture at 3 o'clock. With virtually no unnecessary decoration, its clean design and generous negative space perfectly capture the classical character for which the Villeret collection is known.
THE CONSTRUCTION
At 34mm in diameter, the stainless steel case reflects the traditionally restrained proportions of the Villeret collection. Its stepped bezel, gently curved lugs and polished surfaces are complemented by an unusually elaborate multi-link steel bracelet, which adds considerable visual texture while preserving the watch's elegant character
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case shows light surface scratches and small nicks. The rear of the lug retains a crisp “STEEL” stamp. The case back retains its sticker and well-defined engravings. There is some wear to the strap screws. The winding crown is in excellent condition. The dial and hands are in near-mint condition. The steel bracelet shows surface scratches, while the clasp remains well defined. The bracelet is fitted with 15 links, 5 of which are removable, and fits approximately a 7” wrist.
Our Perspective
Understated even by Blancpain standards, this Villeret is an appealing example of traditional Swiss dress-watch design from an era when 34mm remained an entirely natural size. The white Roman numeral dial is beautifully restrained, but it is the intricate factory steel bracelet that gives this example its particular character, transforming a discreet ultra-thin Villeret into something considerably more distinctive on the wrist.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
