Blancpain Villeret Monopusher Split-Seconds Chronograph watch

The Blancpain Villeret Monopusher Split-Seconds Chronograph watch is the most prestigious chronograph timepiece offered within the Villeret collection.  Already having produced a distinguished dress chronograph with their Villeret Monopusher Chronograph watch, the watchmakers and designers at Blancpain sought to exceed this excellence, uniting the elegant single-push chronograph complication with the technical brilliance of a rattrapante (split-seconds) function. Long considered the supreme variation upon the chronograph complication, the split-seconds chronograph features two central chronograph hands; with the push of a button, the split hand halts, while the main hand continues forth, enabling the measurement of two events; by another push of the button, the secondary hand is immediately reunited with the primary chronograph hand. 

The heart of the remarkable Blancpain Villeret Monopusher Split-Seconds Chronograph watch is the M186 Calibre, a highly complex and refined selwinding movement developed by Blancpain in conjunction with their movement Manufacture, Frederic Piguet.  Featuring a power reserve of 40 hours, this intricate mechanism comprises 377 hand finished components, including two column wheels--one for the main chronograph and a second for the rattrapante function, which is activated by the button on the left side of the case. 

The movement, visible through the exhibition sapphire caseback is a delight to the eye, its complexity immediately evident; by operating the chronograph start button, and then the rattrapante button, the precise advancements of the column wheel, and the pincer which governs the split-seconds hand can all be observed and admired.  The solid gold rotor, plated with rhodium, and the bridges are hand decorated with the traditional Cotes de Geneve and perlage finishes; the edges are gently rounded using the anglage technique, resulting in smooth edges which catch the light.

The dial of the Blancpain Villeret Monopusher Split-Seconds Chronograph watch is beautiful, balanced and finely detailed, featuring slender leaf shaped hands and elegant Roman numerals upon an opaline background; these elements perfectly compliment the flowing contours and flawless craftsmanship of the 38mm case.  Produced in a limited edition of only 99 pieces each in 18K red gold or platinum, the Blancpain Villeret Monopusher Split-Seconds Chronograph watch is a complicated timepiece of unimpeachable elegance, whose introduction was greeted with great enthusiasm by collectors and lovers of exceptional watches.