Blancpain | Hour Passion

A Tradition of Innovation since 1735

Founded in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain in the Swiss Jura, Blancpain is known as the world’s oldest watchmaking brand. Loyal to its tradition of innovation confirmed by countless technical breakthroughs and horological complications invented over the years, the Manufacture is constantly pushing the boundaries of watchmaking to take this art to places where it has never been before.

Embodying a long-term vision, this commitment is expressed through the passing on of invaluable expertise from one generation to the next, along with regular investments in human resources, production technologies as well as research and development.

Savoir-faire

A prestigious watch is a marvellous mechanism. The skills required to create these watches are rare and demanding. The watchmakers and artists possessing these skills are capable of building into these watches complications that are difficult to produce – perpetual calendars, tourbillons, carrousels, chronographs and minute-repeaters, among others – together with decorative adornments.

With its watchmaking engineers, master watchmakers and artistic craftsmen, all located in the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland, Blancpain upholds the great traditions and expertise of haute horlogerie. The Maison is however not entrenched in the past. Quite the opposite: innovation is its tradition. This governing principle guides Blancpain in the creation of new timepieces and allows it to introduce modern technology that is compatible with the conventional processes, to push back the frontiers of the watchmaker’s art still further.

The Blancpain Ocean Commitment

Ever since the launch of the Fifty Fathoms – the first modern diving watch – in 1953, Blancpain has invested in fostering the exploration, preservation and improved knowledge of the world of the oceans. Over the past 65 years, this commitment has intensified and diversified through the support of multiple initiatives and partnerships. Blancpain and its President & CEO Marc A. Hayek express their long-term determination by becoming close to the explorers, photographers, scientists, and environmentalists who treasure this precious resource.

All these efforts to protect the underwater world are united under the Blancpain Ocean Commitment global program. As such, the Manufacture provides support to major scientific expeditions, oceanographic exploration projects, environmental fora, and underwater photography exhibitions, as well as the production of documentary publications and films.

Art de Vivre

For more than 30 years, the Blancpain Manufacture cultivates special ties with the world's greatest award-winning chefs. The encounter between the world of haute horlogerie and haute cuisine, between Blancpain and the Art de Vivre is entirely self-evident, whether in terms of their common attachment to fine craftsmanship, the importance placed on product quality, as well as respect for terroir and traditions.

These shared values also encompass the same quest for excellence, expertise, a sure touch and true passion. Over the years, Blancpain’s circle of friends has continued to grow and now includes new names on the international gastronomy scene - such as Martín Berasategui, Edgard Bovier or Julien Royer - as well as prestigious hotels such as those belonging to Relais & Châteaux and Leading Hotels of the World.

Métiers d'Art

While the excellence of a Blancpain watch is determined by its technical options and its reliability, it is also governed by its degree of finishing, a sure sign of fine watchmaking. The finishing and decorative techniques applied to each timepiece stem from a hand-crafted tradition and ancestral expertise. This type of work, like all those relating to watchmaking, calls for dexterity, know-how, talent and a good deal of patience.

The workshops dedicated to engraving, enameling, damascening and shakudō make of Le Brassus a major center for watchmaking artistic crafts. It is within these four walls that the wishes and ideas of Blancpain clients take shape and spring to life, where all the artisans, engravers, enamellers, guillocheurs or master watchmakers express themselves and give birth to unique works of art.

Find out more about the brand:https://www.blancpain.com/en