Rare Finds — Blancpain Six Masterpieces Set No.1 of 99 in Platinum
— A deep dive into a special listing
Highly collectible set of neo-vintage complications.
Having previously written about ‘Neo-Vintage Blancpain’ we covered the history of 6 models as they evolved throughout the 1980’s that eventually led to the formation of the ‘Six Masterpieces’ collection, said to be curated and offered for sale to celebrate the launch of ref. 1735 grand complication.
It is with tremendous pleasure to be able to document and list for sale what we strongly believe to be the most collectible of all masterpiece sets from Blancpain, set no.1 of 99 in platinum circa 1991 in truly outstanding condition.
The set itself consists of 6 watches, Calendar Moon Phase, Ultra-Thin, Perpetual Calendar, Minute Repeater, Split Seconds Chronograph and Flying Tourbillon. All housed within the iconic checkerboard presentation box with each model mounted above a plaque displaying the model.
When sold new back in the early 1990’s the set would have included a booklet with the date of sale and manufacture signature, this is sadly no longer present however each watch proudly displays the engraving ‘no.1 of 99’ on each respective case back.
Condition wise the set has seen very little wear, each watch individually documented below, the watches do not have any service history and sold ‘as is’ mechanically.
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This set is offered for sale at 115,000GBP inc fully insured worldwide shipping. Send WhatsApp or Email to connect with Ben.
Ultra-Thin
Ref. 0021
About the Ultra-Thin
Development on this movement spanned from circa 1911 to 1925. The resulting Cal. 21 measured less than 1.75mm in height and can still be found in watches today. Combined with the case the ultra-thin measures a total of just 5.6mm thick, or should we say thin…
Aesthetic Report
The clean step dial has no visible marks on the surface, the hands also appear to be free of any imperfections. The bezel is near untouched with very light hairlines. Turning the watch over the lugs show some signs of strap removal, the hallmarks are crisp and deep. The case back shows minor hairlines and appears untouched with the engravings sharp. Original Blancpain strap shows some light wear with the buckle in great shape showing minor hairlines only.
Mechanical Report
Feels tight when winding, no service history.
Understated and extremely comfortable the Ultra-thin was a surprise on the wrist and with the open case back a stealthy firecracker of a watch.
— Ben, WBLDN
Flying Tourbillon
Ref. 0023
The World’s First Wristwatch Flying Tourbillon & World’s Thinnest Hand-wound Tourbillon.
About the Flying Tourbillon
The World’s First Wristwatch Flying Tourbillon & World’s Thinnest Hand-wound Tourbillon. Not one to follow suit Blancpain in collaboration with Vincent Calbrese introduced their own twist on the classic tourbillon, the flying design provided an unobstructed view of the tourbillon cage, balance wheel and escapement. The power reserve, an incredible 8 days, the worlds first 8-day power reserve tourbillon, all of this housed within a 8mm thick case.
Aesthetic Report
The dial is free from any blemishes, the hour hand has a light scratch. Looking at the bezel only minor hairlines are present, this condition is consistent across the case and lugs appearing unpolished with crisp hallmarks and engravings. There is a light scratch on the case back. The glass shows a few black spots on the underside possibly dried oils from the movement. Buckle shows light hairlines and the original Blancpain strap has medium wear with one hoop on the band damaged.
Mechanical report
Feels tight when winding, power reserve doesn’t respond, no service history.
The Flying Tourbillon demands attention and rightly so. The crisp case, visual flying tourbillon and dramatic case back makes for a killer watch.
— Ben, WBLDN
Minute Repeater
Ref. 0033
The translation of time into musical tones one of watchmaking’s greatest triumphs.
About the Minute Repeater
Case made by legendary case maker Jean Pierre-Hagmann (JHP stamp between the lugs). A pure work of art, when desired chimes the hour, quarter hour and minute. It represents the ultimate achievement in traditional watchmaking. The cal. 33 took more than 10,000 hours of work to develop and tune this minute repeater. - Blancpain
Aesthetic Report
Dial is near perfect with a tiny blemish visible under a loupe at the ‘10’ sec counter on the small seconds. There is another tiny blemish above the ‘L’ on ‘Blancpain’, do note these are minute and noticeable only under loupe. The bezel is in fantastic condition with only minor hairlines to report. Looking at the lugs the hallmarks are deep but show small signs of wear and small marks from strap removal. The case back is clearly the highlight with the rose movement an absolute visual delight, the platinum surround appears unpolished with the engravings crisp and deep. Buckle with minor hairlines and original Blancpain strap shows light wear.
Mechanical Report
Winds well and holds time/ amplitude. The repeater chimes wonderfully and appears in full working order. No service history.
The ultimate understated flex ft. JHP case, enough said.
— Ben, WBLDN
Calendar Moonphase
Ref. 6553
About the Calendar Moonphase
The first model to be released from Biver/Piguet Blancpain was the Complete Calendar Moon Phase. This was a special moment as Blancpain actively brought back traditional complications while the majority of the watch market shied away in favour of simple quartz movements. The design is classic and straight out of the Piguet linage, pure watchmaking class.
Aesthetic Report
The dial has a lot to enjoy including the date crescent hand and centre apertures. There are no marks on the dial and the hands appear unmarked. The bezel has minor hairlines with the lugs and case back appearing to show a light polish/brush at some point in the past, the hallmarks have light brush lines through them although still visible and deep. Buckle with minor hairlines and original Blancpain strap shows light wear.
Mechanical Report
When winding rotor spins at speed, all pushers working correctly. No service history.
Personally I’d always reach for the perpetual however the classic aesthetic and history associated with this model has compelling charm, tough not to enjoy!
— Ben, WBLDN
Split Seconds Chronograph
Ref. 1186
About the Split Seconds
The ref. 1186 was the first automatic split-seconds chronograph movement ever produced. The Cal. 1186 features a vertical clutch column wheel allowing it constantly run without additionally running down the power reserve.
Aesthetic Report
Dial is in near perfect condition, the numerals starting to show minor signs of patina under loupe. The original tritium hands are in amazing condition with some aging/discolouration starting to take place. The bezel and lugs show minor hairlines only, the case back has deep hallmarks and engravings. Buckle with minor hairlines and original Blancpain strap shows light wear.
Mechanical Report
Winds well, chronograph function working as should. No service history.
Incredibly important movement and overall serious bit of kit to be enjoyed. The value in the watch is undeniable.
— Ben, WBLDN
Perpetual Calendar
Ref. 5453
About the Perpetual Calendar
The watch features a triple register dial with deep-set moon phase at 6 o’clock. The design is extremely pleasing on the eye with symmetry and simplicity at its core. Originally based on the Cal. 5395 (ref. 5495), a change in calibre size resulted in the Cal. 5453.
Aesthetic Report
Dial in overall great condition, there is a tiny blemish in the ‘2’ of the ‘25’ in the moon phase. Under loupe possible to see a few dots, presumably caused by moisture at some point in its life, to note this is very minor and not visible to the eye. The original tritium hands show deep patina with some discolouration. The case back and lugs are sharp, there are faint lines through the hallmarks although still deep and crisp. Buckle with minor hairlines and original Blancpain strap shows light wear.
Mechanical Report
Winds well, month pusher/subdial intermittently working. No service history.
My passion for perpetuals runs deep and it’s no different here. Appealing clean dial layout, great case proportions + a cheeky moon face looking back at you, just awesome.
— Ben, WBLDN
Presentation Box
Presented in perfect condition the lacquer box is a delight in itself. Each watch is mounted in place above a plaque displaying the model, 3 up 3 down layout. The interior leather inc each cushion are in great condition.
