Blancpain is one of the most prestigious watchmaking houses in the world, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and rich heritage. Founded in 1735, the Swiss brand is the oldest watch manufacturer still in operation today. Synonymous with innovation and tradition, Blancpain has evolved over the centuries while staying true to the fundamental principles of watchmaking. This perfect balance between technical innovation and timeless aesthetics makes Blancpain a key reference in the world of luxury watches.

Let’s explore the fascinating history of this legendary brand and its iconic collections.

The history of Blancpain: a legacy of excellence

Blancpain was founded by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain in 1735 in the small village of Villeret, Switzerland. At that time, the brand started modestly as a watchmaking workshop in the family farm. However, thanks to increasingly recognized horological expertise and a constant drive for innovation, Blancpain grew to become a major player in the industry. From the beginning, the company specialized in mechanical watches, with a strong focus on precision and reliability.

Over the decades, Blancpain has stood out for numerous technical innovations. In 1926, the brand introduced the first automatic wristwatch for women, a true technical feat at a time when horological technology was less developed. In the 1950s, Blancpain made history with the creation of the iconic Fifty Fathoms dive watch, which became a must-have model for both professional and amateur divers. Designed in collaboration with the French Navy, this watch remains one of the brand’s most sought-after models today.

What particularly sets Blancpain apart is its commitment to producing only mechanical watches. Unlike many other brands that embraced the quartz era in the 1970s, Blancpain resisted and continued to focus on mechanical movements, whether automatic or manual. This dedication to traditional watchmaking, combined with constant innovation, has allowed Blancpain to remain at the pinnacle of the industry.

Blancpain’s iconic watch collections

Blancpain is also known for its iconic collections that combine innovation with traditional craftsmanship.

• Fifty Fathoms : introduced in 1953, the Fifty Fathoms is the pioneering dive watch and one of Blancpain’s most famous creations. Designed for professional divers, this collection remains a reference in the field with models like the Bathyscaphe, available in various versions at Goldfinger. Fifty Fathoms watches combine durability, water resistance at extreme depths, and elegant design, incorporating modern materials such as titanium and ceramic.
• Villeret : the Villeret collection embodies Blancpain’s classic watchmaking tradition. Inspired by the brand’s original village, it is characterized by clean lines and timeless style. Notable models include the Villeret Quantième Phases de Lune, a watch that masterfully blends technical complications with aesthetic refinement. The Villeret collection, featuring gold watches and complications such as moon phases, perfectly reflects Blancpain’s elegance.
• Ladybird : Blancpain doesn’t neglect fine watchmaking for women, with its Ladybird collection, which stands out for its dials adorned with mother-of-pearl and diamonds. This collection showcases watches with refined designs and complex automatic movements, a true feat for such small timepieces.

At Goldfinger Jewelry, you can discover these varied Blancpain collections, allowing every fine watch enthusiast to find the ideal timepiece—whether for diving, everyday wear, or special occasions.

Why choose a Blancpain watch?

Blancpain represents the perfect marriage between tradition and innovation. By choosing a Blancpain watch, you are investing in a timepiece that combines centuries of expertise with modern technical advancements. The brand remains faithful to its roots by producing only high-quality mechanical watches, while staying at the forefront of innovation with sophisticated horological complications and avant-garde designs.

In essence, a Blancpain watch is far more than just an accessory, it’s an investment in excellence and horological mastery.