A Blancpain St. Valentine’s delight: The Ladybird’s enduring feminine charm
It was in the early 20th century that Blancpain became a standard-bearer for the feminine wristwatch. Betty Fiechter, who would become the first woman to lead a watchmaking company in 1933, had a vision for self-winding timepieces that would be appreciated by women. Hence, the creation of the smallest round movement of the time, the Ladybird model, which offered horological complications once reserved only for masculine watches.
Nearly 70 years since its introduction, the Ladybird Colors line has become synonymous with watches that are emblematic of the women’s luxury watchmaking movement. Now, the pioneering collection is set to unveil a reiteration rendered in a distinctly vibrant red color palette just in time for Valentine’s Day.
For more than two decades, Blancpain’s watchmakers have meticulously crafted Valentine’s Day timepieces that captured the brilliance of the season. Its special edition Valentines Day 2024 watch, which is limited to just 99 pieces, is adorned with heart motifs and brilliant diamonds as an expression of Valentine traditions.
Defined by a broad and rich colour palette, the Ladybird Colors line is one of Blancpain’s most revered collections simply because of its visual depth. The dial itself is fashioned from an exclusive variety of mother of pearl features, complemented by red Roman numerals and five separate applications of colour. The lower portion of the edition also carries a diamond set ring in the shape of a heart. Adding to the Valentine theme is the Cupid’s arrow that forms the large seconds hand, featuring a small red heart and a feather-shaped counterweight.
Its crown jewel remains Blancpain’s in-house 1153 automatic winding calibre beating at 3 Hz. Accentuated by the elegant gemsetting, the movement’s two mainspring barrels ensure that the watch will achieve a four-day power reserve. Of note, too, is the beautiful white gold winding rotor that has been open-worked to perfection with its heart motif, seen through the sapphire case back.
All these are set within a luxe 34.9-mm case in white gold with hand-set diamonds upon the bezel and lugs. Two carats of diamonds also bestow the bezel, lugs, dial, and buck, endowing the wearer with a timepiece that symbolises an enduring romantic grandeur.
Visit Blancpain for more information.
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