Blancpain
Reference 1186-3442-55 Villeret Rattrapante | A yellow gold automatic split-second chronograph wristwatch with date, Circa 1990
Lot Closed
December 10, 08:28 PM GMT
Estimate
5,000 - 10,000 USD
We may charge or debit your saved payment method subject to the terms set out in our Conditions of Business for Buyers.
Read more.Lot Details
Description
Dial: white
Caliber: cal. 1186 automatic, 38 jewels
Case: 18k yellow gold, snap on case back
Case number: No. 513
Closure: 18k yellow gold Cellini folding clasp
Size: 34 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
In watchmaking, just because appearances may seem simple, does not mean the movement is anything short of awe inspiring. This is particularly true for the Blancpain ref.1186. It broke all sorts of records when it was released. It was the world’s first automatic split-second chronograph. It has a vertical clutch column wheel, and the movement is only 6.75mm thick, which meant that for twenty years it was also the world’s thinnest automatic chronograph movement. All of this punch packed behind a delicate and unassuming dial.