If the Fifty Fathoms is Blancpain's diver, the Villeret is its dress collection: round double-stepped cases, white or blue dials, Roman numerals and some of the most elegant complications in Swiss watchmaking. We have 358 Villerets in stock, from $4,225 to $395,695. This guide explains the names on the dials and how to choose.
By the numbers: Switzerland exported CHF 25.9 billion of watches in 2024, 2.8% less than in 2023, in 15.3 million pieces (9.4% fewer), according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (swissinfo.ch, 30 January 2025).
Why "Villeret"?
Blancpain was founded in 1735 in the village of Villeret, in the Swiss Jura, and the collection carries the name of that village. It is the brand's most classical line, meant to look the way a fine Swiss watch has looked for generations, with modern movements inside.
The case and dial
Two details identify a Villeret at a glance:
- The double-stepped case: the case side is cut in two steps, which makes a slim watch look even slimmer and catches light on the profile.
- The dial: lacquered or enamel-style white, silver or blue dials, Roman numerals and leaf-shaped hands. Many models show the moon phase with a small face on the moon disk, a Blancpain signature.
The complications, translated
Villeret model names are in French. What they mean:
- Quantième Complet: a complete calendar (date, day and month) with moon phase. The best-known Villeret; we have 11 in stock.
- Calendrier: calendar models. In stock: 7.
- 8 Jours: an eight-day power reserve; a full wind runs for over a week. In stock: 2.
- Grande Date: a large two-window date. In stock: 2.
- Carrousel: a rotating escapement cage, Blancpain's alternative to the tourbillon. In stock: 3.
- Demi-Fuseau Horaire: a second time zone that also handles half-hour offsets.
- Quantième Annuel GMT: an annual calendar with a second time zone.
- Équation du Temps Marchante: a running equation of time, showing the difference between solar time and the time on your watch.
- Chronographe Monopoussoir: a chronograph operated by a single pusher.
Choosing a size
Our Villerets range from 29 mm to 42 mm. The 29 to 34 mm models are mostly ladies' watches; 38 to 40 mm is the classic men's size and suits most complicated models; 42 mm appears on the larger complications. A Villeret is a dress watch first: if you are between sizes, choose the smaller.
References we have most of
- 6654 1127 55B (Quantième Complet) — 5 in stock, from $7,920
- 6630 1531 55B (8 Jours) — 3 in stock, from $22,360
- 6651-1127-55B — 5 in stock, from $6,600
What to check on a pre-owned Villeret
- Calendar setting. Complete calendars and moon phases are set with correctors on the case side. Ask that the calendar is set correctly when it ships, and do not use the correctors around midnight, when the calendar is changing.
- Power reserve. On an 8 Jours, a full wind should run for eight days; ask whether it was checked.
- Dial condition. White lacquer and enamel-style dials show marks clearly; compare the photos closely.
- Strap and buckle. Most Villerets are on alligator straps; check that the Blancpain buckle or deployant clasp is included.
- Service. Complications cost more to service; ask for the service history. See how often to service a luxury watch.
Every watch we sell is checked by our specialist before it ships; see how we check every watch and our pre-owned checklist.
Villeret or Fifty Fathoms?
The two Blancpain collections could hardly be more different. The Fifty Fathoms is a professional diver; see our Fifty Fathoms buying guide. The Villeret is for a suit and a dinner table. For a dress watch, our dress watch guide explains what to look for.
Frequently asked questions
What does Villeret mean on a Blancpain?
It is the name of the Swiss village where Blancpain was founded in 1735, and of the brand's classic dress collection.
What is a Quantième Complet?
A complete calendar with moon phase: it shows the date, the day and the month, and the phase of the moon.
What does 8 Jours mean?
Eight days: the watch runs for eight days on a full wind.
Is the Blancpain Villeret a good dress watch?
Yes. Slim double-stepped cases, classic dials and sizes around 38 to 40 mm make it one of the reference dress collections.
