Worth The Read

The Blancpain Villeret Flying Tourbillon Ref. 0023 stands as a masterpiece of 1990s neo‑vintage horology. It earned its place in history as the first flying tourbillon wristwatch. In this complication, the tourbillon cage is supported solely from below, allowing its beautifully rotating ballet to be fully visible from the dial side. Driven by the hand‑wound Caliber FP 23, crafted in collaboration with Vincent Calabrese and Frédéric Piguet, the movement measures an ultra‑thin 3.5 mm. It boasts a remarkable 8-day power reserve, all while being housed in a compact 34mm case.

This “Masterpiece Collection” release—alongside ultra‑thin, moonphase, perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and split‑seconds chronograph—charted Blancpain’s mechanical rebirth under Jean‑Claude Biver and Jacques Piguet in the late 1980s/early 1990s. The 34 mm stepped bezel case (available in yellow, white, or platinum) and the playful, oversized tourbillon window balance classical elegance with a captivating mechanical flourish.

Today, models like the 18k yellow-gold Ref. 0023-1418-55 and even rarer platinum versions command attention. They’re cherished for their technical daring, slim proportions, and historically significant movements, offered in small editions.

In essence, the Ref. 0023 is far more than a tourbillon—it’s a horological milestone. It unites technical prowess, minimalist grace, and a story of Swiss mechanical revival. For collectors seeking depth and provenance over flash, it remains a quietly dazzling icon of haute horlogerie.

Specifications

Reference: 0023

Model: Villeret Flying Tourbillon

Movement: The manual Caliber 23 has already been inspected by us, and our watchmaker confirmed that the watch's accuracy is correct for a flying tourbillon. The movement is clean and what you would expect when purchasing a movement of this complexity.

Year: Circa 1990

Contents: Watch only

Case: A 34mm Yellow gold stepped case in immaculate condition. The case number is under 100.

Dial: Flawless dial condition under its original crystal, which has one small scratch but no chips or cracks.

Strap & Buckle: A Handmade strap and the original buckle.

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