“Since 1735 there has never been a quartz Blancpain watch. And there never will be." The incredible revival of Blancpain amidst the quartz crisis is an extraordinary story, and the present Villeret Split Seconds Chronograph reference 1186 has played an essential part as one of 6 masterpieces released by Jean-Claude Biver and Jacques Piguet in the revitalization of the brand.

The present yellow gold example with white dial is a classic beauty coupled with mechanical finesse. The beautifully balanced dial boasts fine details, like the subtle date aperture at the 6 o’clock, and the subtle gold tritium hands and applied Roman numerals. It is further powered by the revered calibre 1186 launched in 1988, the very first automatic split-second chronograph movement ever created. Before then, no split-second chronograph subject to the constraint of a traditional double column-wheel system were self-winding. The movement also only measured at 6.75mm, making it an impressive achievement.

From the esteemed collection of distinguished watch collector Mark Cho, the present example is offered in attractive condition, and accompanied by the original box and additional Blancpain satin and ostrich straps. This timeless classic is a celebrated marriage of technical complexity and exceptional craftsmanship, and it is a must-have for the discerning connoisseurs.