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Published in: July 2007
    Regulars > Reviews and Commentary > Leaner Times: Ultra-thin watches
 
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Blancpain Villeret Ultra-Slim

The Villeret collection bears the name of Blancpain's birthplace, and features pure lines, trim dial faces and sleekly styled cases. Individually numbered and signed, only a few hundred of these gold, platinum or steel timepieces leave Blancpain’s workshops each year.

This self-winding model features a striking galvanic blue dial, which mesmerizes with its deep and unusual color. The roman numerals and leaf-shaped hands create a brilliant contrast with the dial.

In fact, this timepiece stands out precisely because not many watchmakers create dials in blue. While it is highly esthetically pleasing, the dark dial also draws attention away from its 40mm diameter, which consequently appears much smaller than it really is. It is also special because although an ultra-thin movement is generally delicate, this watch comes with an extraordinary 100-hour power reserve.

Introduced earlier this year at the BaselWorld exhibition, this handsome watch from Glashutte Original is intended as a celebration of the vibrancy of the 1960s. The contrast between the silver-colored face and yellow gold hour markers and hands sets up an exquisite play of colors. The extravagant numerals engraved into the dial enhance its visual appeal.

The domed, satin-finished dial fits the movement snugly. Despite the overall 1960s feel however, its shaped sapphire crystal back display – which allows for a direct view into the automatic manufacture caliber 39-52 – is very contemporary and a first at Glashütte Original.

The Senator Sixties is also noteworthy in view of the firm’s rich German heritage. Unlike the ultra-thin timepieces from other companies, Glashutte’s slender beauties do not mark any revival of an earlier model, but signal a departure from the company’s usual solid constructions. End of Article

Glashutte Original Senator Sixties
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Text JULIAN PEH / PAM PIRUZI


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