2012 - Newly released at Baselworld - the Blancpain Traditional Chinese Calendar in 18K Red Gold.
This watch is not issued in a limited edition, whereas the Platinum version is a 20 piece limited edition.
This is a world-exclusive version of the first wristwatch equipped with a traditional Chinese calendar.
The Brand wanted to honor this age-old culture by designing this fun, yet practical watch showing both the Gregorian calendar & the Chinese calendar.
The dial is fascinating - the hours, minutes and the Gregorian calendar rub shoulders with the main indications of the Chinese calendar: traditional double-hour indication, day, month with indication of leap months, signs of the zodiac, as well as the five elements and the 10 celestial stems.
The new self-winding Caliber 3638 powering this watch is endowed with a 7-day power reserve, in spite of having an incredible 434 parts - a tribute to the watchmaking expertise of Blancpain!
The hours, minutes and the Gregorian calendar are presented in the center.
The counter at 12 o?clock indicates the double-hour numerals and symbols (24-hour cycle); while the one at 3 o?clock shows the elements and the celestial stems (10-year cycle).
The month of the Chinese calendar (12-month cycle), its date (30-day cycle) and the leap month indicator appear at 9 o?clock, while a 12 o?clock window reveals the zodiac sign of the year in progress (12-year cycle); and the moon phases are displayed at 6 o?clock.
The crown has been designed in a smaller size to make it more comfortable for the wearer.
There are 5 correctors placed under the lugs that adjust the various indications on the dial.
The blued Gregorian date pointer is in the traditional serpentine form
The watch is water resistant to 30 meters / 100 feet
