By Adam Keith, Associate Timepiece Editor for ViaLuxe
The Blancpain L-Evolution Moon Phase 8 Jours is one of the exciting new timepieces debuted by Blancpain at the Baselworld industry exhibition in March 2009. Like other L-Evolution models, it presents an entirely new 43.5mm case with a modular construction that allows the lugs to be detached for rapid exchanges between straps and bracelets. The complete calendar with moon phase indication--also known as the triple calendar--is a classic watchmaking complication and one of the most iconic for the Manufacture Blancpain. Its instantly recognizable "face" appears in all of the brand's collections, across the spectrum of models for both men and women.
The Blancpain L-evolution Moon Phase 8 Jours watch takes this elegant petite complication to a new level of sophistication, animating it with an entirely new self-winding movement designed and manufactured by Blancpain. This new caliber, designated as 66R9, offers a mix of traditional elements with some new surprises. For instance, the classic complete calendar displays are unchanged--the rotating moon phase indicator is at 6 o'clock along with the small seconds, the date is shown via a centrally mounted pointer hand, and day and month both appear in window apertures near 12 o'clock. However, a semi-circular cutout at just below the hour marker at 12 showcases the power reserve indicator--giving a hint at one of the hidden secrets of the L-evolution collection: an impressive 8-day power reserve attributable to a system of three serially operating mainspring barrels.
This movement follows a progression of Blancpain calibers with long power reserves first initiated in 2006 when the brand debuted its Le Brassus 8 Jours timepiece. Other technically meritorious features of the Blancpain 66R9 include a redesigned calendar adjustment mechanism that enables safe adjustment of the displays regardless of the operation time, and a freely sprung balance wheel with micrometric adjustment screws on its inner rim. Notably, Blancpain has manufactured this high quality regulating organ from titanium, rather than widely used glucydur or beryllium. Blancpain points out that titanium satisfies all the demands for an ideal balance material; not only is titanium immune to magnetism and highly resistant to temperature variances, its extreme low weight results in minimized energy consumption.
The Blancpain L-evolution Moon Phase 8 Jours watch stands out with its highly complex three-dimensional dial. Dominant on this fascinating landscape of dark grey is a vertical Cotes de Geneve pattern, and two towering Roman numeral figures at 3 and 9 o'clock, respectively. Directly above these elements are cutouts which show off the rotating discs for the day and month indications. Like the hour markers, the sword-shaped hands in polished gold showcase generous applications of Superluminova, an assurance of perfect readability even in total darkness.
The Blancpain L-Evolution Moon Phase 8 Jours timepiece is available in 18K red gold or stainless steel; both versions have a screw-down winding crown and are rated water resistant to 100 meters. In addition to the elegantly curved sapphire crystal spanning the dial, the watch also comes equipped with a flat sapphire crystal window in the screw-down caseback. This welcomed feature exposes the refined Blancpain 66R9 movement with its chamfered bridge edges, Cotes Paraboliques decorative pattern, and an 18K gold centrally mounted rotor.
Source: ViaLuxe
