Blancpain

Jehan-Jacques Blancpain opened his workshop in the village of Villeret within the Swiss Jura mountains in 1735, establishing a lineage that remains unbroken to the present day. The company stands as the oldest registered watch manufacturer in history, surviving eras where many competitors folded or shifted away from mechanical movements. While the quartz crisis disrupted the industry in the mid-20th century, Blancpain continued producing mechanical timepieces, preserving traditional craftsmanship through decades of market volatility.

The Swatch Group acquired the maison in 1992, yet the brand retains significant operational autonomy to maintain its specific manufacturing methods and design philosophy. Under CEO Betty Fiechter, the house focuses on high-complication pieces and tool watches, balancing heritage with modern engineering standards. Their portfolio spans from the classical dress watches of the Villeret collection to the rugged durability of the Fifty Fathoms, which debuted in 1953 as the first modern diving watch.

A defining moment for the brand occurred in 1991 with the launch of the 1735 Grand Complication wristwatch, integrating eight distinct complications into a single movement. This creation remains the most complicated mechanical wristwatch ever produced, showcasing the technical prowess that distinguishes Blancpain from other luxury manufacturers. Recent releases continue this tradition of precision, including the September 2026 unveiling of the Lady B collection and the August 2026 limited edition reissue of the 1968 Bathyscaphe design. [edit]