Blancpain, the brand that swaggered back into relevance in the 1980s, played a pivotal role in the rebirth of mechanical watchmaking. When Jean-Claude Biver and Jacques Piguet revived the name in 1981, they didn’t just save a brand—they built a powerhouse. By the end of the century, Blancpain was flexing its horological muscles, blending technical mastery with a playful, provocative edge. In 1988, Blancpain introduced the ultra-slim minute repeater, a marvel of engineering. But in 1993, they turned heads with versions featuring automata depicting erotic scenes on the case back. These cheeky creations paid homage to the risqué pocket watches of the 17th and 18th centuries, where hidden enamelled or automaton scenes delighted (and scandalized) their owners. Combining these moving figures with the delicate chime of a repeater is no small feat, as the automata demand significant power from the movement—a true watchmaking tour de force.

The present example is a fiery masterpiece, featuring a stunning enameled starry night backdrop and lavishly hand-engraved characters that come to life with the chime. Crafted using centuries-old techniques like grand feu enamelling, it’s a one-of-a-kind artistic achievement that blends Blancpain’s technical prowess with its flair for the provocative. This unique piece is a testament to Blancpain’s role in reviving not just complex mechanical watchmaking but also fine artistic crafts. A cheeky, charming reminder that horology can be both serious and seriously fun.