Blancpain - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Blancpain
    Year: Circa 1992
    Reference No: 1186
    Case No: 490
    Model Name: Villeret Split Seconds Chronograph
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1186, 38 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Blancpain pin buckle
    Dimensions: 34mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by additional Blancpain satin strap, additional Blancpain ostrich strap, booklet, instruction manual, presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    “Since 1735 there has never been a quartz Blancpain watch. And there never will be." The incredible revival of Blancpain amidst the quartz crisis is an extraordinary story, and the present Villeret Split Seconds Chronograph reference 1186 has played an essential part as one of 6 masterpieces released by Jean-Claude Biver and Jacques Piguet in the revitalization of the brand.

    The present yellow gold example with white dial is a classic beauty coupled with mechanical finesse. The beautifully balanced dial boasts fine details, like the subtle date aperture at the 6 o’clock, and the subtle gold tritium hands and applied Roman numerals. It is further powered by the revered calibre 1186 launched in 1988, the very first automatic split-second chronograph movement ever created. Before then, no split-second chronograph subject to the constraint of a traditional double column-wheel system were self-winding. The movement also only measured at 6.75mm, making it an impressive achievement.

    From the esteemed collection of distinguished watch collector Mark Cho, the present example is offered in attractive condition, and accompanied by the original box and additional Blancpain satin and ostrich straps. This timeless classic is a celebrated marriage of technical complexity and exceptional craftsmanship, and it is a must-have for the discerning connoisseurs.

  • Artist Biography

    Blancpain

    Swiss • 1735

    As the watchmaking brand with the earliest founding date, Blancpain remains close to tradition, concentrating on classical mechanical watches. Established in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, the Le Brassus manufacturer today continues to innovate with the development of high-quality calibres and is proud of their heritage, having never made quartz watches. One of the firm's greatest successes was the Fifty Fathom wristwatch introduced in 1953 — the vintage models of which are now highly coveted by collectors. The earliest dive watch available to the market, Fifty Fathom came out a year prior to Rolex's Submariner.  Another key model is the Air Command from the 1960s, considered one of the most mythical collector's watches due to their extreme rarity. Today, the firm specializes in creative innovated complicated timepieces. 

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Property from the Mark Cho Collection

Σ999

Ref. 1186
A well-preserved and elegant yellow gold split seconds chronograph wristwatch with date and presentation box

Circa 1992
34mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$70,000 - 140,000 
€8,400-16,800
$9,000-17,900

Sold for HK$107,950

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024