Blancpain, a classic name when it’s about the concepts of traditional luxury watchmaking and high complications, takes its place in the tribute to masters of watchmaking section with its Blancpain Tourbillon Carrousel model which hosts two cult complications.
When it comes to high complication timepieces, the details except the movement and its features always remind me of racecars. Especially like the ones that race in NASCAR, racecars mostly do not offer distinctive details like body design, colors, tail lights etc. Their main task is to bring the high-performance engine safely to the finish line, so the design details always come after the technology. Just like the non-movement related components of high complication timepieces.
Blancpain Tourbillon Carrousel Reference: 2322-3631-55B is no exception. But I’ll follows the usual sequence and start with the case.
The model is offered in an elegantly designed case measuring 44.6mm x 11.94mm. Water resistant to 30 meters / 3 bars as per its style, the case is equipped with scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both sides. The case is made of 18K pink gold which I think suits perfectly with its traditional character.
The situation I mentioned about the aesthetic details of non-movement related components also applies to the model’s dial. But I would also like to add that it has more detail than the case itself. There are perforated windows at 12 and 6 o’clock. In addition to these windows that allow the user to enjoy the Tourbillon and Carrousel features that give the model its name (and well-deserved reputation), there is a date display at 3 o’clock.
The Carrousel and Tourbillon assemblies that appear in the windows are designed in Flying style. Meaning that, instead of being connected to the main body by means of bridges, they are fixed on the movement with ceramic ball bearings. With the help of the double sapphire crystals, the design gives the impression that these devices are floating independently in the air. The gold Roman numeral indices on the plain white colored Grand Feu enamel hour scale increase the readability, but since there is no minute scale on the dial, it is still difficult to read the time in the most precise way at first sight. The sub dial, which houses the perforated windows and the date display, is partially perforated at the right side. For the background of the sub-dial, hand-crafted Cotes de Genève decoration is preferred.
Let’s come to the most important part of the model. Blancpain Tourbillon Carrousel Reference: 2322-3631-55B is powered by the brand’s full manufacture movement Caliber Ref. 2322. Hand-wound movement is composed of 379 pieces (70 jewels). Beating at a frequency of 21.600vph, the movement offers an impressive power reserve of 168 hours.
Besides the Tourbillon and Carrousel that are linked to each other with a differential like system, Caliber Ref. 2322 is equipped with a date display and a power reserve indicator that can be monitored through the sapphire crystal case back. In addition to its cutting edge architecture, the movement is beautifully finished with several components being decorated in Anglages and Flinqué style, gold balance screws and generous use of Cotes de Genève motifs.
Blancpain Tourbillon Carrousel Reference: 2322-3631-55B is accompanied by a soft brown alligator strap that is secured by a Blancpain signed 18K pink gold folding clasp.
The model that we had the opportunity to review in the stylish and comfortable environment of Tourbillon Boutique (at Emaar Square Mall) comes with a MSRP of CHF 298’000.
