Blancpain Léman Moonphase in Steel

Blancpain and Jean-Claude Biver are often credited with leading the charge of mechanical watchmaking’s return to dominance post-quartz crisis. Defiant ads proclaimed ‘there has has never been a quartz Blancpain and there never will be’. Pieces like the revived Fifty Fathoms, 1735 Grande Complication, and (toward the end of JCB) this Léman Moonphase were meant as advertisements for the luxury of mechanical complication. It worked. While this latter Léman wasn’t leading the charge by any stretch of the imagination, it is a lovely piece of their work from that time.

This steel model straddles the line between dress and sport effectively. The automatic moon phase and triple calendar pair for a mildly complicated, subtle approach. The lack of a chronogrpah allows for a clean case silhouette. This 38mm stepped case also rounds under to the caseback more than most, which has become a hallmark of Blancpain as of late. If you ever get the chance, take a look at one of these in service. If it were released today, it would deserve a display back. This all the power of Swatch group, but with a little extra enthusiasm for fit and finish.

This example is shows little to no wear since its 2005 manufacture. The case is strong and unpolished . . .I mean the strap is strong. It comes with a factory box but no papers from a reputable retailer.

Find this Léman Moonphase here from Xupes for 5999 GBP.