Blancpain Villeret Ultra Thin Automatic 1161 in Steel Ref. 1161-1127-55
Blancpain Villeret Ultra Thin Automatic 1161 in Steel Ref. 1161-1127-55
If you’ve been following for any length of time, you’ve probably picked up on my affinity for neo-vintage Blancpain, particularly the Villeret line due to the excellent proportions and design, and overall value you get for the watch. The 1161 is maybe the best representation of that package with the same excellent proportions and aesthetics as my favorite Ref 7002, an “in-house” Frederic Piguet automatic movement with quickset date and for a couple grand less.
Case:The 36 mm case is just under 9 mm thick and measures approximately 40.5 mm lug to lug with 19mm lug width. This case has an excellent size and presence that works beautifully on a variety of wrist shapes an sizes, and appears larger with the wide lug spacing, stepped bezel, and expansive dial. The stainless steel case is very clean throughout with minor surface swirls as shown in the (harsh) macro photos.
Dial: The original matte white dial with mirror polished applied Breguet numerals and arrowhead hour markers are set neatly in a slightly sunken hour track, providing depth and dimension to the dial. The broad, lume filled hour hands provide a decidedly sporty touch aiding the watch’s versatility.
Movement: The Frederic Piguet base caliber is an thin automatic winding with quickset date movement that has been absolutely souped up with a 100-hour power reserve! The watch is winding, setting, and changing date perfectly, and running approximately +9 s/d averaged across 6 positions.
Includes: This watch is presented on an aftermarket black strap and steel buckle in like new condition.