BLANCPAIN MINUTE REPEATER 18K GOLD

Blancpain has always chosen classical over progressive designs. They proudly state that they have never made a quartz watch. When the rest of the Swiss watch firms were cranking out lots of quartz powered watches in the 1980s, Blancpain was resurrected by Jean Claude Biver to offer smallish sized mechanical watches, most of which had a moonphase complication. They took their atavistic culture seriously and it paid off; when mechanical Swiss watches had their renaissance in the late 1990s, Blancpain was well positioned as an elite brand. And deservedly so, since they use exclusive Piguet movements reserved for their own production, super high quality cases and really nice dials.

This watch is a testament to Blancpain's commitment to producing elite watches with classical styling. The dial of this minute repeater is extremely understated, in black with applied golden Roman numerals and leaf hands with a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The 18k yellow gold case is 33.8mm in diameter by 7.4mm thick and features a stepped bezel and thin straight lugs along with sapphire front and display back crystals.

Movement is the manual winding Blancpain Caliber 33 with 31 jewels and with a power reserve of 44 hours. The hammers and gongs can be seen working in the display back. This is movement serial number 10 (which also serves as the watch's serial number since the case is not engraved with one), so it is an early and important Blancpain watch.

What I love most about this watch is the contrast that it offers: understated in appearance yet offering a powerhouse of a complication. It's the horologic equivalent to the famous maxim to "walk quietly and carry a big stick".

This watch was serviced by Blancpain in Switzerland in 2006, and will be delivered with copies of the service documents, Blancpain booklet, Blancpain polishing cloth and Blancpain box. Watch is in mint condition.

U.S. Retail of this watch is $123,000.

If you have any questions about this watch, please call us at 1.818.707.7007.

-- Rob Spayne

Watch Specifics:

Manufacturer	BLANCPAIN
Model Name	Minute Repeater
Model / Ref #	0033
Condition	Mint
Gender	Mens
Category	Contemporary
Movement	Manual Winding
Case	18K Yellow Gold
Case Dimensions	33.8mm in diameter by 7.4mm thick
Crystal	Sapphire
Band	Black Crocodile
Dial	Black
Bezel
Functions	Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds, Minute Repeater
Additional Information	Delivered with copies of the service documents, Blancpain booklet, Blancpain polishing cloth and Blancpain box
Current Retail Price	USD $123,000
Starting Bid Price	USD $29,500 -- BUY IT NOW !! OR MAKE US AN OFFER !!

ABOUT THE SELLER

Robert Maron is internationally recognized as a leading expert in the field of High Grade, Important Vintage and Collectible wristwatches. With years of experience as a worldwide watch trader, professional, financial and personal references can be provided from almost anywhere in the world. Complete collections bought and sold, discretion assured. Member IWJG and NAWCC. Lifetime warranty of 100% originality and authenticity on every sale. Call 1.818.707.7007 for questions, click HERE for further information, or email us at sales@maron.com

SHIPPING & PAYMENT INFORMATION

Buyer pays for shipping $50 domestic shipping by expedited FedEx Priority Overnight delivery with insurance and estimated $150 for international shipment by expedited FedEx Priority with insurance (exact amount depends on value of watch) Winning bidder needs to contact us within 48 hours of notification Payment must be received within 5 days of auction end Paypal gladly accepted for purchases up to $3,000.00. Contact us for further details California residents: we will add 9.25% sales tax. Other locations - you are responsible for your own duties and/or taxes.

GUARANTEE

Returns accepted within 3 days if item is not as represented; buyer has to pay for return shipping costs and insurance. Item must be returned in same condition as received, including all material such as shipping box and manual We will refund your money within 24 hours after we receive the watch (subject to the watch being in the identical condition when sold, including all enclosures)