Blancpain

Blancpain, a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer, has held a significant place in horological history since its founding in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain in Villeret, Switzerland. The brand is recognized as the oldest surviving watchmaking brand in the world. Jehan-Jacques established the workshop on the upper floor of his house, marking the beginning of what would become a prestigious name in the industry.

In the 19th century, Frédéric-Louis Blancpain, a direct descendant, modernized the production methods and introduced the cylinder escapement, replacing the then-common verge escapement. This innovation set Blancpain apart from its contemporaries and facilitated its expansion. Continuing its path of innovation, Blancpain embraced industrialization early, implementing modern machinery that improved the quality and precision of their timepieces.

The 1950s marked a set of groundbreaking developments when Blancpain launched the Fifty Fathoms in 1953, which is widely considered the first modern diving watch. The Fifty Fathoms was developed in partnership with the French Navy's combat swimmers, ensuring it met the rigorous demands of underwater operations. This model gained international acclaim and was subsequently adopted by numerous naval forces around the world.

Blancpain's dedication to traditional watchmaking is evident in their refusal to produce quartz watches, even during the height of the quartz crisis in the 1970s and 1980s. Instead, Blancpain focused on the art of mechanical watchmaking, earning admiration for their intricate complications and exemplary craftsmanship. Moreover, the brand made history again in 1983 when Jean-Claude Biver and Jacques Piguet acquired it, eventually leading to its renaissance.