THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: BLANCPAIN
MODEL: 5395-1418
YEAR: c1990
CASE DIAMETER: 34mm
CASE MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

It's no secret that Jean-Claude Biver and Jacques Piguet completely transformed Blancpain after they acquired it in 1981. Over the following decade, they produced some of the most extraordinary watches under the Blancpain name, which would come to be known as the Six Masterpieces. From ultra-thin perpetual calendars like this example to flying tourbillons, they redefined the brand, culminating in a buyout by the Swatch Group in 1992.

Around 1986, after the release of the 6595 Complete Calendar Moonphase and ultra-thin 0021, Blancpain released their first Perpetual Calendar, the 5395. These came in several precious metals, steel, and bimetal. This example is the 1418 variant meaning full gold case and white dial. 

These watches really do have the wow factor in the flesh, often overlooked for the more obvious Haute Horological brands, they offer all the style, elegance and mechanical craftsmanship for a lot less money.