Blancpain L-evolution Réveil GMT
The Blancpain master-watch makers have demonstrated exceptional imagination in developing the most useful complications. Still a relatively rare feature on modern wristwatches, the alarm function is one of the noblest such creations.
- Blancpain L-evolution
Réveil GMT
In presenting its new L-evolution Alarm GMT model, the Manufacture in Le Brassus is highlighting this complex mechanism combining horological technology with a continuous striking system.
Designed, developed and perfected by Blancpain, Calibre 1241H had already earned much praise among watch connoisseurs when it was presented in 2003. Featuring a completely original combination of functions, it successfully weds the precious expertise inherited from yesteryear with modern-day expectations thanks to two complications that are eminently useful to the 21st century traveller : the mechanical alarm function and a dual time-zone indication.
Introduced under reference number 1241H, this mechanical self-winding calibre stems from four years of intensive development. Innovative in several respects, it features twin barrels serving entirely different functions : one to guarantee the rate of the watch, and the other driving the alarm. Composed of 407 parts, it features several functions integrated in an entirely original manner. With this movement, and for the first time in the history of the alarm wristwatch, the self-winding mechanism also winds the alarm barrel. Other practical innovation is that the alarm hand is interdependent with the display of the time zone in the temporary travel location, indicated by the large hour and minute hands. The date is also indexed to the travel time zone and is thus automatically adjusted in the temporary place of residence – a rare feature indeed.
Composed of several different levels, the face of the L-evolution Alarm GMT plays with depth effect. The part forming the base of this multi-layer dial appears adorned with vertical Côtes de Genève. On the upper level, a skeletonised cut-out features a small-sized 9 o’clock numeral and a larger 3 o’clock numeral. It also displays the small seconds counter at 6 o’clock, the alarm hour and minute indication at 8 o’clock, as well as the alarm power reserve between 10 and 12 o’clock. The rim of the dial incorporates the 24-hour dual time-zone display.
The compact, sporty-looking case with its slender double stepped sides is water-resistant to 100 metres and measures 43.5 mm in diameter. The alligator leather strap is secured with a folding clasp. The Alarm GMT is available in steel or red gold versions teamed with a rubber-lined black or brown strap in alligator leather and a triple-blade folding clasp. (Blancpain press)