Watchmaking art and the art of living: the same tradition of excellence

Blancpain’s ongoing romance with gastronomy goes back to 1989 when Frédy Girardet, Paul Bocuse and Joël Robuchon were named “cooks of the century” by the famous Gault et Millau guide. The Manufacture in Le Brassus presented each of them with an engraved watch, a gesture that led the oldest watch brands and these award-winning chefs to realize how much they had in common, including a sure touch, meticulous concern for details and infinite patience displayed through innovation respectful of traditions. Ever since, Blancpain has naturally cultivated special relationships with the greatest chefs, and the many talented friends of the brand within this revered circle – notably featuring Joël Robuchon, Franck Giovannini, Stéphane Deécotterd – have earned more than 100 Michelin stars between them.

Blancpain also works in close cooperation with the finest hotel collections such as Relais & Châteaux and Leading Hotels of the World. Moreover, given that the discovery of watchmaking expertise calls for a welcoming attitude and impeccable service, Blancpain ensures that its boutiques are friendly places in which hospitality – worthy of the finest establishments and expressed through an opportunity to savor ‘Swiss made’ produce – rubs shoulders with the presentation of timepieces and the corresponding technical explanations. The overarching aim is to offer clients a uniquely authentic and emotionally satisfying moment. It is thus entirely natural for Blancpain to partner the Semaine du Goût which, like watchmaking itself, supports innovation while preserving tradition.

Tradition born of innovation

Blancpain was founded in the Swiss Jura by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain in 1735 and has remained faithful ever since to its tradition of innovation, as confirmed by the countless horological complications invented over successive generations. It is this same inventive spirit that continues to drive the master- watchmakers of the Manufacture today. Blancpain is determined to transcend its inheritance through constant self-renewal and to improve its timepieces by constantly pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. Today, Blancpain demonstrates its enduring commitment to the renewal of mechanical horology by passing on exceptional expertise from one generation to the next through constant investment in human resources, production means and research. This approach, which is the source of its strength, reflects a long-term vision deliberately running counter to certain contemporary trends based on the quest for immediate profit. From component design through to watch design, Blancpain is distinguished by its ability to develop exceptional watches.

This philosophy is expressed in each of the brand’s models across the entire range of collections: from the classical Villeret models to the legendary Fifty Fathoms diving watches, along with grand complication Le Brassus creations and the L-evolution sports line, while not forgetting the Blancpain Women timepieces.

*An annual Swiss ‘Week of Taste’ dedicated to highlighting culinary pleasures.