The Grande Double Sonnerie is Blancpain’s Most Complex Timepiece Yet

Summary

• Blancpain unveils its most complicated watch, the Grande Double Sonnerie, after eight years of development
• Features include grande/petite sonnerie, minute repeater, flying tourbillon and retrograde perpetual calendar
• It features a two-melody grande sonnerie (Westminster/Eric Singer from KISS)

The Blancpain Grande Double Sonnerie is presented as the most complicated watch in the brand’s history, opening a new frontier in grand complications through an unprecedented combination of functions and musicality.

Developed over eight years, the timepiece integrates 21 patents and more than 1,000 components, all designed and assembled in-house at the brand’s Vallée de Joux workshops. The resulting timepiece achieves a watchmaking first by featuring a grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie and minute repeater, combined with a flying tourbillon and a retrograde perpetual calendar.

At its core lies the grande sonnerie mechanism, capable of playing two selectable melodies: the iconic Westminster chime and an original composition by Eric Singer from KISS. Unlike traditional repeaters, the watch automatically sounds the hours and quarters, offering an extended musical performance that elevates the art of chiming watches. Sound quality is enhanced by an acoustic membrane integrated into the bezel, while four distinct hammers produce notes of E, G, F and B with remarkable clarity. Five safety mechanisms are built into the movement to protect against incorrect handling, underscoring the watch’s technical sophistication.

Beyond its acoustic innovation, the Grande Double Sonnerie incorporates a retrograde perpetual calendar and Blancpain’s signature flying tourbillon, updated with a silicon balance spring and a 28,800 vph frequency. The movement is housed in a wearable 47mm case, with patented under-lug correctors allowing adjustments with just the tip of a finger. Artisanal finishing further distinguishes the piece, with 26 bridges and the mainplate crafted in 18k gold and decorated using traditional techniques such as anglage, perlage and mirror polishing.

Each watch is presented in a special wooden case sourced from the Risoud forest, designed to act as a natural soundboard that amplifies the chime. For more details, head over to Blancpain’s official website and boutiques.

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