The Blancpain Villeret Flying Tourbillon Ref. 0023 stands as a masterpiece of 1990s neo‑vintage horology. It earned its place in history as the first flying tourbillon wristwatch. In this complication, the tourbillon cage is supported solely from below, allowing its beautifully rotating ballet to be fully visible from the dial side. Driven by the hand‑wound Caliber FP 23, crafted in collaboration with Vincent Calabrese and Frédéric Piguet, the movement measures an ultra‑thin 3.5 mm. It boasts a remarkable 8-day power reserve, all while being housed in a compact 34mm case.
This “Masterpiece Collection” release—alongside ultra‑thin, moonphase, perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and split‑seconds chronograph—charted Blancpain’s mechanical rebirth under Jean‑Claude Biver and Jacques Piguet in the late 1980s/early 1990s. The 34 mm stepped bezel case (available in yellow, white, or platinum) and the playful, oversized tourbillon window balance classical elegance with a captivating mechanical flourish.
Today, models like the 18k yellow-gold Ref. 0023-1418-55 and even rarer platinum versions command attention. They’re cherished for their technical daring, slim proportions, and historically significant movements, offered in small editions.
In essence, the Ref. 0023 is far more than a tourbillon—it’s a horological milestone. It unites technical prowess, minimalist grace, and a story of Swiss mechanical revival. For collectors seeking depth and provenance over flash, it remains a quietly dazzling icon of haute horlogerie.
