107th Auction

2022/11/19

Lot 403

Blancpain
Léman Répétition Minutes Aqua Lung - Pièce Unique 100 Metres

An extremely rare wristwatch in mint condition, with minute repeater, "cathedral"-gong and patented water-resistance system - with original box, leather wallet with service booklet, operating instructions, DVD, cleaning cloth, additional screwed-on smooth titanium back and Blancpain cigar humidor

Sold

estimated
36.00045.000 €
Price realized
45.000 €
specific features
Case
Titanium, original steel deployant clasp.
Dial
Black/blue iridescent.
Movement
Automatic.
Ref.2835-1230H
Cal.351
Diam.40 mm
Circa2009
Ctry.Switzerland


Blancpain proved their innovative spirit once again when they developed a revolutionary waterproof case design for their Léman Aqua Lung minute repeater, the world’s smallest, ultrathin minute repeater mechanism. The novel case protects the watch to a depth of 100 m. Blancpain designed an extremely sophisticated gear system where the external repeater slide and the lever to activate the repeater are connected by two racks and a transmission shaft with two intermediate wheels. These are fitted with two "O-Ring" gaskets and ensure that the system is waterproof. The double-sided, coated sapphire crystal protects the titanium case – this material provides excellent acoustic values and gives the "cathedral" gong a marvellous strength. The automatic calibre 351 consists of 360 individual parts which have all been ornamented, mounted and adjusted by hand. Each and every one of these timepieces is one of a kind, which is attested by the delicate inscription on the dial.