In 1735, Jehan-Jacques Blancpain opened a modest workshop on the second floor of his farmhouse in the Jura village of Villeret in Switzerland. These humble beginnings would form the foundation of what is now the world’s oldest existing watchmaker and one of the premier brands within the category of Swiss watchmaking.
Like most horologists at the time, Blancpain’s business was, at the beginning, a family affair: Jehan-Jacques’s son and siblings joined in the work at hand. After all, between the honing, polishing, design and assembly, the making of an innovative watch calls for all hands on deck. Since then, even given its deep history, Blancpain has remained a forward-looking brand.
At the end of the 18th century, Jehan-Jacques’s grandson David-Louis endeavored to turn the family business into an international one, traveling to cities across Europe to proffer the family’s distinctive timepieces, which were known for their roue de rencontre, or meeting wheel, escapements.
By the early 1800s, Frédéric-Louis Blancpain, Jehan-Jacques’s great-grandson, had begun work on ultra-flat movements and implemented modern means of production at the factory. Soon, Blancpain built a two-story factory that further bolstered its production capacity.
In 1926, Blancpain partnered with British watchmaker John Harwood to produce the first automatic wristwatch, an innovation that had existed only in pocket watches at that point. Then nearly 30 years later, when the race to craft modern dive watches had gained speed and Rolex was unveiling its iconic Submariner, Blancpain introduced its Fifty Fathoms, a timepiece designed initially for the French Navy to be waterproof up to a depth of 50 fathoms.
After two centuries of family management, Blancpain left the hands of its namesake family in 1932, passing between a few owners before being acquired in 1961 by SSIH, the venerable Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère, whose other subsidiaries include Omega and Tissot.
SSIH would sell Blancpain to a member of another Swiss watch family, Jacques Piguet, in the early 1980s. In 2010, Piguet merged with Blancpain under the Swatch Group. Today, Blancpain maintains its painstaking attention to detail, producing fewer than 30 watches per day, each crafted by a single watchmaker.
Find a wide range of vintage Blancpain watches for sale on 1stDibs today.
Blancpain Villeret Triple Calendar Moonphase Automatic Steel Gold, 1989
By Blancpain
Located in PARIS, FR
BLANCPAIN Villeret Triple Calendar Moonphase – Ref. 6595-1318 Elegant Blancpain Villeret Triple Calendar Moonphase ref. 6595-1318, sold on October 14, 1989 and preserved in remarkab...
Gold, Steel
Blancpain Villeret Complete Calendar Moon Phase Watch in 18k Gold
By Blancpain
Located in Zurich, CH
A masterclass in understated elegance, this Blancpain Villeret Complete Calendar is the definitive expression of the brand’s classical heritage. Housed in a sophisticated 34mm case c...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Vintage 1990s Villeret Perpetual 5395-1318 – 18K Yellow Gold, White Moonphase
By Blancpain
Located in New York, NY
A High Complication Masterclass The Blancpain Villeret Perpetual Calendar represents the era when the brand spearheaded the revival of traditional mechanical complications. This ref...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ladies Vintage Antique Art Deco Blancpain 10MM 7.40ctw Diamond Manual Watch
By Blancpain
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Blancpain Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 900 Platinum Length: 6.50 inches Width: 10.00 mm Weight: 41.61 grams Vintage Art Deco BLANCPAIN ladies 900 platinum, diamond Swiss m...
Diamond, Platinum
Blancpain Villeret Rose Gold Single Button Chronograph
By Blancpain
Located in Stamford, CT
The Blancpain Villeret automatic 18 rose gold single button chronograph is a masterpiece of refined elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. This timepiece is carved from luxurious ros...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Blancpain Tank Watch in 14k Gold
By Blancpain
Located in Bloomington, MN
Blancpain Tank Watch in 14k Gold This Blancpain tank watch is crafted in 14k gold and features a rectangular case with a classic white dial, Arabic numeral hour markers, gold-tone h...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$32,192Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Blancpain Platinum Diamond Hidden Watch
By Blancpain
Located in New York, NY
A stunning display of brilliance, this exquisite bracelet features a lavish array of round diamonds meticulously set in a captivating cluster design. Each diamond sparkles with unmat...
Diamond, Platinum
Blancpain Leman 18k Yellow Gold Complete Calendar 38mm Watch
By Blancpain
Located in Providence, RI
The Blancpain Leman Complete Calendar is a refined timepiece, embodying Swiss craftsmanship in a 38mm solid 18k yellow gold case with a polished finish. The watch features a white di...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blancpain Villeret Grande Date Jour Rétrograde 6668-1127 Steel Box Paper 40mm
By Blancpain
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6668-1127 Year: 2019 Model: Blancpain Villeret Grande Date Jour Rétrograde Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Leather Band Bezel: Stainless Stee...
Blancpain Stainless Steel Triple Calendar Moonphase Diamond Women’s Watch
By Blancpain
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Blancpain triple-calendar moonphase women’s watch featuring a diamond-set bezel and diamond hour markers. The white dial displays day, date, and month apertures along with a ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Pacific Ocean Gray Dial Watch SO35P100
By Blancpain
Located in New York, NY
Brand new full set.
Blancpain 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Ladies Art Deco Bracelet Watch circa 1950's
By Blancpain
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Blancpain Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length "Lug Tip to Lug Tip" 18mm X Width 14mm CIRCA: 1950'...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Blancpain Rayville 18k Gold Ladies Watch On Aquamarine Bracelet
By Blancpain
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Blancpain Rayville Swiss made ladies watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a channel set emerald cut aquamarine bracelet. Manual wind movement with 17 jewels. A classic mid-cent...
Aquamarine, Gold
Blancpain Stainless Steel Fifty Fathoms Bathyscape 38mm
By Blancpain
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: automatic, 1150 Function: hours, minutes, seconds, date Case: 38mm round stainless steel case, ceramic timing bezel, push/pull crown Band: dark blue rubber strap with stain...
Stainless Steel
Blancpain Villeret Ultra-Slim 18K YG Silver Roman Dial Automatic 33mm
By Blancpain
Located in New York, NY
The Purest Form Of The Dress Watch Blancpain’s Villeret collection is the brand's most traditional line, focusing on slim profiles and timeless aesthetics. This example, produced in...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Trilogy 18K Rose Gold Ltd Ed 51/100 Ref 2200-3630 Watch
By Blancpain
Located in Miami, FL
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Trilogy limited edition 18K rose gold automatic diver's watch, number 51 of only 100 produced, reference 2200-3630, featuring a black dial with luminous marke...
18k Gold
Blancpain 18 Karat Gold Handmade Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 New Condition
By Blancpain
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Blancpain Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Ladies Bracelet Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 16mm X Width 8mm MO...
Gold, 18k Gold
Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Arctic Ocean Cream Dial Watch S035N100
By Blancpain
Located in New York, NY
Brand new full set,
Blancpain Leman Reveil GMT 2041-1230-63B Men's Watch in Titanium
By Blancpain
Located in New York, NY
Blancpain Leman Reveil GMT 2041-1230-63B Men's Watch in Titanium SKU: 131460 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Blancpain Model: Leman Reveil GMT Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type:...
Titanium
Blancpain 50 Fathoms Flyback Chronograph Men's Watch Ref 1130-52A
By Blancpain
Located in Dallas, TX
Blancpain 50 Fathoms Flyback Chronograph Men's Watch Ref 1130-52A - Automatic winding. Stainless steel (45mm). Black dial with luminous style markers, date...
BLACPAIN Villeret, 18K White Gold Chronograph
By Blancpain
Located in New York, NY
Basic Information - Brand: Blancpain - Model: Villeret - Reference number: 4082-1540-55 - Movement: Automatic Complications - Chronograph - Case Size: 40mm - Dial: Blue - Case Mate...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ladies Art Deco Wristwatch Platinum Diamond Manual Wind
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant and timeless jeweled Art Deco lady's watch created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1930s. The watch is made of platinum (tested & hallmarked) and encrusted with Old European cut...
Diamond, Platinum
$4,990
H 1.45 in W 0.36 in L 6.01 in
Antique Art Deco Platinum Glycine 4.41tcw Diamond Handwind Ladies Watch
By Glycine
Located in New York, NY
Elegant antique Art Deco ladies wristwatch by Glycine crafted in platinum and set throughout with diamonds. The rectangular case is framed by baguette cut diamonds along the sides an...
Diamond, Platinum
Patek Philippe Fine Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with Moon Phases
By Patek Philippe
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A PATEK PHILIPPE FINE YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES AND REGISTERS REF 3970E circa 1991 Manual winding nickel lever movement, 24 jewels _ sil...
Yellow Gold
Antique Platinum Diamond Omega Ladies Wrist Watch Vintage Art Deco
Located in Greer, SC
" Lady's dress watch by Omega measures 6.5 inches long. It weighs 13.3 pennyweights. It has a rectangular platinum case measuring 13.62 by 13.21 mm with bead set round diamond lugs. ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Santos Lady Automatic Steel & Gold Ref. 0902
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, BE
Cartier Santos Lady Automatic Ref. 0902, crafted in steel and gold, with an automatic movement. A timeless ladies’ watch with the classic Santos design. with box
Gold, Steel
18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Collectors
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Brand New In Box With all Warranty Papers, Rare Collectors Watch Case : 18 Kt ...
18k Gold
$10,437
D 0.37 in Dm 1.34 in
Doxa Triple Calendar Moon Phase Wrist Watch, 18kt Yellow Gold Case Anti Magnetic
Located in Antwerp, BE
Doxa Triple Calendar Moon Phase Wrist Watch , 18kt Yellow Gold Case anti magnetic Movement: Manual winding Functions: Hour, minutes, secon...
Yellow Gold
Hamilton 1969 Liberty Coin Watch 14K Gold
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Vintage Hamilton 1969 Liberty Coin 14kt Gold Watch, a timeless treasure capturing the essence of mid-century elegance. Encased in a lux...
14k Gold
Essex Nickel Silver One Button Chronograph Original Enamel Dial Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Essex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: 1 Button chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel Silver DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 37mm CIRC...
18 Kt Gold Hunter Pocket Watch Triple Calendar Moon Phase Chrono Minute Repeater
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Pink Gold Hunter Pocket Watch Triple Calendar / Quantieme Moon Phase Chronograph Minute Repeater Weight : 138.1 Gram Extremely Solid ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Platinum Watch 2.40 TCW VS2 G/H Antique 17.5g Manual 6/5"
Located in Puyallup, WA
Introducing a work of art and a testament to exquisite craftsmanship, this Platinum Art Deco Watch. Adorned with exquisite natural diamonds, this timepiece stands as a statement of s...
Diamond, Platinum
Ladies Art Deco Platinum Diamond Onyx Wrist Watch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Art Deco diamond and onyx watch head set in newer triple-strand band of onyx beads with diamond spacers. Watch head is platinum. Spacer...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Platinum
Blancpain Vileret Yellow Gold Steel Men's Wristwatch
By Blancpain
Located in Stamford, CT
This Blancpain Villeret yellow gold and steel men’s day date month moon phase automatic wristwatch reflects the brand’s commitment to timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship. 7...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Blancpain Villeret Automatic Ultra Thin, Ref 6223 1127. Complete Set, 2016
By Blancpain
Located in Canterbury, England
Our stunning Blancpain Villeret automatic ultra thin , reference 6223 1127, features a 38mm stainless steel case with white dial, roman numerals. Presented in outstanding condition w...
Blancpain 14k Pave Diamond Gold Backwind "Surprise" Watch For Neiman Marcus
By Blancpain
Located in Dallas, TX
Blancpain 14k Pave Diamond Gold Backwind "Surprise" Watch For Neiman Marcus - Backwind winding; Baume Mercier Movement. 14K Yellow gold watch with pave diamond hinged cover ( 9 x 1...
Men's Blancpain Villeret Automatic 34mm Ss & Yellow Gold Watch Ref. Number 38
By Blancpain
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Blancpain Model: Villeret Number 38 Movement: Automatic - Self Winding - 19 Jewels - Caliber 95 - Swiss Made Case & Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel & Solid 18k Yellow ...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
TIFFANY & CO. BLANCPAIN Diamond Platinum 1960s Bracelet Watch
By Blancpain
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite authentic retro wristwatch was designed by Blancpain for Tiffany & Co. and is crafted in platinum and set with F-G-H VVS1-VVS2 diamonds weighing an estimated 15.0 - 16...
Diamond, Platinum
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph 5085F-3630-52A
By Blancpain
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens Fifty Fathom's Flyback chronograph crafted in rose gold by Blancpain. Features a black dial with a date display at 6 0'clock, as well as the 'Flyback' chronograph function wh...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold
H 0.47 in W 0.95 in Dm 6.5 in L 6.5 in
Blancpain Swiss 1960 French Retro Modern Bracelet Watch In 18Kt Gold & Gemstones
By Blancpain
Located in Miami, FL
Retro modernist wristwatch bracelet designed by Blancpain. A statement wristwatch created in Genève Swiss by the Blancpain Watch Company, for the French market, back in the 1960. Th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold
H 1.66 in W 0.6 in Dm 1.66 in
Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Indian Ocean Green Dial Watch SO35I100
By Blancpain
Located in New York, NY
Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Indian Ocean Green Dial Watch SO35I100
Sold
H 1.66 in W 0.6 in Dm 1.66 in
Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Antarctic Ocean Grey Dial Watch SO35S100
By Blancpain
Located in New York, NY
Brand new full set
Vintage Blancpain Movement Manual Wind Ladies Watch 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Blancpain
Located in Fairfield, CT
Presenting a splendid example of mid-20th century craftsmanship, this 14 karat yellow gold ladies' watch from T&HM is an emblem of elegance and precision. Manufactured in the 1950s, ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pre-Owned BLANCPAIN Leman Flyback Stainless Steel Chronograph 2185F Watch
By Blancpain
Located in New York, NY
Blancpain Leman Flyback watch, A sleek and functional timepiece boasting a 38mm stainless steel case with an elegant black dial. Equipped with an automatic movement, it offers remark...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Blancpain Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition 2585-3640-55A
By Blancpain
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition Perpetual Calendar crafted in rose gold by Blancpain. This stunning timepiece features a blue dial with 3 subdials featuring the day, date, month and a moon phase i...
Rose Gold