The Manual Wind: Blancpain Villaret Chronographe Pulsometre

By Ian Schwam Published September 10, 2014

One of the great ironies in the watch world is the chronograph complication. Although equally classic and useless, it happens to be a staple in every man’s watch collection. While the function of a chronograph, a stopwatch, is not very useful these days, it is the multiple hands and symmetrical dial layouts that have made this the most popular complication to produce. Blancpain, producers of some of the most classic Swiss timepieces, has taken the classic chronograph to a new level with the introduction of the Blancpain Villaret Chronographe Pulsometre. Known for their movements and dials, Blancpain has has brought their strong points to the forefront with this latest release.

Now larger than their previous Blancpain Villaret Chronograph, the enamel and hand painted dial fills out this above average 43.6mm case size. With help from the classic Villaret design, this larger case set in rose or white gold, is much more dramatic on the wrist with the stark white of the enamel dial taking most of the wrist space. A slim bezel makes for more dial surface area. The unique feature of this piece is the Pulsometer painted on the perimeter of the dial. Chronographs generally cater to plains and automobiles to calculate speed. This piece is a tribute to the older chronographs designed with doctors in mind.

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Under the dial lies the Blancpain in house caliber F385 movement. Beating at 36,000vph, this column wheel chronograph incorporates a silicon balance spring and also has a flyback function. Unique to Blancpain, each of their mechanical movements incorporate a 100 hour standard power reserve setting them apart from a lot of comparable movements. A sapphire crystal case back and textured rotor round out this new flagship chronograph.

Over the years, Blancpain has been able to set themselves apart from the competition all the while maintaining their classical watchmaking DNA. The Blancpain Villaret Chronographe Pulsometre with its larger diameter and new movement is a testament to that.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…

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Fashion & Style

Norqain makes Independence Skeleton smaller and smarter

Swiss watchmaker Norqain refines skeleton collection with transparent mainplate design

Norqain new slimmed skeleton promo

Norqain has added two new 40mm models to its Independence Skeleton collection, offering slimmer, more refined options than the earlier 42mm watches. The updated timepieces feature a transparent mainplate design that enhances visual depth while showcasing the brand's commitment to innovative skeleton watchmaking.
The first model features a classic stainless steel case with brushed, polished, and sandblasted surfaces, accented by subtle turquoise details. The second adopts a bolder aesthetic with a black DLC-coated case, khaki rubber strap, and vibrant orange accents, creating a stealthier and sportier appearance.
Both versions are powered by the Norqain Caliber NB08S, a mechanical automatic skeleton movement that has earned COSC chronometer certification. This high-performance movement features 26 rubies and a personalized oscillating weight bearing the brand's logo. It offers a 41-hour power reserve, with the balance frequency operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), ensuring precise timekeeping.
The standout feature of these new models is the transparent mainplate positioned above the anthracite openworked dial. This innovative design element adds visual depth while housing Norqain's logo, marking a significant improvement from the previous 42mm versions where the logo was printed on the sapphire crystal.
The dials incorporate faceted black-plated indexes and diamond-cut hands filled with white X1 Super-LumiNova for optimal visibility in low-light conditions. The second hand's tip comes in turquoise on the steel version and orange on the DLC model, providing distinctive color coordination.
Measuring 40mm in diameter and 12.05mm thick, both models offer 100-meter water resistance and feature double anti-reflective, scratch-proof sapphire crystals on the front and back. The reduced case size makes these watches more wearable while maintaining the collection's bold skeleton aesthetic.
The steel version is priced at $4,490 on a rubber strap, with the matching steel bracelet option increasing the price to $4,790. The DLC-coated model comes with a choice of black or khaki rubber strap, both priced at $4,690.
These new Independence Skeleton models represent Norqain's evolution in skeleton watch design, combining traditional Swiss watchmaking excellence with contemporary aesthetics. The transparent mainplate innovation demonstrates the brand's commitment to advancing skeleton watch construction while preserving the visual drama that defines the collection.

Fashion & Style

Rolex Land-Dweller auction reaches $51,250 on eBay

New Rolex sports watch commands premium pricing in secondary market debut

Rolex Dynapulse promo image

The first publicly available Rolex Land-Dweller has sold for $51,250 on eBay Live, more than three times its $15,350 retail price and confirming the watch's status as a serious competitor to integrated luxury sports watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
The unworn 40mm stainless steel model, complete with box and papers, was listed by Tanner and Company with a starting bid of $15,000, just below the suggested retail price. However, intense bidding drove the final sale price to $51,250, just $2,000 shy of the combined retail prices of a Land-Dweller and Royal Oak "Jumbo."
Introduced earlier this year at Watches and Wonders Geneva, the Land-Dweller represents Rolex's most significant watch release in a generation. The timepiece features an integrated bracelet design inspired by 1970s sports watches and incorporates a revolutionary new escapement called Dynapulse, positioning it as a direct competitor to established luxury sports icons.
At retail, the Land-Dweller appears attractively priced compared to its competitors. The popular "Jumbo" Royal Oak in steel retails for $37,900, while the Patek Philippe Nautilus no longer exists as a three-handed men's model in stainless steel. The alternative 45mm Cubitus commands $43,263 at retail.
However, the secondary market tells a different story. The post-pandemic watch market has calmed from its highs but remains intensely competitive for hyped luxury sports watches. Both the Royal Oak and Cubitus command well into six-figure prices on used and gray markets, reflecting sustained demand that far exceeds supply.
The Land-Dweller's astronomical first sale price places it firmly in this rarefied territory, suggesting that Rolex's most hyped new model in years will follow similar secondary market trajectories to its Swiss competitors.
Two scenarios emerge for future Land-Dweller pricing. Either this first sale represents an inflated outlier that will normalize as more examples reach the market, or the extreme sale price will further inflate collector desire, driving values even higher for subsequent sales.
Given Rolex's history with secondary market pricing and the general trajectory of integrated luxury sports watches, the latter scenario appears more likely. The Land-Dweller's combination of revolutionary movement technology, integrated bracelet design, and Rolex's unparalleled brand recognition creates perfect conditions for sustained secondary market premiums.
The $51,250 sale price demonstrates that despite the Land-Dweller's relatively accessible retail pricing, actual market access remains limited to those willing to pay significant premiums. This reality reinforces the watch's position as a true competitor to the Royal Oak and Nautilus, not just in design and technical execution, but in market desirability and pricing power.

Fashion & Style

This new Bell & Ross looks like it belongs on a fighter jet

French watchmaker creates ceramic skeleton watch inspired by stealth aircraft technology

BR-05-Skeleton-Phantom-Ceramnic. press shot

Bell & Ross has introduced the BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic, a striking limited edition that continues the brand's tradition of creating timepieces inspired by stealth aircraft while showcasing the versatility of its integrated bracelet design first launched in 2019.
The latest release draws from Bell & Ross' long lineage of "phantom" watches dating back to 2007, inspired by the dark, radar-absorbing livery of stealth aircraft. The all-black aesthetic creates a sculptural, almost architectural design that emphasizes the BR-05's distinctive square case profile.
The 41mm case is crafted from black ceramic, featuring vertical satin brushing combined with highly polished elements on the case sides and center bracelet links. Ceramic offers practical advantages including exceptional durability and lightweight construction, making it ideal for a sporty bracelet watch.
To prevent the monochrome design from appearing monotonous, Bell & Ross has skeletonized the dial, revealing the Caliber BR-CAL.322-1 movement developed specifically for the brand. A tinted transparent dial plate provides clear visibility of the mechanical movement while maintaining the stealth aesthetic.
The prominent dial flange holds baton hour markers filled with grey Super-LumiNova, which produces a bright green glow in low light conditions. The hands feature matching luminous material, ensuring excellent readability while preserving the watch's tactical appearance.
The BR-CAL.322-1 automatic mechanical movement offers a 54-hour power reserve and displays hours, minutes, and seconds. The visible movement components add visual interest through the skeletonized dial while demonstrating Bell & Ross' commitment to developing its own calibers.
Measuring 41mm by 11.2mm, the case provides 100-meter water resistance suitable for daily wear. The watch is available with either a matching black ceramic bracelet or black rubber strap, offering versatility for different wearing occasions.
This release demonstrates how the BR-05 collection has evolved since its 2019 debut, when Bell & Ross surprised the market with its interpretation of an integrated bracelet sports watch. The refined square case has become increasingly important to the brand's portfolio, proving its adaptability across different materials and complications.
The Skeleton Phantom Ceramic shows Bell & Ross maintaining its core identity of square, function-focused watches inspired by aviation instruments while retaining contemporary appeal. The stealth aircraft inspiration connects directly to the brand's aviation heritage while offering a modern interpretation of military aesthetics.
Limited to 500 pieces, the BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic continues Bell & Ross' exploration of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. The combination of ceramic construction, skeletonized movement display, and stealth-inspired design creates an appealing package for collectors seeking aviation-themed timepieces.
The release reinforces the BR-05's position as a strong competitor in the integrated bracelet sports watch segment while maintaining Bell & Ross' distinctive square case DNA.