The Swiss luxury watchmaker unveils a feminine take on the classic sports complication

How does one transform a testosterone-packed, speed-timing timepiece into a ladylike accessory without glossing over its sporting spirit? Blancpain appears to have found the answer with the Chronograph Grande Date for women.

Looking resplendent in a 38.6mm pink gold case lined with diamonds, the watch is aesthetically miles away from the complication’s origins as a manly, stopwatch-style timepiece designed to measure elapsed time down to fractions of a second.

Not that the Chronograph Grande Date isn't able to achieve this standard – its 295-part automatic movement powers the chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour totalisers – but the overbearing machismo commonly associated with a chronograph watch has been replaced by a refreshingly feminine disposition.

Much of this has to do with the Chronograph Grande Date's layout and design. The timepiece features an off-centered hours and minutes sub-dial at 12 o’clock, and a twin-date window at 6 o’clock that opens up the dial for stylistic flourishes.

The shimmering mother-of-pearl dial is embellished with sunray engravings and a row of diamonds to demarcate the regular time and chronograph displays. Meanwhile, the elegant script on the chronograph counters and white satin strap add to its charm, hitting the sweet spot between effortless elegance and mechanical prowess.

 

 

Case: 18K red gold

Movement: AutomaticCalibre 26F8G

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, linear power reserve

Power Reserve: 40 Hours

 

www.blancpain.com