Description

Blancpain Répétition Minutes Ref. 6036-3430-55B: The Gentle Music of Time

The present reference is the Blancpain Répétition Minutes Ref. 6036-3430-55B, which was created as part of the prestigious Apotheosis Temporis collection that celebrated Blancpain’s 270th anniversary. This exceptional timepiece is number 1 of just 8 examples ever produced, making it an incredibly rare collector’s piece with significant historical importance.

Housed in a perfectly proportioned 38mm platinum case measuring just 10.30mm thick, this horological masterpiece features a rich black dial with white gold Roman numerals that epitomize understated luxury. Under the hood is the magnificent Calibre 35, a self-winding movement comprising 360 meticulously finished components.

The minute repeater, often considered watchmaking’s most poetic complication, chimes the hours, quarters, and minutes with crystalline clarity upon request. Two small hammers strike a precisely tuned gong, creating what Blancpain aptly describes as “the gentle music of time.” The exceptional acoustic quality results from both advanced metallurgical science and centuries of traditional craftsmanship.

Through the sapphire caseback, one can admire the exquisite finishing of the movement, including the platinum oscillating weight that’s been open-worked, engraved and hand-chased with the JB 1735 signature, a testament to Blancpain’s dedication to artistic excellence.

Originally released in 2005 as part of the complete Apotheosis Temporis collection, this particular example was recently serviced by Blancpain in 2024 and comes with an active manufacturer warranty. The timepiece is presented in very good condition with a stunning wooden presentation box and an official Certificate of Authenticity.

Blancpain – bio

Blancpain was founded in 1735, in Villeret by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, and is considered to be the oldest watch brand in the world.
The brand was continuously in operation and within the Blancpain family for almost 200 years, until in 1932 when the 7th generation heir Frédéric-Emile Blancpain passed away and the business was bought by two of his closest staff members, who continued the operations through both World Wars.
The legendary ‘Fifty Fathoms’ was launched in 1953, making it the world’s first modern diving watch with three patents including the innovative double sealed crown system, the caseback seal system and the unidirectional bezel with a blocking mechanism which would prevent accidental rotation of the bezel.
In terms of aesthetics, Fifty Fathoms is one of the most iconic timepieces today.
In 1961 Blancpain merged into the largest Swiss watch group of the time, the Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère (SSIH), joining Omega, Tissot and Lemania, and was producing over 220,000 watches annually by 1971.
The brand was put into hibernation during the quartz crisis and in 1983, it was bought by the legendary Jean-Claude Biver.
In the late 80’s, it made a solid comeback by launching back-to-back complications include a triple calendar with moon phases, a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, a split-seconds chronograph and a tourbillon.
The resurrection was so strong that the SSIH (now Swatch Group) bought back the brand and has had it under its portfolio ever since.