Lot 587

Blancpain "Léman Répétition Minutes Aqua Lung - Pièce Unique 100 Metres", Ref. 2835-1230H, Cal. 351, 40 mm, circa 2009
An extremely rare, automatic wristwatch in mint condition, with minute repeater, "cathedral"-gong and patented water-resistance system - with original box, leather wallet with service booklet, operating instructions, cleaning cloth and Blancpain cigar humidor
Case: titanium, screwed back with high relief, original steel deployant clasp. Dial: black/blue iridescent.
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.