Fergus Nash
The Blancpain Ladybird Colors collection has been expanded with this rainbow gradient reference.It comes with five colours of alligator leather straps, so you can tone the playfulness up or down depending on your mood.The case is made from 18k white gold, and is set with 59 diamonds.When Blancpain released the Ladybird in 1956, the fact that the name derived from a small yet beautiful beetle was quite appropriate. Equipped with the smallest round movement manufactured at the time, the original Ladybirds were dense with elaborate decoration and precious stones, making for a glamorous display of functional jewellery. Nearly 70 years later, the collection still flaunts its ornate nature in a much more contemporary package in a tiny case. The new addition to the Blancpain Ladybird Colors range is one with a rainbow gradient and spectrum of straps.Although the naming scheme of Ladybird may be less appropriate considering the 34.9mm case, the spirit of flashy femininity has certainly followed the model through the decades. The case is crafted from a lustrous 18k white gold, which could be considered a stealth-wealth option if it wasn't for the diamond-set bezel and lugs, totalling two carats across 59 stones. This decorative frame encircles the dial and sets the scene for a sense of luxury.The dial of the new Blancpain Ladybird Colors is at its core supported in gorgeous sophistication by the white mother-of-pearl base, evoking fluffy clouds that are revealed behind skeletonised leaf hands. More arrays of varying-sized diamonds are used to create dial sectors, where the hands can reach for ease of legibility. The smallest ring encompasses a small seconds complication, while the outer ring houses the Roman numerals. Capturing whimsical and charming elements but balanced with tradition, the Roman numerals are coloured with a rainbow gradient. The largest numeral at 12 is pink, which aids the overall femininity.Accompanying the new Blancpain Ladybird Colors is a collection of five alligator leather straps, each pulling out a different highlight colour from the dial. You can keep it conservative with the blue or white options, or be bold with the pink, yellow, or green straps. The lug width is 18mm, so you have plenty of options for other strap experimentation as well. Visible from the exhibition caseback is the calibre 1163, presenting a generous view of artful movement architecture. The calibre's thickness of 3.25mm contributes to the watch's slender 9.2mm case height, and is manually wound for a personal connection. The power reserve is an astounding 100 hours with a 3Hz beat rate.The new rainbow Blancpain Ladybird Colors pricing and availability:The new rainbow Blancpain Ladybird Colors with its set of 5 alligator leather straps is available now. Price: AU$48,000BrandBlancpainModelLadybird ColoursCase Dimensions34.9mm (D) x 9.2mm (T)Case Material18k white goldWater Resistance30mCrystal(s)SapphireDialWhite mother-of-pearlLug Width18mmStrapPink, yellow, green, white, and blue alligator leather strapsMovementCalibre 1163Power Reserve100 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, secondsAvailabilityAvailable nowPriceAU$48,000
10.08.23