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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Split-seconds chronograph with perpetual calendar

Blancpain JB 1735 Chronographe Rattrapante Calendrier Perpétuel

Partially verified

Produced in the 1990s as part of the Harmony of Time series, this Blancpain JB 1735 wristwatch is a multi-complication timepiece featuring a split-second chronograph and perpetual calendar. The watch is constructed with a three-body case measuring 34 mm in diameter, utilizing a bicolored composition of a pink gold stepped bezel and platinum case and lugs. It features an ivory-colored dial with applied pink gold radial Roman numerals and tritium-coated pink gold Bâton hands. The movement, Blancpain Caliber 5581, is a 28-jewel, rhodium-plated movement with fausses côtes decoration, a straight line lever escapement, and a monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions. The watch also displays phases of the moon, month, leap year, and day of the week and month, alongside 12-hour and 30-minute chronograph registers. It is accompanied by an 18K pink gold Blancpain buckle.

Front view of the Blancpain JB 1735 wristwatch showing the ivory dial with perpetual calendar indicators and chronograph registers.
Front view of the Blancpain JB 1735 wristwatch showing the ivory dial with perpetual calendar indicators and chronograph registers. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Split-seconds chronograph with perpetual calendar
Maker / attribution
Blancpain
Reference
5581
Catalogue / lot identifier
34
Source-reported date
1990s
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
No. 1

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch features a three-body, bicolored case construction. It combines a polished pink gold stepped bezel with platinum case and lugs. The case is protected by a sapphire crystal and measures 34 mm in diameter. The overall design aesthetic is defined by the contrast between the pink gold and the platinum components.

The ivory-colored dial is appointed with applied pink gold radial Roman numerals. It includes auxiliary dials for the 12-hour and 30-minute chronograph registers, and indications for the days of the month, days of the week, months, and leap year. A sector is graduated for the age of the moon, accompanied by an aperture for the moon phases. Time is indicated by tritium-coated pink gold Bâton hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. three-body, bicolored, solid, polished, pink gold stepped bezel, platinum case and lugs, sapphire crystal.”
  • “D. ivory-colored with applied pink gold radial Roman numerals, auxiliary dials for the 12-hour and 30-minute registers, the days of the month, of the week, the months, the leap year, sector graduated for the age of the moon, aperture for the moon phases.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by the Blancpain Caliber 5581 movement. It is a rhodium-plated mechanism featuring fausses côtes decoration and containing 28 jewels. The movement is equipped with a straight line lever escapement, a shock-absorber, and a self-compensating flat balance-spring. The monometallic balance is adjusted to five positions.

Functionality includes a split-second chronograph operated by a pusher on the side of the case at the 10 o'clock position, which controls the stop and reunite function for the split-second hand. The movement provides for astronomical displays including the perpetual calendar and phases of the moon. All major components are signed.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 5581, rhodium-plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 28 jewels, straight line lever escapment, monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring, the pusher on the 10 is for stop and reunite of the split-second hand.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Provenance and Series

This watch is identified as the first piece from a three-precious-metals set, marked as No. 1. It belongs to the Harmony of Time series, which the auction house states was created as a tribute to Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, the firm's founder in 1735.

The watch is described as a very fine and rare astronomic wristwatch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Blancpain, "JB 1735-Chronographe Rattrapante, Calendrier Perpétuel-5581 three precious metals set No. 1".”
  • “The series "Harmony of Time" was created in tribute to Jehan-Jacques Blancpain who founded the firm in 1735.”
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent Case: 2 Very good Movement: 1 As new Dial: 1 - 01”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific materials and finishes used for the other two watches in the 'three precious metals set'?
  • Has the watch undergone any servicing or modifications since its original production in the 1990s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Blancpain JB 1735 Chronographe Rattrapante Calendrier Perpétuel
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBlancpain“Blancpain”
Reference5581“Cal. 5581”
Case Material18K pink gold and platinum“18K pink gold and platinum gentleman's wristwatch”
Diameter34 mm“Diam. 34 mm”
Movement TypeAutomatic, Cal. 5581“M. Cal. 5581”
Production Date1990s“Produced in the 1990s.”
FunctionsSplit-second chronograph, perpetual calendar, moon phases“round button split-second chronograph, registers, perpetual calendar, age and phases of the moon”

Visible details

  • Bicolored case with pink gold bezel and platinum lugs
  • Ivory dial with Roman numerals
  • Split-second chronograph pusher located at 10 o'clock
  • Moon phase display at the 6 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • Country of manufacture is not specified
  • Exact date of production beyond the decade is not provided

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

The series "Harmony of Time" was created in tribute to Jehan-Jacques Blancpain who founded the firm in 1735. Blancpain, "JB 1735-Chronographe Rattrapante, Calendrier Perpétuel-5581 three precious metals set No. 1". Produced in the 1990s. Very fine and rare, astronomic, 18K pink gold and platinum gentleman's wristwatch with round button split-second chronograph, registers, perpetual calendar, age and phases of the moon and an 18K pink gold Blancpain buckle.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c45cc67a67

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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