Grande Double Sonnerie

Description

The Grande Double Sonnerie is powered by a fully integrated movement and represents the most ambitious achievement ever undertaken by Blancpain, as well as the most complicated watch in Blancpain’s history. Developed over eight years, it is comprised of 1,053 components within the Calibre 15GSQ (1,116 components in total), the result of more than 1,200 technical drawings and 21 patents developed throughout the project, 13 of which are incorporated into the final movement.

This creation introduces a world first in the field of grande sonnerie wristwatches: the ability to select, at the push of a button, between two distinct melodies performed by a four-note, four-hammer striking mechanism. Alongside the traditional Westminster chime, the watch offers an original composition created exclusively for Blancpain by musician Eric Singer. Unlike conventional grande sonneries, which rely on two tones, the Grande Double Sonnerie employs four perfectly tuned notes (E, G, F and B), opening the door to true melodic expression. Noteworthy as compared with other sonneries, on the hour, it performs all four quarters following the striking of the hours, delivering one of the most elaborate musical sequences ever integrated into a wristwatch.

Acoustic performance was the subject of dedicated development. A patented acoustic membrane integrated into the bezel enhances sound transmission, while a silent magnetic regulator ensures exceptional tempo stability without generating parasitic noise. Far more than a quest for acoustic power, the development of the Grande Double Sonnerie focused on achieving true musicality. For the first time in watchmaking history, the partial frequencies of each note were studied and mastered in order to create a sound signature of exceptional richness and harmony. The result of a close collaboration between the Manufacture’s laboratory and its master watchmakers, each gong is adjusted by hand through successive refinements measured to the micron. Combining scientific analysis with artisanal expertise, this painstaking tuning process continues until every note reaches perfect pitch and blends harmoniously with the whole, transforming the watch into a true mechanical musical instrument.

Beyond the striking functions of grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie, minute repeater without the need for prior arming, the 15GSQ includes a 4 Hz flying tourbillon with a silicon balance spring, a fully integrated retrograde perpetual calendar, and dual power reserve indicators dedicated respectively to the movement and the striking mechanism.

The flying tourbillon, a direct descendant of Blancpain’s 1989 invention - the world’s first flying tourbillon wristwatch - has been updated with a 4 Hz frequency and a silicon balance spring, enhancing chronometric stability, resistance to magnetism, and isochronism.

The retrograde perpetual calendar is an entirely new construction for this caliber. Unlike the modular constructions commonly found in grand complications, it is fully integrated into the movement architecture to preserve the visibility of the striking mechanism and achieve a thin profile. Blancpain’s patented under-lug correctors have also been re-engineered and incorporated directly into the movement, enabling tool-free adjustment while preserving the watch’s acoustic performance.

Five safety mechanisms protect all functions against incorrect handling.

Despite its extreme level of complexity, the watch remains remarkably wearable, measuring 47 mm in diameter and only 14.5 mm in thickness. Like all Blancpain timepieces, it has undergone extensive shock and fatigue testing, underscoring its vocation as a watch intended to be worn every day.

Beyond its technical achievements, the Grande Double Sonnerie is also the result of an extraordinary collective endeavour that mobilised the full breadth of Blancpain’s expertise over a period of eight years. Laboratory engineers, acoustic specialists, movement constructors, technical office teams, prototyping experts, complication watchmakers and the master decorators of La Ferme du Brassus worked together to push the boundaries of traditional striking watchmaking and transform a horological mechanism into a genuine miniature musical instrument. This constant collaboration between scientific innovation, precision engineering and traditional craftsmanship was essential to the creation of a timepiece unlike any other.

Among the many areas of expertise brought together to create the Grande Double Sonnerie, that of master wachmakers Romain and Yoann holds a distinctive place. With more than a decade of experience within the Manufacture and deep expertise in striking watches, they contributed to the development of the assembly methods and specialised tooling required for the project. Each movement requires nearly a full year of work and is assembled, adjusted and completed from A to Z individually by each one of them. Upon completion, each watchmaker signs the movement’s gold plaque, making every timepiece the expression of a level of craftsmanship that is both highly personal and truly exceptional.

The finishing meets the most demanding standards of traditional haute horlogerie. The mainplate and 26 bridges are crafted from 18-carat gold and decorated entirely by hand. The movement features 135 inward angles, whose execution required the expertise of Blancpain’s Métiers d’Art artisans. To achieve this exceptional level of finishing, they employed techniques and tools derived from the art of engraving, including the "burin". The movement is further enhanced by perlage, mirror polishing, hand-beveling, satin finishing and decorative treatments applied to both visible and hidden surfaces, the execution of which required the development and manufacture of more than 200 dedicated tools.

Produced at a rate of only two pieces per year and entirely designed, manufactured, decorated and assembled in-house in the Vallée de Joux, the Grande Double Sonnerie marks a major milestone in the history of striking watches by bringing together, for the first time, acoustic innovation, musicality, grand complication watchmaking and artisanal excellence within a single creation.

Supplied by the brand to the GPHG for its entry.