Blancpain Ultraplate Saint Valentin 2013

Blancpain have a tradition, each year the Le Brassus manufacture present a limited edition ladies watch in honour of the most romantic day of the year.  Despite the amorous theme, this collection features some serious mechanical timepieces - last year's watch had a nifty flyback chronograph, the year before that Blancpain added a complete calendar moonphase.  But not this year - on the Saint Valentin 2013 piece just three hands rotate with only a date function for company, for this one, Blancpain shun the complex and concentrate on the cosmetic, but - with a dial which showcases the contrast of pristine mother-of-pearl with the vivacity of some rather exquisite hearts it's quite a beauty none-the-less.

There is a degree of difficulty in the application of those lucious graduating red hearts, each is applied as liquid before being fired until perfectly solid.  More hearts reside on the case side, even more round the back where a sapphire crystal caseback reveals a rotor embellished with them.  A bezel full of diamonds completes this piece which unlike it's predecessors will not be limited to 14 pieces, but will be produced in a more attainable edition of 99.

More information at the Blancpain official website.