Welcome to Issue 21

In this Issue our history comes alive. Our story “A Woman of Consequence” chronicles the life of Betty Fiechter who devoted five decades to Blancpain. She was the first woman owner/CEO of a major Swiss watch house. More remarkable, however, was her perseverance through and surmounting of business challenges that crushed those with lesser talents, insights, and energy. Today’s Blancpain owes her a great debt. Our second look at history occurs daily in the Le Brassus Vintage workshop. Our article follows the restoration by our vintage specialists of a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms from the 1950s, owned since boyhood by a Dutch diver who wore it throughout his diving career. We detail the special skills needed for servicing and restoration of this timepiece and other models from the past that come into the workshop.

Our story “The Yellow Fairy” shows a side of the Vallée de Joux that most overlook. Of course, when watch connoisseurs hear the words “Vallée de Joux” watchmaking immediately pops to mind and, indeed, that is where Blancpain has its workshops. Or, if they know a bit about the region, perhaps the cows and cheeses that are also found there. But a wild plant? It turns out that this plant is prized by our watchmakers for applying the final touches to hand finishing and our story spotlights its role in watchmaking.

Over these past few months, we have come to know Peter Michael wines and become acquainted with Sir Peter and his family. What we discovered from our time together is how closely our values and philosophy were alike. In this Issue we journey to the Knights Valley in California to present their wines. 

Enjoy Issue 21!

Marc A. Hayek
President and CEO Blancpain