Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A vs Breitling Emergency
| Specification | Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A | Breitling Emergency |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Blancpain | Breitling |
| Collection | Villeret | Professional |
| Reference | 6223-3642-55A | E7632522/BC02 |
| Category | Dress | Pilot |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Quartz |
| Caliber | Caliber 1150 | Breitling 76 (SuperQuartz) |
| Power Reserve | 100h | N/A |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph | N/A |
| Case Diameter | 40.0mm | 51.0mm |
| Case Thickness | 7.7mm | 20.0mm |
| Case Material | 18k Rose Gold | Titanium |
| Crystal | Sapphire box crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Water Resistance | 30m / 98ft | 50m / 164ft |
| Weight | 62g | 145g |
| MSRP | $16,900 | $17,000 |
| Market Price | $14,000 | $12,000 |
In-Depth Comparison
The Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A and the Breitling Emergency represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.
Heritage And Brand Prestige
Blancpain and Breitling are both highly respected names in watchmaking. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular Villeret reference was introduced in 2014, while this Professional reference debuted in 2013. The Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.
Movement And Mechanics
At the heart of the Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A beats the Caliber 1150 caliber offering a 100-hour power reserve running at 21,600 vph with 29 jewels. The Breitling Emergency is powered by the Breitling 76 (SuperQuartz).
Dimensions And Wearability
The Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A features a 40.0mm case at 7.7mm thick with a 47.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in 18k Rose Gold. The Breitling Emergency comes in at 51.0mm and 20.0mm thick with 56.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Titanium. The Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 62g, the Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A is the lighter of the two.
Materials And Construction
The Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A uses a Sapphire box crystal crystal paired with a Fixed, polished, double stepped bezel, while the Breitling Emergency features Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal with a Bidirectional rotating, compass bezel. On the wrist, the Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A comes on a Brown alligator leather strap with 18k rose gold pin buckle, while the Breitling Emergency is fitted with Titanium bracelet featuring Folding clasp with safety lock.
Water Resistance And Capability
The Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Breitling Emergency to 50m / 164ft. For water sports and diving, the Breitling Emergency provides superior depth capability.
Pricing And Value
At retail, the Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A lists for $16,900 compared to $17,000 for the Breitling Emergency. On the secondary market, the Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A trades around $14,000 while the Breitling Emergency commands approximately $12,000.
The Verdict
Choosing between the Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A and the Breitling Emergency ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6223-3642-55A is more versatile. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.