The long-term assistant of Frédéric-Emile Blancpain — the 7th and last generation of the Blancpains running the family business — Betty Fiechter made history when she became CEO in 1933, the first woman to run a watchmaking company. With a visionary spirit and strong determination, she played a pioneering role in shaping women’s timepieces at Blancpain, making global breakthroughs that continue to contribute to the brand’s international reputation today.
Fiechter was soon joined by her nephew Jean-Jacques, and their joint vision and ability resulted in numerous triumphs, including the Fifty Fathoms diving instrument in 1953 and a number of models for ladies.
The Ladybird Colors, also one of their most celebrated creations, revolutionised watchmaking when it was launched in 1956 with the world’s smallest round movement of its era, and is reincarnated for a new generation with a fresh elegance through seven colourful case and strap combinations.
Indeed, the watch represents Fiechter in many respects – the pursuit of an ideal balance between audacity and refinement, a guiding principle of all Blancpain’s timepieces.
The passing of time is recorded through applied gold Arabic numerals and hands atop a white mother-of-pearl dial. Multiple rings of diamonds are set on the dial and case, showcasing the maison’s depth of expertise in jewellery-setting, beneath which is the in-house Calibre 1150, renowned for its slenderness, four-day power reserve and silicon balance spring.
The model in the red gold model is available with a choice of peacock green, midnight blue or satin-white alligator leather straps, while the white gold version can be paired with a lemon yellow, tangerine orange, lilac or satin-white options to encircle the wrist. This array of colours, which inspired the Ladybird Colors name, symbolises diversity, enthusiasm and joy.
Watch the making of the watch below:
See more here.