The Blancpain Caliber 1151 is one of the brand’s most important ultra-thin automatic movements, combining elegance, long autonomy, and reliable everyday performance. Introduced as part of Blancpain’s extra-slim movement family, it has powered both refined dress watches and select sport models, showcasing the manufacture’s expertise in thin, long-power-reserve calibers.
This article covers full technical specifications, a detailed movement overview, and a complete list of watches using the Blancpain Caliber 1151.
Technical Specifications — Blancpain Caliber 1151
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Movement Type | Automatic (self-winding) |
| Frequency | 3 Hz (21,600 vph) |
| Power Reserve | ~100 hours (approx. 4 days) |
| Jewels | 28 |
| Thickness | 3.25 mm |
| Diameter | ~27.4 mm |
| Components | 210 |
| Escapement | Silicon balance spring |
| Barrels | Twin mainspring barrels |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, central seconds, date |
| Winding | Bidirectional automatic winding |
| Architecture | Extra-thin automatic movement |
The Caliber 1151 is notable for delivering a four-day power reserve in an ultra-slim 3.25 mm movement, a significant technical achievement for an automatic caliber.
Blancpain Caliber 1151 — Movement Description
Blancpain designed the Caliber 1151 as a refined, extra-thin automatic movement that balances slim profile, long autonomy, and durability. It belongs to the same technical family as the Caliber 1150 and has become one of the manufacture’s most widely used thin automatic movements.
Key Technical Characteristics
Ultra-Thin Architecture
At just over 3 mm thick, the 1151 allows Blancpain to produce elegant, slim watches such as the Villeret Ultraplate while still maintaining automatic winding and a date function.
100-Hour Power Reserve
The movement uses twin mainspring barrels, enabling roughly four days of running time — far exceeding the standard 40–50 hours common in many automatic movements.
Silicon Balance Spring
The silicon hairspring improves resistance to magnetism, temperature variation, and wear, enhancing long-term accuracy and stability.
High-Efficiency Automatic Winding
The movement incorporates a smooth and efficient automatic winding system designed for consistent energy delivery and stable amplitude.
Refined Finishing
Typical finishing includes Geneva stripes, perlage, beveled edges, and decorated rotor — reflecting Blancpain’s haute horlogerie standards.
Versatile Usage
Despite being ultra-thin and dress-oriented, the Caliber 1151 has also been used in selected Fifty Fathoms models, proving its robustness beyond purely dress watches.
All Watches Using Blancpain Caliber 1151
Below is a consolidated list of watches known to use the Blancpain Caliber 1151:
Villeret Ultraplate / Extraplate Series
- Villeret Ultraplate Automatique — Ref. 6651-1127-55B
- Villeret Ultraplate Automatique — Ref. 6651-1127-MMB
- Villeret Ultraplate Automatique — Ref. 6651-1143-55B
- Villeret Ultraplate Automatique — Ref. 6651-1504-55
- Villeret Ultraplate Automatique — Ref. 6651-2987-55B
- Villeret Ultraplate Automatique — Ref. 6651-3630-55B
- Villeret Ultraplate Automatique — Ref. 6651-3642-55B
- Villeret Ultraplate Automatique — Ref. 6651-3642-MMB
- Villeret Ultraplate Automatique — Ref. 6651C-3642-55A
Fifty Fathoms (Selected Models)
- Fifty Fathoms Barakuda — Ref. 5008B-1130-B52A
- Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC — Ref. 5008-1130-71S
- Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC — Ref. 5008-1130-B52A
- Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC — Ref. 5008-1130-NABA
- Fifty Fathoms Barakuda Only Watch — Ref. 5008C-1130-B64A
- Fifty Fathoms No Rad — Ref. 5008D-1130-B64A
These references demonstrate how the Caliber 1151 powers both classic dress watches and selected heritage dive models within the Blancpain lineup.
Why the Caliber 1151 Matters
The Blancpain Caliber 1151 is significant because it combines:
- Ultra-thin automatic construction
- Long 4-day power reserve
- Silicon balance spring technology
- Elegant finishing and reliability
- Versatility across dress and sport watches
It remains one of Blancpain’s cornerstone thin automatic movements and a benchmark for long-power-reserve slim calibers in modern Swiss watchmaking.
