THE STORY OF BLANCPAIN In 1735, Jehan-Jacques Blancpain founded the Blancpain brand, setting up his first workshop on the upper floor of his house at Villeret, in the present-day Bernese Jura. By recording his name in the official property register of the municipality of Villeret, this pioneer had created an establishment that is now the world's oldest watchmaking brand. Blancpain watches enjoyed great success from the earliest years, and the heirs of Jehan-Jacques Blancpain perpetuated his expertise. After two centuries of family ownership, Blancpain was sold to the SIHH and underwent several changes in management control with Marc A. Hayek becoming CEO in 2002. The company set up production at Le Brassus in the Joux Valley, and in 2010 gained access to a new production site with the acquisition of Frédéric Piguet. Blancpain has committed itself to the production of "grande complication" wristwatches, and its constant innovations have continued to bring tremendous expansion and success. Using the words “tradition” and “innovation” to describe the Blancpain philosophy is no contradiction in terms. On the contrary, the two are inextricably entwined at the very heart of brand history. In a spirit far removed from production lines, and just as watches were made two centuries ago, the movement parts are patiently finished, decorated and assembled by hand in keeping with the noblest horological traditions. More determined than ever to consistently improve its watches and to conquer whole new horizons, the Manufacture has always aimed to take watch making to places it has never been before.