Blancpain Watches — "Marilyn Monroe's Peak Moment"

　　She is the only woman to rank among the top ten historical figures in America, and she ranks near the top, leaving Elvis Presley and Ernest Hemingway behind. In 1999, she was selected by the American Film Institute as the sixth greatest actress of the past century. Almost everyone in the world has seen her famous photographs to some extent while growing up, and they remain deeply engraved in memory. People habitually attribute this to her sex appeal, but more than 50 years of time have proven that sex appeal fades, while charm is eternal.

　　And while she captivated the world,Blancpain watchesalso captivated her. Just as the Blancpain Ladybird captivated Greta Garbo, the bespoke high jewellery watches produced by Blancpain at the time also won the heart of Marilyn Monroe.

　　This Art Deco style platinum jewellery watch is adorned with round and marquise-cut diamonds. The platinum case is engraved with "KO 900 Plat 100 Irid", and the movement is engraved with "Blancpain Rayville Watch Co.".

　　In the nineteen fifties, Blancpain's then-female president, Betty Fiechter, used her unique feminine perspective to develop a series of jewellery watches. Upon entering the American market, they caused a sensation, sparking a fashion trend for jewellery watches among the American upper class. Following this, socialites were no longer satisfied with 'clashing watches' at parties and began commissioning bespoke jewellery watches from Blancpain.

　　Consequently, wearing a unique, bespoke Blancpain watch became the most dazzling trend for ladies at the time. Whenever they wore their custom watches to various evening parties, theatres, and salons, they would draw gasps and envious looks. Naturally, this included the charismatic Marilyn Monroe. She even wore her exclusive bespoke watch during the most important performance of her life.

　　On 1962 5 19, Monroe sang her captivating rendition of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" for President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden. Back then, it sparkled on her wrist, and she sparkled for the entire world.

　　On 2016 11 19, Marilyn Monroe's personal belongings were auctioned at the famous Julien's Auctions in the United States (a world-renowned auction house for celebrity memorabilia). Among the items was the custom Blancpain watch worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President'. Over 50 years later, it remains as brilliant and dazzling as ever, as if radiating the same glamour that once captivated the world. After intense bidding, Blancpain acquired the piece for 22.5 hundred thousand US dollars, marking a uniquely brilliant moment for the brand.

　　Yet in reality, she owned very few pieces of fine jewellery, and this diamond-paved watch was perhaps her best friend, which is precisely why she wore it to the President's birthday gala.

　　As Blancpain President and CEO Mr Marc A. Hayek stated: "We are thrilled to have acquired this exceptional timepiece, which was once owned by America's most influential star. This timepiece has now returned to Switzerland, its birthplace."

Related reading:

Blancpain releases new thematic short film Artisans and Craftsmanship for a close-up encounter with top-tier Swiss watchmaking

Huang Lu wears the Blancpain Women's Series Off-Centred Retrograde Milky Way watch to attend the 27th Singapore International Film Festival

Blancpain—If the deep blue is a fantasy, we write it on our wrists

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Reshapes the Couple Watch Concept: Inheritance and Legacy

The "Diving" Rules of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms