DELICATE TOUCH

A recently unveiled vintage timepiece showcases Blancpain’s remarkable expertise in women’s watches as well as its unexpected connection to an iconic Hollywood star.

- TAN WEI LIN

Dainty, sparkly and exquisitely made, the 1930s diamondstudded, art decoinspired cocktail watch once graced the wrist of Hollywood’s most famous blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe. It is hardly a surprise as one would naturally assume that she is used to receiving such precious gifts of fine jewellery and watches. Instead, what makes this beautiful timepiece unusual is that it was made by Blancpain, a brand not known for producing watches as feminine as this delicate piece.

That was why the storied Swiss watchmaker chose to showcase this watch as part of the Timeless Elegance exhibition held at its boutique on New York’s Fifth Avenue late last year, giving the public a rare opportunity to catch sight of this treasure. It served as a demonstration of the watchmaker’s expertise in making women’s watches, and is a highlight among the display of objects that also included items on loan from the Estate of Marilyn Monroe, as well as a curated selection of photographs of the American actress.