Blancpain Leman Chronograph Ref. 2185-1130-55 - Full Set - 1997

Blancpain is one of the most historically important names in Swiss watchmaking, with roots dating back to 1735. Known for its mechanical expertise and traditionally elegant designs, the manufacture has produced some genuinely impressive watches over the years, and the Léman collection is a particularly interesting chapter in its more recent history.

Introduced during the 1990s, the watches that would become the Léman collection represented a slightly different approach for Blancpain. They combined the mechanical sophistication and finishing associated with traditional haute horlogerie with a more contemporary, sporting design.

This 1997 Blancpain Léman Chronograph Ref. 2185-1130-55 is a wonderful example of that philosophy.

Housed in a beautifully proportioned 38mm stainless steel case, the watch offers the functionality of a mechanical chronograph without the excessive dimensions associated with many modern sports watches.

The dial is arguably one of its most attractive features.

Finished in black with a military-inspired aesthetic, it features three contrasting chronograph registers, applied faceted hour markers and distinctive skeletonised hands with luminescent detailing.

At 12 o'clock sits the large applied Blancpain 'B', an unusual and recognisable design feature that gives the watch a particularly strong identity.

The three subsidiary registers are positioned at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, creating a beautifully balanced dial layout. The 30-minute chronograph counter sits at 3, the 12-hour counter at 9, and the running seconds at 6, alongside a neatly integrated date aperture.

The combination of black surfaces, polished steel detailing and subtle red accents creates a design that feels sporty without compromising the elegance expected from Blancpain.

Powering the watch is the automatic Blancpain calibre 1185, developed by Frédéric Piguet. Introduced in the late 1980s, the 1185 became one of the most respected automatic chronograph movements of its generation.

Featuring a column-wheel chronograph mechanism and vertical clutch, it was engineered to combine mechanical sophistication with a remarkably slim architecture. This allows the Léman Chronograph to retain its elegant proportions despite the complexity of the movement inside.

The stainless steel case features a stepped polished bezel, neatly integrated chronograph pushers and a screw-down crown. One of my favourite details is the Blancpain signature engraved into the side of the case, a subtle but distinctive feature of these early models.

Completing the watch is a black leather strap fitted with a signed Blancpain stainless steel pin buckle.

Accompanied by its original box, booklets and warranty documentation dating to January 1997, this is a particularly appealing example of a neo-vintage chronograph from one of Switzerland's most respected watchmakers.

Key Features

Blancpain Léman Chronograph Ref. 2185-1130-55
Year 1997
Automatic Blancpain calibre 1185
Frédéric Piguet column-wheel chronograph movement
Vertical clutch chronograph mechanism
38mm stainless steel case
Stepped polished bezel
Black military-inspired dial
Applied Blancpain 'B' at 12 o'clock
Applied faceted hour markers
Skeletonised hands with luminescent detailing
Three subsidiary registers
30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o'clock
12-hour chronograph counter at 9 o'clock
Running seconds at 6 o'clock
Date aperture at 6 o'clock
Sapphire crystal
Screw-down crown
Blancpain signature engraved into the case side
Black leather strap
Signed Blancpain stainless steel pin buckle
Original inner and outer box
Original booklets and warranty papers dated 1997
12-month Watts On Watches warranty

A Word on Condition

This Blancpain Léman Chronograph presents as a very attractive example of a late-1990s sports chronograph, retaining the distinctive design and finishing that make these early references so appealing.

The 38mm stainless steel case remains well defined, with the stepped bezel and sculpted lugs giving the watch an elegant yet substantial appearance.

There are some light scratches and marks around the polished surfaces, consistent with careful use over the years. The reverse of the case also shows surface scratching, which is worth mentioning for completeness.

The black dial presents particularly well, with the contrasting chronograph registers, applied hour markers and large Blancpain signature at 12 o'clock creating an attractive and highly legible layout.

The dial retains its strong black finish, while the hands and hour markers provide an appealing contrast. The subtle warmth to the luminescent details adds a little character without detracting from the watch's overall appearance.

The original design is further complemented by the black leather strap and signed Blancpain pin buckle, maintaining the understated look of the watch.

Overall, this is a well-presented example of a desirable neo-vintage Blancpain chronograph, with honest signs of age but plenty of the original character that makes the reference so attractive.

Accessories / The Set

This watch is accompanied by its original Blancpain presentation box, outer box, original booklets and warranty documentation.

The original guarantee paperwork records a date of sale of 16 January 1997 through L. Bader in Geneva, Switzerland.

Having the original documentation is particularly appealing for a watch of this age, providing a clear connection to its original sale and adding to the overall enjoyment of ownership.

The accompanying set includes:

Original Blancpain inner presentation box
Original outer box
Original Blancpain booklets
Original warranty documentation dated January 1997
Supporting paperwork as photographed

All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.

Why Buy This Watch

I have always considered Blancpain to be one of those manufacturers that deserves considerably more attention from collectors, particularly when looking at the watches produced during the 1990s.

The Léman Chronograph is an excellent example of why.

At 38mm, the case proportions are absolutely spot on. It has enough presence to feel like a proper sports chronograph, yet it remains compact and elegant enough to be worn comfortably every day.

The design is also refreshing.

There is something particularly appealing about the combination of a classical stepped bezel, black military-inspired dial and traditional chronograph layout. It is recognisably a Blancpain, but it does not look like every other chronograph from the period.

Then there is the movement.

The Frédéric Piguet 1185 is a genuinely important calibre, and its use here is a reminder of the level of watchmaking that went into these watches. A slim automatic column-wheel chronograph is an impressive achievement, particularly within such a well-proportioned stainless steel case.

For me, this is where the Léman collection really shines. It offers the mechanical sophistication associated with considerably more formal watches, but packaged into something that feels far more practical and versatile.

The oversized 'B' at 12 o'clock, contrasting chronograph registers and discreet red accents give the watch a distinctive identity without trying too hard.

And importantly, this example comes with its original box and papers dating back to 1997, which is an attractive addition for anyone who values the history and provenance of their watches.

For someone looking beyond the more conventional Swiss chronographs of the 1990s, the Blancpain Léman Ref. 2185 is a particularly compelling alternative.

A beautifully proportioned, mechanically sophisticated and understated chronograph from one of the most important names in Swiss watchmaking.

Every watch we sell is fully inspected to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12-month warranty as standard.