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Blancpain Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) vs Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers)
Two timepieces compared — $25,000+ vs $10,000–$25,000
Quick Verdict
The Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers) ($10,000–$25,000) delivers Rolex 2235, chronometer certified technology in the tier below the Blancpain Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) ($25,000+). The Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers) measures 26mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Hand-wound, Blancpain Calibre 13R0 (three barrels). Both represent excellent choices in the timepiece category.
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Rolex
Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Blancpain Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) | Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25,000+ | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 42mm | 26mm |
| Movement | Hand-wound, Blancpain Calibre 13R0 (three barrels) | Automatic, Rolex calibre 2235, quickset date |
| Caliber Type | Blancpain 13R0, hand-wound, silicon balance spring | Rolex 2235, chronometer certified |
| Power Reserve | About 192 hours (eight days), indicator at 12 | About 42 hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops |
| Case Material | Platinum, double-stepped bezel | Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold fluted bezel (yellow Rolesor) |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Blancpain's design language vs Rolex's approach
The Blancpain Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) features a Platinum, double-stepped bezel case at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback protection. The Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers) offers Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold fluted bezel (yellow Rolesor) construction at 26mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Hand-wound, Blancpain Calibre 13R0 (three barrels) vs Automatic, Rolex calibre 2235, quickset date
The Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) runs the Hand-wound, Blancpain Calibre 13R0 (three barrels) (Blancpain 13R0, hand-wound, silicon balance spring, About 192 hours (eight days), indicator at 12 power reserve) at standard frequency. The Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers) uses the Automatic, Rolex calibre 2235, quickset date (Rolex 2235, chronometer certified, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. The Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
42mm vs 26mm — different wrist presence
At 42mm, the Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers) at 26mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Rolex sits in the lower tier
The Blancpain Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) sits at $25,000+ and the Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) uses Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback with About 192 hours (eight days), indicator at 12, against Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops and About 42 hours on the Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers) handles 100m (10 ATM). The Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers) offers superior water resistance.
Our Verdict
Blancpain
Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition)
Choose the Blancpain Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) if you prioritize Blancpain 13R0, hand-wound, silicon balance spring engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $25,000+, it delivers Hand-wound, Blancpain Calibre 13R0 (three barrels) with About 192 hours (eight days), indicator at 12 power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonRolex
Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers)
Choose the Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers) if you value Rolex 2235, chronometer certified technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 26mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic, Rolex calibre 2235, quickset date with About 42 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Blancpain Villeret 8 Jours (platinum, black dial, limited edition) and Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79173 (two-tone, cacholong dial with diamond 6 and 9, box and papers) represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Blancpain bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.