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Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) vs Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial)
Blancpain's dress watch meets Rolex's timepiece
Quick Verdict
The Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial) ($10,000–$25,000) delivers Rolex 2235, chronometer certified technology in the tier below the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) ($25,000+). The Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial) measures 26mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic, Blancpain Calibre 6654. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
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Rolex
Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) | Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25,000+ | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 40mm | 26mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Blancpain Calibre 6654 | Automatic, Rolex calibre 2235, quickset date |
| Caliber Type | Blancpain 6654, automatic, silicon balance spring, under-lug correctors | Rolex 2235, chronometer certified |
| Power Reserve | About 72 hours | About 42 hours |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops |
| Case Material | 18k red gold, double-stepped bezel | Oystersteel with 18k white gold fluted bezel (white Rolesor) |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Blancpain's design language vs Rolex's approach
The Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) features a 18k red gold, double-stepped bezel case at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback protection. The Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial) offers Oystersteel with 18k white gold fluted bezel (white Rolesor) construction at 26mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, Blancpain Calibre 6654 vs Automatic, Rolex calibre 2235, quickset date
The Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) runs the Automatic, Blancpain Calibre 6654 (Blancpain 6654, automatic, silicon balance spring, under-lug correctors, About 72 hours power reserve) at standard frequency. The Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial) uses the Automatic, Rolex calibre 2235, quickset date (Rolex 2235, chronometer certified, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. The Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
40mm vs 26mm — different wrist presence
At 40mm, the Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial) at 26mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Rolex sits in the lower tier
The Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) sits at $25,000+ and the Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) uses Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback with About 72 hours, against Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops and About 42 hours on the Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial) handles 100m (10 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
Our Verdict
Blancpain
Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial)
Choose the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) if you prioritize Blancpain 6654, automatic, silicon balance spring, under-lug correctors engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $25,000+, it delivers Automatic, Blancpain Calibre 6654 with About 72 hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonRolex
Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial)
Choose the Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial) 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 Quantième Complet (18k red gold, blue dial) and Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 79174 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, sodalite diamond dial) represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — 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.