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Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) vs Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart
Blancpain's dress watch meets Seiko's timepiece
Quick Verdict
The Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart ($250–$500) delivers Seiko In-House Automatic technology in the tier below the Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) ($10,000–$25,000). The Presage SSA425 Open Heart measures 40.5mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic, Blancpain calibre 1151, silicon balance spring. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
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Blancpain
Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) | Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $250–$500 |
| Case Size | 40mm | 40.5mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Blancpain calibre 1151, silicon balance spring | Automatic Caliber 4R38 |
| Caliber Type | 1151, automatic | Seiko In-House Automatic |
| Power Reserve | About 100 hours (4 days) | 41 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Hardlex Crystal |
| Case Material | 18k red gold, double-stepped bezel, sapphire caseback | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Made in Japan |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Blancpain's design language vs Seiko's approach
The Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) features a 18k red gold, double-stepped bezel, sapphire caseback case at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart offers Stainless Steel construction at 40.5mm with Hardlex Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, Blancpain calibre 1151, silicon balance spring vs Automatic Caliber 4R38
The Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) runs the Automatic, Blancpain calibre 1151, silicon balance spring (1151, automatic, About 100 hours (4 days) power reserve) at standard frequency. The Presage SSA425 Open Heart uses the Automatic Caliber 4R38 (Seiko In-House Automatic, 41 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
40mm vs 40.5mm — different wrist presence
At 40mm, the Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Presage SSA425 Open Heart at 40.5mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Seiko sits in the lower tier
The Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) sits at $10,000–$25,000 and the Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart at $250–$500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) uses Sapphire Crystal with About 100 hours (4 days), against Hardlex Crystal and 41 Hours on the Presage SSA425 Open Heart. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)
The Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Presage SSA425 Open Heart handles 50m (5 ATM). The Presage SSA425 Open Heart offers superior water resistance.
Our Verdict
Blancpain
Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap)
Choose the Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) if you prioritize 1151, automatic engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $10,000–$25,000, it delivers Automatic, Blancpain calibre 1151, silicon balance spring with About 100 hours (4 days) power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonSeiko
Presage SSA425 Open Heart
Choose the Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart if you value Seiko In-House Automatic technology, Made in Japan heritage, and 40.5mm proportions. At $250–$500, the Automatic Caliber 4R38 with 41 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate 6651-3640-55B (18k red gold, blue dial, blue alligator strap) and Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Blancpain bringing Swiss Made tradition while Seiko delivers Made in Japan 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.