When Blancpain announces a new chiming watch, it naturally catches the attention of collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates mechanical artistry. The Grande Double Sonnerie 15GSQ is one of those pieces—rare, complex, and built around a complication that only a handful of watchmakers in the world can execute well. What makes this model unique is its two selectable melodies, an uncommon feature even in the world of high horology. I spent time studying the mechanics, early impressions, and brand philosophy behind the watch to understand what Blancpain is offering here.
Intro: Why I Decided to Dive Into This Watch
Whenever a brand revisits something as challenging as a double sonnerie, it fascinates me—not because of price or hype, but because these watches show what hand-built horology can achieve. So when Blancpain unveiled the Grande Double Sonnerie 15GSQ, I wanted to take a closer look. A watch that can chime the time on demand is already impressive, but one that lets you choose between two melodies deserves deeper attention. My goal here is not to glorify anything but to understand its technical depth, its craftsmanship, and its real-world value for someone who is considering, or simply admiring, a watch at this level.
Quick Verdict
What impressed me
- ✅ Exceptionally crafted chiming mechanism with clear, resonant tones
- ✅ Unique dual-melody setup, rarely seen in modern haute horlogerie
- ✅ Openworked design highlights the movement beautifully
- ✅ Superb finishing consistent with Blancpain’s high-end tradition
What could be better
- ⚠ Extremely limited practicality for everyday wear
- ⚠ High mechanical complexity means careful handling and regular servicing
- ⚠ Price and availability put it out of reach for most collectors
Key Features of the Blancpain Grande Double Sonnerie 15GSQ
- Double sonnerie complication
- Two selectable melodies for chimes
- Skeletonized movement with traditional finishing
- Manual-winding calibre with high part count
- Striking mechanisms visible through sapphire
- Signature Blancpain level hand-polishing
- Safety mechanisms to protect chime components
- Hours, quarters, and minute chiming modes
- Limited production
- Precious metal case (varies by edition)
These features position the watch firmly in the high-complication segment of Swiss watchmaking.
Sound/Performance Review
The highlight of the 15GSQ is its chiming system. A grande sonnerie automatically chimes the hours and quarters as time passes, while a petite sonnerie simplifies this. Add a minute repeater, and you have one of watchmaking’s most intense mechanical challenges.
Dual Melodies
The ability to choose between two melodies makes the watch stand out. While the exact compositions may vary depending on production details, the mechanism switches between two strike sequences—a rare engineering feat.
Sound Quality
Based on Blancpain’s previous chiming work and early impressions:
- The tones are clean and well-resolved
- The gongs are tuned with precision
- Hammer action is smooth, without sharp rebound
- The acoustic chamber formed by the case helps projection
This watch isn’t meant to be loud; it’s meant to be beautiful. And on that front, it delivers.
Battery / Durability (Mechanical Perspective)
Being a mechanical chiming watch, “battery” refers to the power reserves within the mainsprings.
What to expect
- Separate barrels often power the timekeeping and chiming mechanisms
- Manual winding is required, and careful handling is essential
- Safety systems help prevent misuse (e.g., preventing chimes during setting)
Such complications demand regular specialized servicing, ideally from Blancpain-certified technicians.
Durability is good for a hand-crafted object, but it’s not designed for rough, daily wear. The skeletonization also means dust, moisture, and shocks must be avoided.
Comfort & Design Review
Design Philosophy
The 15GSQ is openworked, allowing the wearer to view the entire orchestra of gears, racks, cams, and hammers. Skeletonization is minimalistic—not flashy—so the mechanics take center stage.
Wrist Presence
Expect:
- A larger case size
- Noticeable weight due to precious metals
- A traditional, formal look
This isn’t a watch you forget you’re wearing; it’s one you consciously appreciate.
Comfort
Despite its complexity, the strap is comfortable, the lugs are shaped for a secure fit, and the watch feels stable on the wrist. Still, most owners will likely wear it occasionally rather than daily.
Real-World Usage
A grande sonnerie is more of a collectible and a conversation piece. In real use:
- It’s not meant for sports or outdoor activity
- You’ll wind it frequently
- The sounds are clearer in quiet rooms
- It becomes more of a “moment” piece—used intentionally
Collectors may keep it in a safe, wind it occasionally, and enjoy the craftsmanship.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional chiming quality
- Rare double-melody mechanism
- Museum-level finishing and craftsmanship
- Skeletonized movement shows intricate mechanics
- Highly collectible and exclusive
Cons
- Not suitable for daily use
- Requires careful maintenance
- Extremely high price bracket
- Limited availability
Who Should Buy It?
This watch suits:
- High-end collectors of complications
- Melody and chiming enthusiasts
- Investors in rare haute horlogerie pieces
- Those who appreciate mechanical artistry
- Museum-level or display-focused collections
It’s an emotional purchase, not a practical one.
Who Should Avoid It?
Avoid if you:
- Prefer daily-wear watches
- Want modern smart features
- Want minimal servicing needs
- Prefer understated or rugged timepieces
- Have a limited or mid-tier budget
Comparison Table
| Feature | Blancpain 15GSQ | Patek Philippe Grand Sonnerie | Audemars Piguet Supersonnerie |
| Dual Melodies | Yes | No | No |
| Style | Skeletonized | Classical | Contemporary |
| Complexity | Extremely high | Extremely high | Very high |
| Sound Projection | Clear & warm | Refined | Loud & resonant |
| Everyday Wearability | Low | Low | Moderate |
| Collectability | Very high | Very high | High |
Value for Money Score: 7.5/10
Given its mechanical depth, finishing, rarity, and the dual-melody architecture, it offers superb horological value. However, because of the ultra-premium price segment and limited use cases, it isn’t “value” in a conventional sense. It’s value for connoisseurs.
Final Rating Table
| Category | Rating (Out of 10) |
| Sound / Performance | 9.5 |
| Design / Comfort | 8.8 |
| Durability | 8.0 |
| Features | 9.0 |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 |
Expert Verdict
The Blancpain Grande Double Sonnerie 15GSQ is a celebration of mechanical watchmaking at its highest level. The dual-melody system, skeletonized design, and traditional finishing make it a standout piece. It’s not for everyday wear or casual buyers, but for enthusiasts of chiming mechanisms and collectors of rare complications, it is a meaningful, deeply crafted creation. If your goal is to own a piece of horological art rather than a practical watch, the 15GSQ deserves serious consideration.
FAQs
1. What makes the 15GSQ special?
Its dual-melody chiming system and skeletonized grande sonnerie mechanism make it uniquely complex.
2. Is it meant for daily wear?
Not really. Grande sonneries are delicate, collectible watches better suited for special occasions.
3. Does it require special maintenance?
Yes. These mechanisms require expert servicing and careful handling.
4. Is it water-resistant?
Chiming watches typically have limited water resistance to preserve sound quality.
5. How loud are the chimes?
They are tuned for clarity and harmony, not volume—best appreciated in quiet environments.
6. Does the watch have automatic winding?
Most grande sonneries are manual-wind due to complexity, and the 15GSQ follows this tradition.
7. Will it appreciate in value?
While no guarantee can be made, grande sonneries often maintain or increase value due to rarity.
