Blancpain Leman men's collection includes two main styles: casual and sports. As a result, two watches from Blancpain Leman, at least from a first impression, may look like coming from two different collection. But this aesthetic versatility is not a consequence of a designer's whim – on the contrary, it ensues from engineering necessity. A closer look reveals that the more casual watches contain less complications, while those displaying a sporty, aerodynamic aesthetic, contain more. So, Blancpain Leman ultra-slim watches, joined by GMT indicator and moon phase belong to the former category, while timepieces that incorporate such complications as mechanical alarm, perpetual calendar, split-seconds and flyback chronograph, and minute repeater belong to the latter.

It's important to stress that Blancpain declares Leman as a “traveler's” collection. The company, in other words, defines Leman according to its function – whereas this review follows stylistic and visual criteria. If we look at Leman from the originally intended perspective, we'll discover the real scope of offered function – a deep study in time management and keeping. Such utilities as alarm and chronograph, especially when combined with a tourbillon, ensure precise time-keeping and getting on time – all in one package – tasks that become particularly challenging for a traveler. Undoubtedly, one of the stylistic achievements of Blancpain consists of encasing these functions in maximally basic design. Eventually, simplicity, especially in light of the complications, becomes a necessity Blancpain appear to enjoy to implement.

There are several features that unite all Leman watches and betray collection consistency. First is the two-tier bezel, second is the massive-looking, sturdy hands (equipped with an opening to prevent dial obstruction), and third is the large Arabic numerals for indexes (in some models limited to quarter-hour marking). Not incidentally, these features facilitate time reading and increase legibility – once again, stylistic choices that support the conception of function.

Blancpain continue to refresh Leman with complications and technological innovations. Leman Aqua Lung is the newest contribution: a streamlined timepiece that includes a minute repeater and is water resistant up to 100 meters. I have no idea how the gong will sound underwater, but keeping track of time is now possible even when splashing on the beach, or sunbathing in the hotel pool (or bathtub). The engineering solution that allows to tighten the case and stop water from entering the inside has been patented. Leman Aqua Lung became another proof, water-proof, if you will, of Blancpain ingenuity.