How a Blancpain Villeret Carrousel Watch Ended Up in In The Lost Lands

One of the most visually striking objects in the 2025 fantasy action film In The Lost Lands is a Blancpain wristwatch, prominently featured throughout the movie. The Blancpain Villeret Carrousel Répétition Minutes Chronographe Flyback (Ref. 2358 3631 55B) appears in several key scenes, playing an important role in the plot. Its classic yet high-complication design sets it apart as one of the most luxurious and technically sophisticated timepieces ever featured in a major Hollywood production.

The watch, crafted in 18k red gold, measures 45mm in diameter and 17.8mm thick—a substantial piece even by haute horology standards. However, in the movie, only the watch’s head is shown, with no strap attached, as part of the post-apocalyptic setting. Despite the harsh world depicted in the film, the pristine condition of the watch is a stark contrast to its surroundings.

A Masterpiece of Swiss Watchmaking

The Blancpain Villeret Carrousel Répétition Minutes Chronographe Flyback is an ultra-high-end complication watch, priced at $503,800 USD. While Blancpain is one of the oldest watch brands in Switzerland, tracing its origins back to 1735, this model is relatively modern, developed in the early 2000s during a period of significant innovation at the brand.

The timepiece combines multiple elite horological complications:

• Carrousel mechanism – A complex escapement system similar in function to a tourbillon, designed to improve accuracy.

• Minute repeater – Chimes the current time using a series of gongs inside the case, activated by a side lever.

• Flyback chronograph – Allows for instant reset and restart of the chronograph without stopping it first.

• Central chronograph hands – Instead of traditional subdials, the watch uses centrally mounted counters for better readability.

With these intricate mechanisms, it is astonishing that the watch still functions in the film’s fantasy universe, considering its delicate internal components and the rough handling it endures in action sequences.

What is a Carrousel, and How Does It Differ from a Tourbillon?

The carrousel escapement was first introduced by Danish watchmaker Bahne Bonniksen in 1892 as an alternative to the tourbillon, invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801. Both mechanisms counteract the effects of gravity on a watch’s accuracy, but they operate in different ways:

Blancpain played a pioneering role in reviving the carrousel in 2008, making it a signature feature in some of its high-complication watches.

A Unique Product Placement – But Not a Traditional One

Although it might seem like product placement, Blancpain was actually approached by the film’s producers rather than actively seeking exposure in the movie. The process of sourcing and selecting this timepiece was far more detailed than typical prop placement in films.

Director Paul W.S. Anderson and his team wanted a luxury object that would serve as a rare relic in the film’s world. Originally, a precious gem played this role in George R.R. Martin’s 1982 short story, but for the cinematic adaptation, the filmmakers decided that a watch would fit the story’s themes of time and fate more effectively.

To ensure authenticity, the production team used:

• An actual working Blancpain watch on set, rather than relying solely on props or CGI.

• “Stunt watches” for action-heavy sequences to protect the real piece.

•  ✔ CGI enhancements to create visual effects when necessary.

Actress Milla Jovovich, who stars in the film, jokingly mentioned in an interview that the Blancpain watch was treated better than the actors on set—a testament to its value and significance in the production.

Luxury Watches in Cinema – A Long Tradition

In The Lost Lands is not the first film to feature a high-end Swiss watch as a major plot device. Luxury timepieces have been used in films to symbolize power, wealth, and precision, with some watches becoming cultural icons:

The Blancpain Villeret Carrousel joins this list as one of the most intricate and expensive watches ever used in a Hollywood film.

Blancpain’s Connection to the Film Industry

Blancpain has historically been a brand focused on collectors and enthusiasts, rather than mainstream celebrity endorsements. However, the brand has been associated with cinema and high-profile figures in subtle ways:

• Blancpain’s dive watches, the Fifty Fathoms collection, have been worn by military divers and explorers, making them popular in action-oriented storytelling.

• Blancpain frequently collaborates with scientific and environmental documentaries, sponsoring underwater exploration films.

• Unlike some Swiss brands that aggressively seek film placements, Blancpain carefully selects collaborations that align with its heritage of exclusivity.

The inclusion of a Blancpain timepiece in In The Lost Lands reflects this careful approach—placing an extraordinary timepiece in a unique cinematic setting.

A Watch Worth Seeing—On and Off the Screen

For watch enthusiasts, In The Lost Lands is worth watching not just for its George R.R. Martin connection but also for its inclusion of an exceptionally rare timepiece.

Few watches combine tourbillon-like escapements, minute repeaters, and flyback chronographs, making the Blancpain Villeret Carrousel Répétition Minutes Chronographe Flyback a perfect choice for a luxurious yet mysterious artifact in a fantasy action film.

Whether you are a collector or simply a fan of fine watchmaking, seeing this Blancpain on the big screen is a unique experience.

Price for the Blancpain Villeret Carrousel Répétition Minutes Chronographe Flyback (Ref. 2358 3631 55B) is $503,800 USD.

For more information, visit Blancpain’s official website.