So when it introduces a brand new chronograph with self-winding movement and apulsomètre – that's a heart-rate monitor to you and me – it's fair to say that eyebrows will be raised and curiosity well and truly piqued.

The new self-winding movement, making its debut in the heart of the Chronographe Pulsomètre, comprises 322 different parts and beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour. You can see it for yourself at either of Blancpain's brand new boutiques – one at 11 Bond Street; the other its first ever franchise boutique at Harrod's – which just goes to show that the world's oldest watchmaker isn't afraid of trying something new.

For more info on the Chronographe Pulsomètre and on Blancpain's new boutiques, go to blancpain.com.