Inspired by a highly sought-after 1950s Blancpain chronograph that was produced in tiny quantities, the Air Command collection from Blancpain is adding a new watch to its lineup. Featuring a chronograph with a flyback function and a countdown bezel the new model in titanium joins the 18K red gold model reference AC02 36B40 63B as well as the limited edition reference AC01 1130 63A.
The new Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph in Titanium fully reflects the spirit of the vintage pilot's watch. Featuring a titanium case measuring 42. 5 mm in diameter and 13.77 mm in thickness, the purpose of the countdown bezel is to indicate the time remaining until the destination is reached. Its numerals or hour-markers run counter-clockwise, unlike those on the bezel of a diver's watch. The Blancpain Air Command also has a tachymeter scale indicating ground speeds, a 30-minute counter with three elongated markers marking three-minute increments, and a 12-hour counter.
Blancpain has chosen to highlight these indications by means of a deep blue color that energizes the character of the watch, instilling the perfect touch of modernity. The dial is enhanced by a fine sunburst pattern, while the chronograph counters are finely snailed. This contrast heightens the legibility of the timepiece, which is optimal for both day and night thanks to the use of Super-LumiNova on the hands and hour-markers. This luminescent material is also found on the watch's bezel, which incorporates a scratch-resistant ceramic insert matching the dial color. Further intensifying the emotions procured by a timepiece of this nature, Blancpain has equipped both sides of its Air Command model with a "glass box" sapphire crystal, a strong aesthetic element of 1950s models.
The back of the watch reveals the in-house movement F388B movement —a variant of the F385—, distinguished by a free-sprung silicon balance oscillating at a frequency of 5 Hz. This automatic movement is composed of 297 parts and 35 jewels and provides a power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound.
The design reflects Blancpain's philosophy of both precision and robustness. The free-sprung balance-and-spring assembly regulated by inertia screws was conceived to facilitate fine adjustments and increase shock resistance. Compared to generally used metal balance-springs, the silicon balance-spring is insensitive to magnetic fields and guarantees greater precision throughout the power reserve.
The 5 Hz frequency not only contributes to improved accuracy but also enables a clear division of the seconds into 1/10th intervals. The F388B movement comprises a column-wheel system with a highly advanced Blancpain vertical clutch ensuring perfect starting and stopping without the jerks that occasionally occur with horizontal constructions.
For a final classic touch, the Air Command Flyback Chronograph is paired with a sporty blue calfskin leather strap with white stitching equipped with a pin buckle in titanium. The Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph Titanium is water-resistant to 30 meters and is also available in a vintage-inspired limited edition in stainless steel as well as in 18K red gold.
Sticker Price $18,500.00 USD for titanium, $19,800 USD for the limited edition and $30,700 USD for 18K red gold. For more info on Blancpain click here.
