Blancpain is presenting two new Air Command flyback chronographs. A subtle blend of past and present, these timepieces combine vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge watchmaking technology. These limited-edition models which will charm aviation enthusiasts are teamed for the first time with an adventurous distinctive camouflage-green colour
Inspired by a legendary Blancpain chronograph from the 1950s, used by aviators as an instrument for charting their course when airborne, the new Air Command watches accentuate their vintage feel by means of an original colour combination. Produced in minute quantities at the time, this chronograph attracted a great deal of attention; today, its superior precision timing capacities make it a much-admired model.
Featuring the same diameters as their contemporary predecessors – namely 42.5 mm and 36.2 mm – these latest models are designed for large and small wrists alike, while also featuring titanium grade 23 (satin-brushed and polished), with its corrosion resistance and sporty look representing a nod to the intrepid aviation spirit of the era. Respectively issued in 200- and 100-piece limited editions, they are both topped by a bidirectional titanium countdown-type bezel with a ceramic insert as well as luminescent numerals and markers.
The latter feature vintage Super-LumiNova, as do the hands and numerals indicating the hours and minutes – all matching the colour of the various dial indications visible through a sapphire crystal with its characteristic ‘glass box’ shape, along with that of the stitching on the leather strap. This results in wonderful visual harmony, while the adventurous camouflage green chosen as the main hue of the new Air Command enhances the watches’ vintage charm.
As exemplary measuring instruments, these new aviation-inspired chronographs incorporate the most advanced watchmaking technologies in order to offer the utmost precision. Powered by self-winding Calibre F188B (for the 36.2 mm model) and Calibre F388B (for the 42.5 mm model), they are distinguished by their flyback function: a valuable feature enabling pilots to reset the current timing operation and begin a new one with a single press.
This smooth move is not possible with a conventional chronograph, which requires three presses (on two different pushers) to stop, reset and restart the mechanism. Based on a complex and prestigious column-wheel system with a vertical clutch, the construction of these timepieces ensures that the chronograph starts and stops perfectly, without any stuttering. Calibre F388B also deserves a special mention, with its 5 Hz frequency ensuring tenth-of-a-second accuracy.
In keeping with the spirit of vintage pilot’s watches that were used to calculate time, distance and ground speed, these Air Command models combine a flyback chronograph with a rotating bezel featuring a countdown function with numerals and hour-markers arranged in counterclockwise order, not to mention a tachymeter scale for measuring speed in kilometres per hour. To complete the aviator look, the 18K gold rotor visible through the transparent case back is shaped like a vintage aircraft propeller, a reminder of the collection’s aeronautical heritage.
Representing a modern tribute to the history of aviation and Blancpain’s watchmaking heritage, the new Air Command watches can not only be purchased individually, but also as a pair with matching individual numbers – exclusively in Blancpain boutiques – thereby offering an elegant option for sealing a relationship with a loved one.
Air Command, the sky-born chronograph
Combining a resolutely vintage style with Blancpain’s latest technological advances, the Air Command collection revives the Manufacture’s historical ties with 1950s aviation. Following in the slipstream of their 1956 predecessor, the Air Command models feature a sophisticated aesthetic and offer two timekeeping modes: a chronograph with flyback function and a countdown bezel. Coupled with a tachymeter scale indicating ground speeds, these functions prove extremely advantageous in the air.
The silicon revolution
A veritable revolution in the watchmaking world at the start of the 21st century, silicon has enabled major advances in the measurement of time. Elastic without deforming, hard, light and highly corrosion-resistant, this material notably stands out for its resistance to magnetism, a welcome quality in ensuring watches’ rating accuracy.
The use of this technology on their balance spring ensures that the new Air Command models not only proudly display their unique movement construction and high-quality finishing through their transparent case back, but also boast superior precision-timing performance thanks to this material.
