Blancpain has recently expanded its Air Command collection with the introduction of two new models featuring a camouflage green motif. These timepieces, which draw inspiration from the brand’s vintage flyback chronographs, are now presented in a contemporary camouflage green color that complements their military and aviation heritage.
Press release with commentary in italics.
Blancpain Air Command in camouflage
The pricing is set at €24,050 for the 42.5 mm model and €22,600 for the 36.2 mm model.
These timepieces, which draw inspiration from vintage military aesthetics, are available in two case sizes: 42.5 mm x 13.77 mm and 36.2 mm x 11.50 mm. The larger model is limited to 200 pieces, while the smaller version is even more exclusive with only 100 pieces available. Both versions are crafted from Grade 23 titanium, known for its strength and lightness, and are finished with a satin and polished finish.
The Air Command’s design pays homage to Blancpain’s historical chronographs used by aviators, featuring a flyback function that allows for quick resetting of the chronograph. This functionality, combined with the new camouflage green colorway, creates a compelling luxury military-inspired chronograph. For enthusiasts and collectors, the new Blancpain Air Command models in camouflage green offer a unique take on the brand’s storied heritage in aviation timepieces.
Press release
Blancpain is delighted to present its 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.
More vintage than ever
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.
Mechanics at the cutting edge of precision
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 valuble 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.
