Blancpain is expanding its Air Command collection, inspired by one of its legendary historical chronographs. The new 36.2 mm-diameter model now joining the Manufacture’s line-up of sporty timepieces is smaller than its predecessor, while nonetheless endowed with all the makings of a great chronograph.
Feminine watches hold a special place in Blancpain‘s watch range. Since the early 1930s, the Manufacture has tirelessly developed new movements and introduced innovations on women’s behalf. Blancpain is no stranger to ladies’ chronographs and in 1998 became the first to introduce a flyback chronograph for women. While this function is now found at the heart of several Blancpain models, the Air Command offers a new, sportier and more adventurous interpretation.
The rare 1950s Blancpain chronograph that inspired the Air Command collection is naturally reflected in the vintage look of this new model. The layout of the counters and tachymeter scale on the dial, as well as the shape of the luminescent hands and hour-markers, the piston-type chronograph pushers and the glassbox-type sapphire crystal all evoke the original timepiece.
Exactly like authentic vintage aviation watches, the new Blancpain Air Command offers two distinct timing modes: a flyback chronograph and a countdown bezel. This model is nonetheless firmly rooted in the 21st century. The blue colour of the dial and the ceramic bezel insert endow it with a blend of modernity and elegance. The refinement continues with the sunburst and snailed dial finishes, as well as the alternating satin-brushed and polished finishing on the case. Housed inside its 36.2 mm diameter is the finest technology, represented by the F188B self-winding movement whose vertical clutch ensures stutter-free activation of the chronograph seconds hand, as well as smooth and optimal stop/start functions. Equipped with a silicon balance spring, the movement also features a column-wheel system guaranteeing a smooth feel when starting or ending a measurement and resetting the hands to zero. The back of the watch reveals the beauty of this high-end mechanism and its openworked oscillating weight, adorned with traditional watchmaking finishes such as circular graining, bevelling and sailing.
Available in grade 23 titanium – an exceptional quality rarely used in watchmaking – or in red gold, the Blancpain Air Command comes with a blue calf leather strap featuring white stitching. This new release, reflecting Blancpain’s desire to offer feminine models in all its timepiece collections, will accompany the most intrepid wrists.
Blancpain Air Command Technical Specifications
References
Features
- Flyback Chronograph
- hours / minutes
- tachymeter scale
- two-way rotating titanium / 18ct red gold bezel with blue ceramic insert and Super-LumiNova® hour-markers
- sunburst blue dial
- self-winding
Movement
- Calibre F188B
- Diameter: 26.20 mm
- Thickness: 5.50 mm
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Jewels: 35
- Components: 255
Case
- Satin-brushed titanium / satin-brushed 18ct red gold
- Diameter: 36.20 mm
- Thickness: 11.50 mm
- Water-resistance: 3bar
- Sapphire crystal back
- Interhorn space: 18.00 mm
