The Blancpain Air Command Watch is a perfect blend of vintage allure and state-of-the-art watchmaking, presenting an exquisite piece for aviation enthusiasts and collectors alike. Priced at £20,400, the latest additions to the Air Command collection are a tribute to Blancpain’s heritage, inspired by the legendary chronographs of the 1950s used by aviators as precise instruments in the cockpit. With a new adventurous camouflage-green colour scheme, these timepieces honour the past while integrating modern advancements for the discerning watch lover.
Available in two sizes—42.5 mm and 36.2 mm—the Blancpain Air Command watches cater to a variety of wrist sizes, making them accessible to a broad audience of enthusiasts. Each model is crafted from grade 23 titanium, which boasts exceptional corrosion resistance while retaining a sporty, lightweight character. The brushed and polished finishes of the titanium case pay homage to the spirit of mid-20th-century aviation, and the bidirectional titanium countdown bezel features a ceramic insert with luminescent numerals and markers that ensure readability at a glance.
The dial of the Air Command further enhances its vintage aesthetic, featuring Super-LumiNova®-treated hands and numerals that match the warm tone of the dial accents and stitching on the leather strap. The result is a harmonious, cohesive design that exudes a classic aviation charm. The use of a ‘glass box’ shaped sapphire crystal offers an additional retro touch, while the adventurous camouflage green hue gives the watch an added layer of modern sophistication that stands out from the crowd.
Under the hood, Blancpain has equipped these watches with the finest of modern horology. The self-winding Calibre F188B powers the 36.2 mm model, while the larger 42.5 mm version features the Calibre F388B—both incorporating a flyback function. This feature allows the chronograph to be reset and restarted with a single button push, eliminating the need for multiple actions. This swift reset capability, which was particularly advantageous for pilots, is made possible by a complex column-wheel mechanism and a vertical clutch, ensuring precision without any stutter when starting or stopping.
The Calibre F388B deserves special attention for its 5 Hz frequency, which provides tenth-of-a-second accuracy—an impressive feat for any chronograph. Both models feature a transparent case back, offering a view of the movement’s intricate construction and high-quality finishing. The balance spring in these movements is made of silicon, a revolutionary material that offers superior resistance to magnetism, ensuring unparalleled precision in timekeeping.
The Blancpain Air Command Watch is more than just a timepiece; it is a tribute to the golden age of aviation, with features designed to cater to the needs of modern collectors. With its sophisticated flyback chronograph, countdown bezel, and tachymeter scale, this watch is perfectly suited for those who desire both vintage aesthetics and cutting-edge performance in a luxurious, limited-edition package.
