The original 1950s Air Command was a high-precision pilot’s watch specifically designed for the US Navy, equipped with luminous hands and indexes, and a flyback chronograph function. Fewer than 20 prototype pieces of the original Air Command were ever produced, making it one of the rarest Blancpain timepieces.
This watch features a rose gold case. The 42.5mm case is finished with a combination of satin-brushing and mirror polishing, with sharply angled lugs that showcase a sculptural beauty. The sapphire crystal continues the vintage “box-shaped” structure. The ceramic bezel incorporates the unique “countdown” design found on old pilot’s watches, which can be used to calculate the remaining time to a destination.
The blue sunray-brushed dial has a symmetrical layout:
3 o’clock: 30-minute chronograph counter
9 o’clock: 12-hour chronograph counter
The hands and indexes are coated with Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility. A tachymeter scale is printed on the outermost ring of the dial.
It is powered by the Manufacture Caliber F388B automatic movement, offering a 50-hour power reserve. This in-house movement boasts a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, ensuring timing precision to 1/10th of a second. It is equipped with a silicon balance spring for anti-magnetic properties, and features a skeletonized rotor.
It comes on a blue calfskin leather strap. The official price is approximately 28,892 Euros.
Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph 2021 Flyback Chronograph Watch
Rose gold case, diameter 42.5mm, thickness 13.7mm. Ceramic bezel. Box-shaped sapphire crystal. Blue dial. Caliber F388B automatic movement, 35 jewels, 36,000 vph, 50-hour power reserve. Blue calfskin leather strap. Folding clasp. Water-resistant to 30 meters.
Complication: Flyback Chronograph
