The All-New Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph
Back in 2019, Blancpain introduced a unique, and surprising re-issue with the Air Command. The elusive watch was originally rooted in the historic French Defense Ministry based on specific specs needing to be met by the pilots in the program - three of those major requirements were a small seconds, a 60-second countdown bezel, and a flyback function. The Air Command mind slipped under the radar and was rumored to never have really been produced (at least not in any kind of official way). This week, the brand has announced another version of the Air Command - the Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph Titanium.
THE BASICS:
Brand: Blancpain
Model: Air Command Flyback Chronograph Titanium
Case Material: Grade 23 - Titanium
Case Size: 42.5mm
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
Movement: Blancpain Calibre F388B
Movement Specs: Automatic, 5-Hz, 35 Jewels, 50-hour power reserve
Strap Options: Blue Calfskin Leather Strap
THE JUICE:
Blancpain is very known for its Fifty Fathoms collection. It’s arguably what the brand is most known for if we’re being honest - so I am really beyond excited about the idea of some unique and historically relevant pilot watches coming out of their manufacture.
The steel model introduced in 2019 was arguably a hit - despite some mixed reviews by the watch industry press. It was a bit heavy, and the faux-patina (“ish”. I still feel like the jury is out on calling it “faux”) wasn’t unanimously well received - despite the watch selling out and being sold for a mark-up on the secondary market.
The new Air Command is basically the same model as the steel… except in Titanium, naturally colored lume, and a blue color-way instead of black. Oh, and also, there’s a red gold version available too - which I find a bit of an odd addition to the collection. I almost feel like the red gold model could have better served as a later release or not at all - though I suppose it won’t have a hard time selling anyway.
With Blancpain noticeably in the diver space, I’m hoping to see more of these pilot watches come out of the brand. It does seem that keeping in line with industry trends of adding a titanium offering to, well, literally anything these days is the way to go, and I’m all for expanding well made and different pieces from these brands that are often lumped into singular collections.
Overall, I find the watch a slam dunk. It’s historically relevant, it’s modern, it’s technical, and all things considered - it’s not nearly as expensive as I thought it would be.
How much is the Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph Titanium?
Surprisingly this watch will not be a limited edition, and will come with a price tag of $18,500 USD in titanium, and $27,300 USD in red gold.