Blancpain - Air Command Flyback Chronograph Blue Dial

Blancpain launches two new versions of its Air Command Flyback Chronograph. Prices: €18,160 in titanium (AC02 12B40 63B), €29,220 in red gold

After the quickly sold-out limited edition introduced in 2019, Blancpain is launching two new versions of its Air Command Flyback Chronograph.

Originally developed in the 1950s, the Air Command has always been considered one of the best timepieces ever developed by Blancpain as well as one of the rarest.

This timepiece features a flyback chronograph and a countdown-type rotating bezel. Differently from traditional chronographs which require three presses to stop, reset and restart the mechanism, the flyback function enables the user to start a new timing operation with just a single press  

The countdown bezel can be used to indicate the time remaining until the destination is reached. In fact, differently from the bezel of a diver's watch, the numerals run counter-clockwise. 

The Air Command also offers a tachymeter scale indicating ground speeds, a 30-minute counter with three elongated markers marking three-minute increments and a 12-hour counter.

For the two new versions Blancpain has chosen to use a deep blue colour for the dial and the scratch-resistant ceramic insert of the bezel. The dial is enhanced by a fine sunburst pattern, while the chronograph counters are snailed. Its readability is enhanced by Super-LumiNova coated hands and hour-markers. This luminescent material is also used for the bezel markers.

The "glass box" sapphire crystal reinforces the vintage look of the timepiece.

Water resistant to 3 bar (approximately 30 metres / 100 feet), the 42.5 mm x 13.77 mm case is available in Grade 23 titanium or in red gold. The sculpted lines of case and lugs are well highlighted by the alternation of satin-brushed and polished surfaces.

The caseback showcases the Manufacture F388B movement, fast-beating at the frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour) that not only contributes to improved accuracy, but also enables a clear division of the seconds into 1/10th intervals. This state-of-the-art self-winding movement is equipped with a silicon balance-spring insensitive to magnetic fields for greater precision throughout the 50-hour power reserve.  

The openworked gold oscillating weight is decorated with a snailed finish identical to that of the calibre's bridges. 

Matched to a blue calfskin strap featuring white stitching, the Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph retails at Euro 18,160 in titanium (ref. AC02 12B40 63B) or Euro 29,220 in red gold (ref. AC02-36B40-63). blancpain.com

Suggested reading:

- The history of Blancpain