Blancpain Adds Two New Flyback Chonographs To Air Command Collection
Blancpain builds on the legacy of rare aviator chronograph.
Blancpain has added two new flyback chronographs to its Air Command collection with striking blue dials and bezels.
The contemporary Air Command chronographs – first reissued as a limited edition in 2019 – are based on one of Blancpain’s rarest models, a chronograph developed for the USAF through the company’s then US distributor, Allen Tornek. The project didn’t result in any orders and it is thought that just a handful of prototypes were ever produced, such as this example that sold in 2016 for CHF 100,000 (approximately $108,000 USD).
The new 42.5mm watch uses a high-beat 5Hz Manufacture F388B movement with column wheel/vertical clutch, free-sprung silicon balance and features both a ceramic countdown bezel and a flyback function, something that would have allowed pilots or navigators of the era to time new waypoints at the push of a button.
Two new models are available, in either 18k red gold or uncommon grade 23 titanium, with blue sunray brushed dials, finely snailed chronograph counters, a 1950s style “glassbox” sapphire crystal and a matching blue calfskin strap.
The Air Command Flyback Chronograph is out in titanium and red gold now via Blancpain retailers, priced $18,500 and $29,100 USD respectively.
In other watch news, Tudor drops new Pelagos designed for French Navy combat swimmers.
