Blancpain’s utilitarian heritage shines through with the addition of a titanium bracelet for the Air Command, released alongside an all-new limited edition rendition!
When you think of Blancpain, what do you think of? Certainly, their reputation within the utility watch space precedes them, as their claims to fame include: reportedly being the oldest watch brand in the world; inventing the first automatic watch in 1926; and introducing the world to the dive watch in 1953.
Even in the modern day, Blancpain’s impact on horology is palpable. Lest you forget, however, Blancpain’s double drop of Air Command references is sure to remind you of the influence they still maintain in the industry.
Introduced in the 1950s for the United States Air Force, the Air Command’s history is as storied and epic as the brand itself, building a reputation of meeting the most demanding of expectations for precision and robustness. Blancpain has celebrated the Air Command’s successes several times over before, releasing a faithful steel remaster as well as titanium and delicate rose gold renditions for the discerning collector with modern tastes.
This time around, Blancpain have elected to provide a bracelet for the iconic collection. Building off the 42mm and 36mm titanium references with blue dials, the Air Command’s durable case silhouette is finally accompanied by a titanium bracelet as tough and as light as the watch itself.
That’s not all, though, as Blancpain have also released a limited edition duo in what they call ‘Camouflage Green.’ Paying homage to the military history of the Air Command, the new Camouflage Green timepieces evoke the colour of military fatigues in both the 42mm and 36mm case sizes. Limited to just 200 and 100 references respectively, this is certainly tailored for the military history buff, recognising Blancpain’s contributions to the US military.
Whilst the Air Command’s visage may evoke that vintage feel, the technology inside is hardly so. Blancpain’s Cal. F388B steps up to the task of powering the 42mm Air Command, whilst little brother Cal. F188B powers the 36mm pieces. Both movements contain the flyback chronograph capability, allowing the chronograph to reset whilst still in function. This made the original references essential for air navigation, the sentiment of which is echoed in these new releases.
While the latter is no slouch, beating at a capable 3Hz (21,600VpH) on a 40h power reserve, the former is a veritable horological juggernaut, beating at a whopping 5Hz (36,000VpH). Yes, it only sports a 50h power reserve, but the 18k gold automatic rotor (shaped into a propeller for the Camouflage Green) on both movements is more than capable of compensating for lost time – no pun intended.
Final Thoughts
Blancpain, though moving significantly upmarket in the industry, takes significant strides to maintain its roots with collections steeped in commendable levels of heritage and horological significance. Like most watch companies, they do so with a modern touch, providing only the best in modern materials and technology for their timepieces. The Air Command is one such result of this perfect union, evoking the reputation of the original whilst not feeling like a bygone product of its time.
The Camouflage Green limited edition, while not necessarily for me, is a nice nod toward the enthusiasts of the brand, whether they had the opportunity to serve alongside a Blancpain/Tornek Rayville or are simply aware of the Swiss brand’s achievements. Either way, both it and the new titanium bracelet rendition are symbolic of how far Blancpain have come in their reportedly nearly three centuries of operation, and how little they have chosen to slow down since foundation.
References:
- Camouflage Green: AC02-12B53-63 (42.5mm)/AC03-12B53-63 (36.2mm)
- Blue Titanium: AC02-12B40-98S (42.5mm)/AC03-12B40-98S (36.2mm)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 42.5mm case diameter x 13.77mm thickness / 36.2mm case diameter x 11.5mm thickness
- Case Material: Brushed titanium
- Dial: Camouflage Green (Limited Edition) or blue
- Movement: Automatic Cal. F388B (42.5mm) or F188B (36.2mm) with flyback chronograph functions
- Beat Rate: 5Hz (36,000VpH, F388B) or 3Hz (21,600VpH, F188B)
- Power Reserve: 50h (F388B) or 40h (F188B)
- Water Resistance: 30m (3bar)
- Strap: Green leather strap (Limited Edition) or titanium bracelet with titanium folding clasp
Australian RRP:
- Camouflage Green: AU$34,800 (42.5mm)/AU$32,700 (36.2mm)
- Blue Titanium: AU$36,000 (42.5mm)/AU$33,900 (36.2mm)
