Blancpain Air Command Green

Blancpain, a name synonymous with horological excellence, has once again demonstrated its mastery with the introduction of the Air Command Green, a pair of flyback chronographs that pay homage to the brand's rich aviation heritage while embracing contemporary design and cutting-edge materials.



This isn't just another rehash of a classic; it's a bold step forward, a fusion of vintage aesthetics and modern watchmaking prowess. The Air Command Green collection, comprising two distinct models, caters to both larger and smaller wrists with case sizes of 42.5mm and 36.2mm. Both watches are crafted from grade 23 titanium, a material known for its exceptional strength, lightness, and corrosion resistance – a fitting choice for a timepiece inspired by the golden age of aviation.



To truly appreciate the significance of the Air Command Green, we must first delve into the history of Blancpain, a brand that has been pushing the boundaries of horology since 1735. Founded by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain in the quaint village of Villeret, Switzerland, the company quickly established itself as a purveyor of high-quality timepieces. Over the centuries, Blancpain has navigated the ever-changing landscape of watchmaking, consistently innovating and refining its craft.

From pioneering the use of silicon balance springs to crafting intricate complications, Blancpain has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. The brand's unwavering dedication to traditional watchmaking techniques, coupled with its embrace of modern technology, has cemented its position as a leader in the industry. The Air Command Green is a testament to this legacy, a timepiece that embodies the brand's unwavering pursuit of perfection.



The Air Command collection itself has a captivating backstory. Inspired by a rare and legendary Blancpain chronograph from the 1950s, a timepiece originally produced in limited quantities for military aviators, the modern Air Command captures the spirit of adventure and precision that defined that era. These were tools for pilots, instruments designed to help them navigate the skies, and that functional heritage is woven into the very fabric of the Air Command Green.



The new models, limited to 200 pieces for the 42.5mm version and 100 pieces for the 36.2mm version, retain the core design elements of their predecessors while introducing a striking new color palette. The camouflage green dials, a first for the Air Command collection, evoke a sense of daring and exploration, perfectly complementing the adventurous spirit of the watch.



Imagine holding the 42.5mm Air Command Green in your hand. The first thing that strikes you is the unique camouflage green dial. It's not a flat, uniform green; it has depth and character, with subtle variations in tone that create a sense of dynamism. The bicompax layout, with subdials for the 30-minute counter and 12-hour counter, is a classic chronograph configuration, offering a balanced and symmetrical aesthetic. The numerals and hands are coated with vintage Super-LumiNova, emitting a warm, creamy glow in low-light conditions.



The titanium case, with its combination of satin-brushed and polished finishes, exudes a sporty yet refined aura. The bidirectional rotating bezel, also crafted from titanium, features a ceramic insert with a countdown scale – a nod to the watch's aviation roots. The "glass box" sapphire crystal, reminiscent of vintage pilot's watches, adds a touch of nostalgia and enhances the legibility of the dial.



Turning the watch over, you'll discover another captivating detail: the 18K gold rotor, shaped like a vintage aircraft propeller, visible through the transparent case back. This intricate detail serves as a constant reminder of the Air Command's aeronautical heritage. The green calfskin strap, with its matching stitching, completes the look, providing both comfort and style.



But the Air Command Green is more than just a pretty face. Beneath its captivating exterior lies a mechanical heart that beats with precision and reliability. The 42.5mm model is powered by the in-house Calibre F388B, an automatic movement operating at a high frequency of 5 Hz, ensuring tenth-of-a-second accuracy. The 36.2mm model houses the Calibre F188B, also an automatic movement, offering a power reserve of 40 hours.



Both calibers feature a flyback chronograph function, a complication that allows for the instant restarting of the chronograph with a single push of a button. This function, originally developed for pilots, eliminates the need to stop, reset, and restart the chronograph when timing consecutive events, making it an invaluable tool for aviation and other time-sensitive activities.



The movements are further enhanced by the use of a silicon balance spring, a material that offers superior resistance to magnetism and temperature variations, ensuring exceptional chronometric performance. The intricate workings of the movement, with its column-wheel mechanism and vertical clutch, can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back, a testament to Blancpain's commitment to horological transparency.



The Air Command Green collection caters to a wide range of wrist sizes and preferences with two distinct models. The larger of the two, measuring 42.5mm in diameter, commands a wrist presence that exudes confidence and sophistication. Its case, crafted from grade 23 titanium, is a study in contrasts, with satin-brushed surfaces playing off against polished accents. This interplay of textures creates a dynamic aesthetic that captures the light from every angle.



For those who prefer a more understated profile, the 36.2mm model offers the same captivating design language in a more compact form. This size is particularly well-suited for individuals with smaller wrists or those who appreciate a timepiece that seamlessly integrates into their everyday attire. Despite its smaller dimensions, the 36.2mm Air Command Green doesn't compromise on functionality or visual impact.



Both models feature a bidirectional rotating bezel, a hallmark of pilot's watches, with a countdown scale that adds a touch of functionality to the design. The bezel's ceramic insert, resistant to scratches and fading, ensures that the watch retains its pristine appearance even after years of wear. The "glass box" sapphire crystal, a nostalgic nod to vintage timepieces, not only protects the dial but also enhances its legibility by minimizing reflections.



The camouflage green dial, a first for the Air Command collection, is a masterclass in understated sophistication. The subtle variations in tone and texture create a sense of depth and dynamism that draws the eye in. The bicompax layout, with subdials for the 30-minute and 12-hour counters, is a classic chronograph configuration that balances functionality and aesthetics. The numerals and hands, coated with vintage Super-LumiNova, provide excellent low-light visibility, ensuring that the time can be read with ease in any environment.



Turning the watch over, we're greeted by another captivating detail: the 18K gold rotor, shaped like a vintage aircraft propeller, visible through the sapphire crystal case back. This intricate detail is more than just a decorative flourish; it's a symbol of the Air Command's rich aviation heritage. The green calfskin strap, with its matching stitching, complements the dial perfectly, providing both comfort and style.



The 42.5mm Air Command Green is powered by the in-house Calibre F388B, an automatic movement operating at a frequency of 5 Hz, allowing for tenth-of-a-second precision. This high-frequency movement ensures exceptional accuracy and smooth operation of the chronograph function. The 36.2mm model houses the Calibre F188B, also an automatic movement, offering a power reserve of 40 hours.



Both calibers feature a flyback chronograph function, a complication that allows for the instant restarting of the chronograph with a single push of a button. This function, originally developed for pilots, is a testament to the Air Command's aviation roots. The movements also incorporate a silicon balance spring, a material that offers superior resistance to magnetism and temperature variations, further enhancing their chronometric performance.



The Blancpain Air Command Green is more than just a handsome timepiece; it's a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to horological excellence. The combination of a rich aviation heritage, captivating design, and cutting-edge technology makes these watches a compelling proposition for discerning collectors and enthusiasts.



The use of grade 23 titanium, a material known for its exceptional strength, lightness, and corrosion resistance, ensures that the Air Command Green can withstand the rigors of daily wear. The flyback chronograph function, a complication prized for its practicality and sophistication, adds another layer of functionality to these timepieces.



The limited production numbers, 200 pieces for the 42.5mm model and 100 pieces for the 36.2mm model, further enhance their desirability. These watches are not mass-produced commodities; they are exclusive creations that will appeal to those who appreciate rarity and exclusivity.



The retail price for the Air Command Green is $21,800 for the 42.5mm model and $20,500 for the 36.2mm model. While these prices place the watches firmly in the luxury category, they also reflect the exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and exclusivity that Blancpain offers.



The Blancpain Air Command Green is more than just a new addition to the brand's collection; it's a continuation of a legacy that began over 280 years ago. These timepieces embody the brand's unwavering commitment to traditional watchmaking techniques, its embrace of modern technology, and its dedication to creating timepieces that are both beautiful and functional.