Blancpain has added fresh fuel to its Air Command flyback chronograph with a pair of khaki-dialled, titanium-cased editions in two distinct sizes. Once again, the Le Brassus-based brand has skilfully blended vintage charm with modern materials and mechanics, now combined with a new eye-catching colourway. So don't be surprised to spot a dash of green soaring through clear skies over you sometime soon.
A Classic Reborn
The Blancpain Air Command was first introduced in the mid-1950s, reportedly designed for US Air Force pilots, though only a handful were ever made. These rare pieces, powered by the Valjoux 222 movement, have become coveted collector’s items, with some pieces fetching over 100,000 francs at auction.
Fast forward to 2019 and Blancpain revived this icon, staying true to its mid-century aesthetics while introducing modern refinements, including a high-tech movement and contemporary materials. An initial 500-piece stainless steel limited edition with black dial was soon followed by blued-dialled 18k rose gold and Grade 23 titanium versions.
Now, the Swatch Group-owned company has introduced a striking new look: the Air Command with matte khaki dials, housed in Grade 23 titanium. These two new editions – 42.5mm and 36.2mm – stay faithful to their aviation roots while offering a fresh military-inspired palette. Both pieces feature beige Super-LumiNova that mimics the radium lume of yesteryear and sit on matching khaki calf leather straps.
Period Looks, Modern Touches
At a glance, these new Air Command models are a nostalgic throwback. The retro typeface and syringe hands could easily transport you back to the 1950s.
Yet, beyond their vintage appeal, these watches are equipped with contemporary upgrades. The Grade 23 titanium case is a prime example – lighter, stronger and more biocompatible than the more commonly used Grade 5 titanium. This makes for a watch that can handle the rigours of a risk-laden mission – or just modern civilian life – all while retaining its refined looks.
Adding to their utilitarian appeal is the notched bidirectional countdown bezel, decked out with a scratch-resistant black ceramic insert. And for those nighttime sorties? The period-style numerals, markers and tachymeter glow green, thanks to that beige Super-LumiNova on both the dial and bezel.
Tools for the Job
In the cockpit, timing is everything and flyback chronographs were once indispensable for military pilots. The flyback function allowed them to reset and restart the chronograph with a single press, saving valuable seconds during navigation, fuel calculations and tactical manoeuvres. Similarly, a tachymeter provided a quick way to measure speed over a known distance, crucial for calculating ground speed.
Though today’s pilots rely on sophisticated avionics, the flyback function and tachymeter scale – like those on the Blancpain Air Command – can serve as vital back-up tools, enabling quick, manual timing in case of system failure.
High-Tech Inside
Powering the 42.5mm Air Command is Blancpain’s F388B movement, a self-winding chronograph calibre with a 5Hz frequency, ensuring tenth-of-a-second accuracy – a significant leap from the original Valjoux 222’s 2.5Hz frequency. Its smaller sibling, the 36.2mm version, packs the F188B calibre, with a 3Hz balance wheel.
Both movements are equipped with silicon hairsprings, which offer superior resistance to corrosion and magnetic fields, helping to ensure the accuracy of the watches.
Flip both watches over and you’ll find another aviation-inspired detail: the 18k gold winding rotor, shaped like a vintage aircraft propeller, visible through the transparent case back. It’s a neat touch that connects these modern instruments to their mid-century forebears.
Pair with Your Co-Pilot
One final detail that sets these Air Command models apart is their exclusivity. The 42.5mm version is limited to 200 pieces, while the 36.2mm is available as a 100-piece limited edition. Collectors can purchase them individually or – and here’s a neat twist – as a pair with matching serial numbers. This “co-pilot” option is available solely through Blancpain boutiques.
Whether you’re a collector with a passion for military watches or someone looking for a reliable wrist companion with a story, the Air Command in titanium with khaki dial ticks all the right boxes.
For more information, visit Blancpain’s website or stop by one of its boutiques to see these limited editions in the metal.
