New Arrivals from "TIME TO MOVE 2019" (Blancpain, Part 1)

This is a series of articles introducing new models that I personally thought were "the one!" from the new models unveiled at "TIME TO MOVE 2019," an exhibition of six brands from the Swatch Group's prestige and luxury range, held in Switzerland in mid-May. In this fifth installment, we bring you part 1 of Blancpain's new models.

Blancpain "Air Command"

A reissue of the legendary military flyback chronograph

　Blancpain boasts a high level of popularity for its Fifty Fathoms (first released in 1953), which can be considered the origin of the modern diver's watch. This collection, along with the elegant Villeret luxury watch collection, was the focus of the 2019 new releases, which were unveiled for the first time at the brand's Le Brassus atelier during TIME TO MOVE 2019.

　However, there is one special model that is not included in the existing collection. This is the Air Command, which we will introduce today. It is a reproduction of the legendary Pilot watch, which was produced in very small numbers in the 1950s.

　Its origins lie in the early 1950s, when a chronograph model was developed to meet the specifications of the French Ministry of Defense: "a flyback chronograph with a black dial, luminous indexes, and a small second hand."

　At the time, air forces around the world were also promoting the adoption of pilot watches with this specification. Blancpain, which had already supplied the Fifty Fathoms to the U.S. Navy through its American distributor, Allen V. Torneck, created just 12 pilot watch prototypes inspired by the Fifty Fathoms diver's watch for the U.S. Air Force's bid. It's unclear how many of these models were ultimately produced and delivered to the U.S. Air Force; the press release simply states that "very few were produced."

CEO Marc A. Hayek's "My Favorites"

　The Air Command, limited to 500 pieces worldwide, is a modern re-creation of the style of the 12 prototypes produced. This isn't just a re-issue; its greatest appeal is that it maintains the legendary style while incorporating the latest specifications. The movement, caliber F388B, beats at 10 vibrations per second, has a column wheel mechanism, and of course, has a flyback function.

　While the original was of course hand-wound, this model is automatic and features a gold rotor with a propeller motif, a detail that is both practical and playful for adults.

　Blancpain President and CEO Marc A. Hayek personally presented the new model wearing a watchmaker's white coat. During the touch-and-try session immediately afterwards, when I asked him, "Which is your favorite?", he spoke of his strong feelings for the Air Command.

　For those looking for a military-inspired pilot's watch, this is one of the best this year.