If you're interested in models with military roots, why not check out Blancpain's Air Command? When purchasing a reissue model, it's important to know more about the model that inspired it. We explore the historical value and appeal of the Air Command.
Historic masterpiece "Air Command"
The Air Command collection is a revival of Blancpain's historic masterpieces. Let's start by looking at its features and the value of the original models.
A reissue of a military chronograph
The Air Command collection originated from a military watch produced by Blancpain in the 1950s.
At the time, Blancpain supplied its diver's watches to the U.S. Navy, and at the same time, the U.S. Air Force, which was seeking a high-precision chronograph, produced the Air Force Chronograph, a historic masterpiece.
Twelve prototypes were given to the US Air Force, and it is said that only a small number were ultimately produced.
The value of the original model
The original Air Command model was produced in very limited numbers, so it rarely appears at auctions, making it an extremely difficult watch to obtain, even for vintage Blancpain enthusiasts.
When people hear the name Blancpain, many will mention the diver's watch "Fifty Fathoms" or the elegant "Villeret."
Blancpain is not often associated with pilot watches, so the original Air Command model is a valuable piece that proves that the brand also produced excellent aviation watches.
A new Air Command reborn for the modern age
The reissued Air Command, released in 2019, faithfully reproduces the original model while also incorporating improvements to keep up with the times. Let's take a look at the main features of the new Air Command.
Equipped with a complex mechanism "flyback chronograph"
The new Air Command features a flyback chronograph complication, which allows for instantaneous timing with a single push of the button.
While a normal chronograph requires three operations—stop, reset, and restart—to measure, a flyback chronograph can start a new measurement with just one operation, without any pause.
It would be difficult for a pilot to repeatedly press the push button while flying, so the flyback function, designed to allow pilots to concentrate as much as possible on flying, is an element that greatly enhances the practicality of aviation watches.
Beautiful deep blue dial
Another distinctive feature of the new Air Command is the beautiful deep blue used as the main color of the dial. While retaining a vintage feel, the combination of blue creates a timepiece that exudes intelligence.
Another appealing feature is its combination of classic design and modern specifications. The bezel and crystal have been changed to ceramic and sapphire crystal, respectively.
The sunburst-finished dial features luminous hands and indexes for enhanced visibility.
