Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that we shouldn’t underestimate Blancpain – whether that’s their ability to design a beautiful dive watch or their potential to expand beyond their core diver catalog. 

Want some proof? 

Behold, the Blancpain Air Command chronograph. You read that correctly – a pilot’s watch adorned with the Blancpain namesake! Introduced in 2019, the Air Command — with its robust, stainless steel case, heritage-styled dial, and Fifty Fathoms-esque bezel — surprised many, but it didn't spring out of nowhere. Rather, the model was a reissue of a long-forgotten, deep catalog piece that was nearly adopted by the U.S. Air Force. Limited to just 500 pieces, it was quickly gobbled up by eager collectors. 

This particular Blancpain Air Command takes the idea of the debut model and elevates it to a more refined level, featuring a 42.5mm, 18K rose gold case with a sapphire crystal, matching barrel pushers, and a signed crown. Complimenting the rose gold case tones is a blue ceramic timing insert fixed to a bidirectional bezel. (Bonus points are awarded for luminous markers on the dial and the bezel.)

A sunburst blue dial dial features a set of highly legible Arabic numeral indices, a pair of radial, subsidiary chronograph registers, and a matching ‘syringe’ handset. Meanwhile, beating away within the case is an automatic Blancpain Calibre F88B flyback chronograph movement. Fitted to an Analog:Shift Milano Gray suede strap with white contrast stitching and a signed, rose gold pin and buckle, this example comes with its factory goodies.

Blancpain a name for themselves by conquering the deep – now they have their sights set on total air superiority...and they're doing a bang-up job of achieving it!

Blancpain, the esteemed Swiss manufacturer that opened its doors in 1735 (and the oldest surviving watchmaker in the world), is known globally for crafting some of the most elegant pocket and dress wristwatches in history. Many of these pieces are brilliant works of horological art, and as a category are worthy of in-depth study and analysis. Since the firm’s acquisition by the modern forerunner of the Swatch Group in 1992, it has become synonymous with dazzling and complicated dress pieces, many of which are produced in precious metals.

But Blancpain's other genius — and what has arguably ensured their legacy — is the entrant into the world of purpose-built tool watches, and the industry's prototypical modern diver's watch: the legendary Fifty Fathoms. The genesis of this legendary timepiece has its roots in post-World War II France, where Captain Bob Maloubier (previously of the Special Operations Executive) and Lieutenant Claude Riffaud were tasked with setting up the French combat diver commando unit. The two approached Blancpain in the pursuit of a specialized diver’s watch — the design of which Maloubier drew up himself — and the Fifty Fathoms was born.a

Later adopted by the militaries of Germany and the United States, the Fifty Fathoms now forms the core of Blancpain’s dive watch collection, having spawned myriad iterations over the years, including complicated and chronograph versions. It is the savoir faire necessary to produce such disparate products as an elegant gold moon phase and a steel combat diver’s watch that makes Blancpain such a fascinating company, and a compelling product to collect.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.