A few weeks ago Blancpain introduced the smaller 36.2mm version of the Air Command in two versions, titanium and red gold, each with a blue dial and bezel. Let‘s explore these two new references AC03-12B40 and AC03-36B40 in all their details.

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Two Air Command for slender wrists

When looking at the two Air Command AC03 without any size related reference points they look almost identical to the 42.5mm AC02. The design was transferred in all aspects from the larger watches to the 6.3mm smaller new models.

This is a significant accomplishment in itself, since keeping the aesthetic code intact when shrinking a timepiece is a lot more difficult than it seems.

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Yes, proportions have changed a bit: the size ratio between dial and bezel is different, as is the diameter/height relationship with 36.2mm and 11.5mm. But those changes don’t distort the aesthetic quality of the Air Command at all.

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Obviously the materials and the finish are identical to the larger siblings. And since the AC03 uses a different movement, Blancpain made sure that caliber F188B is executed in the same beautiful fashion as we know it from the AC02‘s caliber F388B.

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Caliber F188B is based on the well known F185, this column wheel vertical clutch chronograph movement beats at 3Hz and offers a power reserve of 40 hours. I find it remarkable how up to date and modern this long serving movement can look with the Air Command typical finish.

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The titanium Air Command AC03

The combination of satin brushed titanium and a blue dial and ceramic bezel is just amazing with the AC03-12B40-63A(B).

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The case is finished perfectly, the polished bevels at the lugs are no doubt a visual highlight among many. Let me also direct your attention to the flawless execution of the bezel rim, the fine ceramic bezel insert and the crown and chronograph pushers.

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From the following two close ups you can almost not tell whether you’re looking at the AC02 or AC03, which is proof to the excellent job done when shrinking the 42.5mm model to 36.2mm.

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The red gold Air Command AC03

The luxurious red gold version is of course executed just as sublime as the titanium watch. Again, you can look at each detail and thoroughly enjoy those.

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There’s a good reason why Blancpain has a thing about the combination of red gold and blue dials. The blend of warm and cold colors creates a look that really stands out, the AC03-36B40-63A(B) is no doubt an eye-catcher despite its rather small size.

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The gold hands and case create a different contrast with the blue dial and bezel. Here the gold elements a dominant, contrary to the titanium AC03.

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About the size

Well, the perceived size often differs from the nominal size. The AC03 has what can be called an established traditional size with approximately 36mm for men‘s watches, but that traditional size reaches back to the 1960-80s.

Nowadays 36mm rarely are considered a men‘s size, especially for a sporty or casual watch. Now, how does the 36.2mm Air Command AC03 fit in?

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Blancpain has introduced the timepiece as a collection addition for women. There’s no particular feminine design elements to the AC03, so this categorization is only reflective of the size. Let’s take a well known size reference to give you an impression of the AC03 size, here it is next to the 40.3mm Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad:

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The new smaller AC03 is not what I would call a women‘s watch. It is a fully fletched Air Command for very slender wrists. It most likely wears a bit smaller than it’s nominal size, but this will not take away from its beauty and character.

You find the new Air Command AC03 here on the Blancpain website. The first introduction to this novelty can be found here, a hands-on essay with the titanium AC02 here and the first introduction to both 42,5mm Air Command AC02 here in the blog.

I hope you enjoyed this essay and the photos!

Cheers

Henrik