Last year Blancpain introduced a grade 23 titanium bracelet for the Air Command, both the 42mm AC02 and the 36mm AC03. I now had the opportunity to review the smaller Air Command on bracelet, which also should give you a fair idea of the looks you can expect from the larger one. So let’s go and explore reference AC03-12B40-98S.
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The blue dial titanium Air Command AC03 has been introduced 3 years ago and, like its larger sibling, came on a blue calf leather strap on tang or deployant buckle only. Since October 2024 this has changed: now we have the option of a grade 23 titanium bracelet.
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I think it’s fair to say that this bracelet significantly changes the character of the watch. There’s less of a vintage vibe, it looks more contemporary and sporty.
A convincing new configuration
The execution of the bracelet is what we expect from Blancpain: perfectly executed and finished. From all angles the titanium bracelet of Air Command AC03 looks refined and fitting for this timepiece.
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The links can be removed or added via bayonet screws on the underside of the bracelet. With 2 sizes of links the bracelet can be adjusted to fit the wrist, a quick fine adjustment however is missing.
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With 36.2mm in diameter the Air Command AC03 is a rather small watch, perfectly fitting any slender wrist. It wears true to its size, the standard length of watch and bracelet is good for a maximum of 17cm wrist circumference (albeit with a then tight fit).
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Let’s talk about the watch head of the AC03 for a bit: the titanium grade 23 case mirrors the larger 42.5mm AC02 in design and finish, with the polished bevels on the lugs being a true highlight.
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The blue sunburst dial is framed by a ceramic bezel with engravings holding sufficient SuperLuminova. The countdown bezel is free moving in both directions, as it is typical for an aviation watch.
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When we turn the timepiece we get a good view on caliber F188B, based on the iconic F185 but modified to a bi-compax sub dial and no date configuration. The rotor and movement finish is again identical to the F388B in the larger Air Command AC02.
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Conclusions
The full bracelet configuration is my favorite AC03 (or AC02) version for multiple reasons.
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Color wise the bracelet is putting more emphasis on the beautiful face of the watch than the blue leather strap. With its excellent execution the bracelet is not only comfortable to wear but also gives this rather small watch more wrist presence. All in all it is a sophisticated and in its design beautiful and convincing sports watch with a lot of character.
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You find the Air Command AC02 and AC03 here on the Blancpain website. My initial hands-on with the blue dial AC03 in titanium or red gold can be found here in the blog.
I hope you enjoyed this review and the photos.
Cheers
Henrik