Blancpain created two new versions of the Air Command in grade 23 titanium, offering a different and exciting look. The combination of a military green dial and a black ceramic bezel works very well, both in the 42.5mm AC02-12B53-63 and the 36mm AC03-12B53-63. So let’s take a closer look at these two limited editions available as the modern reincarnation of an iconic aviation watch.
.
The Air Command AC02
This 4th iteration of the 42.5mm Air Command and second titanium grade 23 version in this size provides all the virtues we know since 2019: the design is closely related to the vintage icon from 1958, with the slim ceramic bezel reviving the special expression vintage Bakelite bezels offered. The dial layout is almost a remake of the vintage dial with its two chronograph sub dials and the characteristic numerals.
.
The matte military green dial emphasizes the tool watch character and works well in this famous aviation watch. The vintage inspired pencil hands add to the very sophisticated look of the new Air Command.
.
The satin brushed case with its polished bevels on the lugs is a beautiful thing to explore. Finishing titanium to this high level is not an easy task, and the Air Command is a fine example of the attention to every detail Blancpain is known for. With 42.5mm in diameter and 13.7mm in height the watch offers a very nice balance.
.
Speaking of details: when we turn the watch over we find the beautifully finished 5Hz caliber F388B (based on cal F385) with the nice surprise of the propeller rotor known from the Air Command AC01 being featured again.
.
Exploring this fine column wheel vertical clutch chronograph movement with a loupe is a pure delight, so I hope these close up shots give you an idea.
.
The Air Command AC03
The smaller 36.2mm Air Command offers the same virtues as described above, with the exception of a different case diameter/height (11,5mm) ratio, a slightly different face balance and the movement powering the timepiece.
.
Here we find the 3Hz caliber F188B based on caliber F185, albeit without a date function and adjusted to the bi-compax sub dial configuration. The movement is a lot smaller and therefore offers a slightly different aesthetic than the F388B, including the beautiful propeller rotor.
.
The case finish is similar to its larger sibling, a very beautifully applied brush with the highlight of the polished lug bevels.
.
.
Both timepieces come on a green calf leather strap with contrast stitching with the option of a titanium grade 23 tang buckle or deployant. In these shots you see the tang buckle only for both versions.
.
The AC02-12B53-63 is limited to 200, the AC03-12B53-63 is limited to 100 pieces. At this point the timepieces are not officially launched but you can already contact your Boutique or AD about them.
You find the Air Command collection here on the Blancpain website. My hands-on coverage of the two other AC02 models is available here and on the two other AC03 timepieces here in the blog.
I hope you enjoyed this introduction and the photos.
Cheers
Henrik