Blancpain Air Command Concept 2000 Flyback Chronograph

Undoubtedly, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is legendary in every respect, just as it is beyond question that this watch is a worthy representative for any collection. The first FF was launched back in 1953 and for more than 60 years has continued to be one of the icons for admirers of the art of watchmaking all over the world. After a long period of “ailing”, Blancpain was revived by Jean-Claude Biver and Jacques Piguet in 1982, but it took them a full 15 years, and only in 1997 did they succeed in reviving the cult Fifty Fathoms models. The new owners of the brand did not feel that the Fifty Fathoms fit very well with the image they had in mind for Blancpain. The new Fifty Fathoms came as a diving model in a series of three sports watches. The others were a second time zone watch, simply called GMT, and a chronograph, called Air Command. And so Jean-Claude Biver called this new series the water (FF)/land (GMT) and air (Air Command) Trilogy. In 1999, the Trilogy trio was followed by slightly upgraded versions called Concept 2000 – and it is a representative of this very series that we have the pleasure of presenting here. The case of this work of horological art, at 40.5 mm, is very suitable for those watch enthusiasts who cannot accommodate the 45mm version due to its impressive dimensions. The black dial, the Arabic numerals, the massive metal bezel with its prominent numerals, which is surrounded by a rubberized ring for easier handling – all of this only emphasizes the sporty spirit of this watch. And the classic three-link bracelet (the middle links again rubberized) only enhances its presence. On the other hand, there are all the hallmarks that show this watch carries the DNA of a true Fifty Fathoms – water resistance of 200 m, the abundant SuperLumiNova on the indices and hands, the massive bezel, the engraved “BlancpaiN” inscription on the side of the case – all of this confirms the watch's place within the famous line of this respected manufacturer. The case back of the watch is solid, preventing one from enjoying the magnificent mechanism – the in-house Blancpain Calibre F185 movement, based on the ubiquitous Frédéric Piguet 1185, a flyback chronograph with a column wheel, 306 components, 37 jewels, and a power reserve of over 50 hours. And the finishing of the movement is of a very high level and once again answers the question of why this brand is so valuable and valued.