In keeping with their forerunner, renowned as the most sought-after military chronograph of its time, the Air Command models are distinguished by their sophisticated design and offer two separate timekeeping features: a flyback chronograph function, and a countdown bezel.

In the 1950s, the United States Air Force was looking for a high-precision chronograph capable of meeting demanding specifications. Blancpain, which had already won over the American Navy with its Fifty Fathoms diver’s watch, drew inspiration from it to develop a chronograph for the US Air Force. This timepiece was offered to American military pilots through the distributor Allen V. Tornek, for whom Blancpain is thought to have created a dozen watches as prototypes. The total production of Air Command chronographs was probably very limited.

Technical Details

Case Material – Red gold

Case Diameter – 42.50 mm

Case Thickness – 13.70 mm

Water Resistance – 3 bar (30 metres)

Width Between Horns – 22.00 mm

Bezel – Fixed

Dial – Sunburst blue

Crystal – Sapphire crystal, scratch-resistant with anti-reflective coating

Case Back – Transparent sapphire crystal

Strap Type – Calf leather

Strap Material – Leather

Strap Clasp – [Insert clasp type if available]

Specificities – Flyback chronograph, secured movement, silicon balance spring

Caliber F388B

Thickness – 6.65 mm

Power Reserve – 50 hours

Jewels – 35

Frequency – 5 Hz (36,000 vph)

Winding – Automatic

Components – 297

Features – Hours, minutes, small seconds, flyback chronograph, secured movement, silicon balance spring