BLANCPAIN – Air Command Flyback Chronograph Blue Dial

  

BLANCPAIN – Air Command Flyback Chronograph Blue Dial Automatic 2021

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The Air Command collection is inspired by a highly sought-after 1950s Blancpain chronograph that was produced in tiny quantities. In the slipstream of its predecessor, the new Air Command model features sophisticated styling and offers two distinct timing modes: a chronograph with flyback function and a countdown bezel.

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Born in the mid-1950s, the Air Command chronograph is probably the rarest Blancpain watch of its era. The only existing traces of its past are the few snippets of information sporadically gathered at auctions – where Air Command pieces have fetched stratospheric prices – and the scattered memories treasured by the descendants of the great 1950s Blancpain "family".

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Blancpain's new Air Command, which is joining the eponymous collection, fully reflects the spirit of the vintage pilot's watch. It features a flyback chronograph and a countdown-type rotating bezel. The flyback function is a valuable element for pilots, as it enables them in a single press to reset the current timing operation and start a new one while the chronograph is running. With a conventional chronograph, each new measurement requires three presses – on two separate pushers – to stop, reset and restart the mechanism. The purpose of the countdown bezel is to indicate the time remaining until the destination is reached. Its numerals or hour-markers run counter-clockwise, unlike those on the bezel of a diver's watch. The Blancpain Air Command also has a tachymeter scale indicating ground speeds, a 30-minute counter with three elongated markers marking three-minute increments and a 12-hour counter. 

 

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Blancpain has chosen to highlight these indications by means of a deep blue colour that energises the character of the watch, instilling the perfect touch of modernity. The dial is enhanced by a fine sunburst pattern, while the chronograph counters are finely snailed. This contrast heightens the legibility of the timepiece, which is optimal for both day and night thanks to the use of Super-LumiNova® on the hands and hour-markers. This luminescent material is also found on the watch's bezel, which incorporates a scratch-resistant ceramic insert matching the dial colour. Further intensifying the emotions procured by a timepiece of this nature, Blancpain has equipped both sides of its Air Command model with a "glass box" sapphire crystal, a strong aesthetic element of 1950s models.

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The back of the watch reveals the Manufacture F388B movement (a variant of the F385), distinguished by a free-sprung silicon balance oscillating at a frequency of 5 Hz. The design reflects Blancpain's philosophy of both precision and robustness. The free-sprung balance- and-spring assembly regulated by inertia screws was conceived to facilitate fine adjustments and increase shock-resistance. Compared to generally used metal balance-springs, the silicon balance-spring is insensitive to magnetic fields and guarantees greater precision throughout the power reserve.

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The 5 Hz frequency not only contributes to improved accuracy, but also enables a clear division of the seconds into 1/10th intervals. The F388B movement comprises a column-wheel system with a highly advanced Blancpain vertical clutch ensuring perfect starting and stopping without the jerks that occasionally occur with horizontal constructions. It is self-winding and topped by an openworked gold oscillating weight with a snailed finish identical to that of the calibre's bridges. This aesthetic coherence is accentuated by the colour of the rotor, which matches that of the watch case.

 

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Available in red gold or grade 23 titanium – a high-end variety rarely used in watchmaking – the 42.5 mm-diameter case is water-resistant to 3 bar (approximately 30 metres). Alternating between satin-brushed and polished surfaces, such as on the outer edges of the lugs and the contact surfaces of the pushers, it reveals a refinement that confirms the prestigious character of the new Air Command. The model is paired with a blue calfskin strap featuring white stitching and setting the final touch to the sporty look of this pilot’s watch.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection: Air Command

References:

Ref. AC02-12B40-63 - Titanium – 17,720 EUR (17,900 CHF)

Ref. AC02-36B40-63 - Gold – 28,500 EUR (28,800 CHF)

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Model: Air Command Flyback Chronograph  

Case

• Satin-brushed titanium 
• Satin-brushed red gold

Two-way rotating titanium bezel with blue ceramic insert and Super-LumiNova® hour-markers
Diameter:  42.50 mm
Thickness: 13.77 mm
Between horns:  22.00 mm
Back:   Sapphire crystal
Water-resistant: 30 ATM/300m/1000ft
Dial
Sunburst blue dia and Super-LumiNova® hour-markers
Movement
Calibre F388B
Self-winding Flyback Chronograph
Complications
Hours / minutes · Flyback Chronograph
Tachymeter scale
Diameter: 31.80.mm (13''')
Thickness: 6.65 mm
Power reserve in hours: 50 hours
Jewels: 35
Frequency:  5 Hz
Glucydur free sprung balance with gold regulation screws
Secured movement
Components: 293
Strap
Blue calfskin strap with white stitching
Blue color
Titanium pin buckle engraved with the BLANCPAIN logo.


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Press release - 2021
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Blancpain S.A.
Le Rocher 12
1348 Le Brassus
Suisse
International PR Specialist: Lucie Notari
Tel.  (+41) 21 796 3619
Fax (+41) 21 796 3637
E-mail: pr@blancpain.com
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De Bethune x Kari Voutilainen – Kind of Magic ONLY WATCH 2021

 

De Bethune x Kari Voutilainen – Kind of Magic Unique Watches for ONLY WATCH 2021

Kind of Magic reflects the enchanting encounter between two watchmakers, Denis Flageollet and Kari Voutilainen, based on mutual respect, a common vision of watchmaking and a unique sense of independence.

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In support of the Only Watch biennial charity auction of unique timekeepers, De Bethune and Voutilainen, two beautiful independent manufactures have decided to join their strength and know-how while respecting this tradition of independence and keeping a common vision of watchmaking.

Histoire de la marque :

Kari Voutilainen was born in Finland in 1962 and has a passionate interest in horology spanning thirty years. He completed his initial watchmaker’s training at the world renowned watchmaking school of Tapiola in Finland.
 
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He first came to Switzerland in 1989 to attend the International Watchmaking School, where he completed the WOSTEP complicated watch course, a post graduate course for those watchmakers dedicated to the restoration of complicated, high quality rare watches. He was quickly spotted by Parmigiani Mesure et Art du Temps, where over the following ten years he was at the centre of the restoration work of some of the world’s rarest pieces as well as the creation of new and original ‘one-off’ pieces. 

 

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Giving back to others much of the fruit of his experience, Kari Voutilainen taught for the next three years at the WOSTEP School of Watchmaking, heading the department of complicated watchmaking. He also undertook the complete training of beginners, and added many new courses to the curriculum that he had devised himself.

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 He is, as his nature suggests, the first to commend the kind and generous teaching of those master watchmakers who have passed on their ‘centuries old’ watchmaking knowledge.
 
Alongside his professional work, Kari Voutilainen has devoted himself, through many long evenings of tireless work over the last fifteen years, to developing the ultimate perfection of new and unique mechanisms, which are represented in his highly elegant watches.
 
Following his passion, and in order to preserve this highly prized tradition, Kari Voutilainen established his own business as an independent Artist Watchmaker in the village of Môtiers in 2002. The beautiful and tranquil region of ‘Val-de-Travers’ gives itself by its very nature to thoughtful and creative watchmaking. Distant markets as far away as China have been conquered by the works of past Masters from this region.
 
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Kari Voutilainen’s natural gift for perfection, coupled with his broad experience and deep understanding of very high quality, antique, complicated watches, are the quintessential ingredients for innovative creation in the art of watchmaking. Not one to satisfy himself by imagined creations alone, he makes all of his creations himself. He is totally involved in every detail whether technical or aesthetic; like a true artist or sculptor, nothing is left to chance.
 
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Only this way can his masterpiece timekeepers, based on solid technical foundations and incorporating timeless classical design, pass from generation to generation as the inheritance of a time honoured and proudly maintained tradition.
 
As with all entirely handmade watches, their number will remain limited; each one is crafted according to specific requirements and has its own individual and personal qualities. It goes without saying that these technical marvels are clothed and protected only by the most precious of metals.
 
 It is for these reasons that pieces signed by Kari Voutilainen will make their mark in the history of watchmaking, to the great delight of those collectors fortunate enough to own one. 

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Founded in 2002, Manufacture De Bethune is an independent watchmaker that develops and produces everything in house.

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Since its founding, De Bethune has developed no less than 29 calibres, presented 30 or so world firsts, filed a number of patents and launched around 150 one-of-a-kind models. Its timepieces have won awards in major international competitions.

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Through its creations, De Bethune is perpetuating the work of the great 18th century master watchmakers in their quest for perfect time measurement backed by a sense of supreme aesthetic beauty. Leveraging cutting-edge scientific and technological discoveries, its efforts are devoted to inventing unique, innovative and high-performance solutions.

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Not doing more, but instead doing better; drawing inspiration from the past so as to perpetually reinvent it and create bridges with other fields of knowledge. Such are the principles guiding De Bethune in developing horological mechanisms and expressing artistic creativity.

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Testifying to this quest for perfection and this tireless pursuit of beauty, the pure style, taut lines and slenderness of the cases embody a contemporary interpretation of the watchmaking art according to De Bethune.

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Shaping 21st century watchmaking while safeguarding the finest traditions, firmly rooted in history and resolutely looking to the future, De Bethune pursues an outstanding approach effectively combining art and science.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 

 

Description courte :

Kind of magic reflects the enchanting encounter between two watchmakers, Denis Flageollet and Kari Voutilainen, based on mutual respect, a common vision of watchmaking and a unique sense of independence.

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Model name: Kind of Magic for Only Watch 2021

Case
Polished grade 5 titanium
Dimensions: 43.3mm diameter    
 Lugs: Short floating lugs in brushed grade 5 titanium De Bethune Patent (2006)
 Crystal: In sapphire crystal (hardness of 1800 Vickers) with double antireflective coating
 Case back: Open in brushed grade 5 titanium
 Sapphire crystal (hardness of 1800 Vickers) with double antireflective coating
 Water resistance: 3 ATM
Dial
Black hour ring with rose gold index, black minutes dial with rose gold colour transfer
Display: hand-polished and blued titanium hours and minutes indicators, peripheral minutes indication, hours indication centered on balance wheel
Specificities: Two dials, two different watchmaking identities: this perfectly reversible watch embodies the union between two distinct but identical watchmaking worlds.
Movement: 
Calibre: OW21: Dual front and back display of hours and minute, jumping seconds, Isogone display, Dead Beat Second
4 days power reserve, ensured by a self-regulating twin barrel, Titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, optimized for temperature differences and air penetration, Balance-spring with flat terminal curve, Silicon escape wheel
Bracelet
Extra-supple alligator, leather lining

Edition
Unique Piece 

Limitation: ❱❱❱ Unique piece for Only Watch 2021
 

Prices    Estimated at CHF 8,000 - CHF 250,000

Price     Realised against muscular distrophy CHF 1,300,000

 

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Press Release - 2021
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Kari Voutilainen
Voutilainen Horlogerie d’Art
Comblémine 2
2112 Môtiers | Switzerland
Tél +41 32 861 4832
Fax +41 32 861 4833
voutilainen@voutilainen.ch
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www.Voutilainen.ch

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De Bethune Geneva Office 
25 Grand-Rue 1204 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 310 22 71
Fax: +41 22 310 33 40
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