Blancpain - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Blancpain
    Year: Circa 2020
    Reference No: AC01-1130-634
    Case No: No. 059/500
    Model Name: Air Command
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. F388B, 35 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Blancpain pin buckle
    Dimensions: 42.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Blancpain international warranty stamped Blancpain Boutique Hong Kong dated 30th January 2020, limited production certificate, instruction manual, product literature, leather passport holder, cloth, outer packaging and fitted travel case.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Originally introduced in the 1950s, the rare and desirable Blancpain Air Command was made especially for the US Air Force. With a flyback function designed with similar specifications as the Breguet Type 20, it is believed that only 12 examples of the Air Command were made and presented to pilots of the US Air Force. Fast forward to recent times, original examples of the Air Command are without a doubt one of the most praised and sought after vintage chronograph wristwatches ever produced.

    To celebrate its importance and aesthetical attributes, Blancpain released their re-edition of the Air Command in 2019 limited to 500 pieces. With a focus on retaining its iconic appeal, the modern interpretation is arguably one of the perfectly executed re-editions in recent times. Almost identical to its ancestor, the case features its signature sculpted lugs with a slight size increase to 42.5mm. Illuminated with “fauxtina” the aged appeal on the dial is simply impressive enhancing its vintage aura. While its aesthetics may mimic the original example from the 1950s, the re-edition timepiece is powered by the firm’s self-winding column wheel flyback chronograph cal. F388B compared to its previous manually-wound Valjoux cal. 222. Another pleasing touch to the timepiece is that when one turns the timepiece over, a sapphire display caseback features a wonderfully executed propeller rotor in 18K gold.

    The present example from circa 2020 numbered 59 is offered in excellent overall condition and is further accompanied by its full set of accessories consigned by its original owner.

  • Artist Biography

    Blancpain

    Swiss • 1735

    As the watchmaking brand with the earliest founding date, Blancpain remains close to tradition, concentrating on classical mechanical watches. Established in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, the Le Brassus manufacturer today continues to innovate with the development of high-quality calibres and is proud of their heritage, having never made quartz watches. One of the firm's greatest successes was the Fifty Fathom wristwatch introduced in 1953 — the vintage models of which are now highly coveted by collectors. The earliest dive watch available to the market, Fifty Fathom came out a year prior to Rolex's Submariner.  Another key model is the Air Command from the 1960s, considered one of the most mythical collector's watches due to their extreme rarity. Today, the firm specializes in creative innovated complicated timepieces. 

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Property from the Original Owner

1026

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. AC01-1130-634
A fine and attractive limited edition pilot’s flyback chronograph wristwatch with warranty and presentation box, numbered 59 of a limited edition of 500 pieces

Circa 2020
42.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$95,000 - 190,000 
€10,800-21,600
$12,200-24,400

Sold for HK$113,400

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021