In the 1950s, Blancpain took to the sky with the Air Command and plunged deep into the ocean with the Fifty Fathoms, which included the smaller Bathyscaphe suitable for everyday wear.
Over the years, the Swiss watchmaker constantly added new members to both collections.
The 43mm Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet has been reworked in a red gold case with a blue-gradient dial while the new grade 23 titanium version charms in subtle shades of grey with a sunburst anthracite dial.
On the first reinterpretation, the unidirectional rotating bezel boasts a brilliant blue ceramic inlay featuring a Ceragold time scale.
Meanwhile, the second model differs with a matt satin-brushed titanium bezel with ceramic insert while bearing a graduated Liquidmetal scale.
Besides the date, day of the week and month indicators, a moon phase display emerges in a large window at 6 o'clock.
Unlike the usual calendar watches, the date mechanism is equipped with a security system, enabling the handling of each indication without any risk to the 6654.P self-winding movement.
Water-resistant to approximately 300m, the red gold model is matched with a blue Nato or sailcloth strap, and the titanium version comes with a bracelet in the same metal or a grey Nato or sailcloth strap.
Also in red gold or grade 23 titanium, the new Air Command for women is worn with a blue calf leather strap accented by white stitching.
Dating back to 1735, Blancpain is the world's oldest watch brand, and since the early 1930s, feminine models have hold a special place in its haute horlogerie.
With a blue dial and ceramic bezel insert, the latest 36.2mm Air Command has a vintage look inspired by 1950s chronograph.
The layout of the counters and tachymeter scale on the dial, as well as the shape of the luminescent hands and hour markers, the piston-type chronograph pushers and the glassbox-type sapphire crystal all evoke the original timepiece.
Like authentic vintage aviation watches, the Air Command offers two distinct timing modes: a flyback chronograph and a countdown bezel.
The F188B self-winding movement is engineered with a vertical clutch ensuring stutter-free activation of the chronograph seconds hand, as well as smooth and optimal stop/start functions.
Equipped with a silicon balance-spring, the movement also features a column-wheel system guaranteeing a smooth feel when starting or ending a measurement and resetting the hands to zero.
The sapphire crystal on the back of the watch reveals the mechanism and its openworked oscillating weight, adorned with traditional watchmaking finishes.
