From aviation-inspired titanium beauties, to fully-transparent sapphire crystal masterpieces – these drops from storied luxury timepiece brands are truly for the Gods!
Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronographs
Blancpain is adding two more chronographs with a vintage vibe to its Air Command line. The new references are available in two distinct case sizes, 42.5 mm and 36.2 mm, as a tribute to the Maison’s incredibly recognisable chronograph model from the 1950s.
The pieces have an aviator flair and a retro vibe to them. They are made of satin-brushed titanium and have a camouflage-green colour scheme that extends from the leather strap to the dial. Also crafted from titanium, the bezel features a two-way rotating mechanism, while a black ceramic bezel insert breaks up the tonal colour scheme with a utilitarian touch. Arabic numerals and the tachymeter on the dial are mirrored in the bezel’s markings, which have a subdued yellow tone that adds to the piece’s vintage appeal.
Another tribute to the model’s aviation heritage and history is the 18k gold oscillating weight, which is visible through the open caseback and has the shape of an old-fashioned aircraft propeller. There, you will find the self-winding movements of the Air Command Flyback Chronograph models—the F388B on the 42.5 mm model and the F188B on the 36.2 mm model.
The Air Command Flyback Chronograph can be purchased now through Blancpain’s official website, with the 42.5mm model priced at US$21,800 (~RM90,982), while the 36.2mm model costs $20,500 (~RM85,556) – both of which are only available in limited quantities.
Ulysse Nardin’s Royal Sapphire Wristwatches
Two new Royal Sapphire wristwatches from luxury watchmaker Ulysse Nardin have been revealed. Housed in a fully transparent sapphire crystal case, the references proudly showcase its inner workings in two bold colourways: Ruby and Blue.
Because sapphire is a material that breaks easily during machining and polishing, creating these 44mm sapphire watch cases is an extremely intricate and expensive process. Spotlighted at the centre of the sapphire housing is Ulysse Nardin’s very own UN-79 calibre. The manually wound movement has 209 parts and is equipped with a flying tourbillon. It has a power reserve of up to 96 hours. The coloured spinel main plates and bridges are what really draw attention to the see-through calibre.
The US$328,300 (~RM1,370,160) watches are available through Ulysse Nardin’s official website and come with a traditional alligator leather strap.
