New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

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BramleyGreg
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New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by BramleyGreg » Thu Dec 01, 2022 12:59 pm

I have found my love and obsession for this great hobby of ours dwindling somewhat lately.

The hobby seems to be forever evolving into commercialism. I am aware that this is what watches are about to an extent... but the reason raise in prices of many brands during a global cost of living crisis only really served to compound my unhappiness with everything watches.

On forums over here in the UK.. people are buying rare certain brand watches at cost (due to having friends that are Authorised Dealers) and then blatantly profiteering from their forum peers by selling certain brands at a £3000 profit overnight 'because they can.' The forum spirits and community minded friendships seem to have gone. Very sad.

However.. I made a purchase yesterday that has me feeling excited once again in our great hobby!

The Blancpain Air Command Concept watch.

I was already in possession of two Speedmaster Professionals. One, a 50th Anniversary patch, and the other the standard classic hesalite with some amazing old lume on it.
The 50th Anniversary piece had actually broken. I was due to send it off to a reputable servicer in the UK for a new mainspring repair and service / breathe over. However, I got in touch with a shop who deal in pre-worn classics and enquired about what they would give me for it, and they gave me a wonderful part-ex price regardless of the fact that it wasn't even running.

I also had to source a couple of links, from a Blancpain dealership... otherwise the sale couldn't have gone through. The beauty of having large-ish wrists. Those have been sourced using the correct model number etc. so I was good to take the watch away knowing that I will wear it in future... and I won't lie... the wait is killing me.

So yeah... not your regular Blancpain but I am absolutely smitten with it.

I was after something unique... and I have had a look round and there aren't many of these to be had these days. Obviously a discontinued stock, but still very rare. I have seen a couple and they are coming in at much more than I had to part with to get this. One in the UK and one in the USA.

I have owned some lovely watches over the years... and even so I have become disillusioned with it all. Rolexes are now getting bought to move on for profit, same with the Speedie Tuesday. Watches, as a hobby, have felt distant to me of late. Blatant profiteering between forum peers... it all made my passion for certain brands and watches in general turn a little sour. So taking all that into consideration... I wanted something with that DIFFERENT satisfaction touch. A piece that you can tell is a quality piece, even if you aren't really wholly up on watches.. but one that is also anonimous by nature. Your average non-watch fan doesn't even know who Blancpain are... and that appeals to me.

And I love the model. It is a tool watch but the actual bezel and its mirrored numbers give a very SLIGHT tinge of bling. But not too much. They reflect in a way that gives it a jewellry feel but it's also a functionable watch.

It also has a feel of the Muhle Glasshute SAR... with the 'rubber on steel' effect bracelet.

It ticks many boxes for me... but mainly... I feel an individual with this piece. I took the train journey to the shop knowing that I could pick up a certain Panerai for the same price if it didn't fit and I couldn't source the links for the Blancpain... but I wouldn't be as excited. I even mentioned this to the guy working the shop who said: "Yeah... but I can source one of those any time you like. I doubt I will see another Blancpain in this design any time soon." And do you know what? He is right.

I don't even think that this piece is one for the Blancpain purists... and to be honest... I don't care.

It's for me... and I love it... and it has rekindled something in me.

I feel free for having it. I don't feel like I am running with a pack. Or bothered about the 'pack' even.


I feel ME with this piece.

Happy at finding a 'little corner of my own' in our great hobby.




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jswing
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by jswing » Thu Dec 01, 2022 1:04 pm

Congrats, that's a beautiful and unique Blancpain. :cheers:

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aikiman44
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by aikiman44 » Thu Dec 01, 2022 1:19 pm

Unique and cool looking. Congrats!
"We'd better synchronize our watches."

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watchdawg
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by watchdawg » Thu Dec 01, 2022 2:42 pm

Nice congrats

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Wario406
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by Wario406 » Fri Dec 02, 2022 6:17 am

Super looking watch. Congrats!!!


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AtomicTom
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by AtomicTom » Fri Dec 02, 2022 8:47 am

What an outstanding post here sir, holy cow, just beautiful hearing
your thoughts on everything. As well as your feeling on the hobby. :salute:
I think that a lot of people are experiencing the same different ups
and downs within the hobby, as well as life in general. ..All which
really can zap you and make things you once liked, or loved all of
the sudden not seem so important. However, I think staying true
to watches, or a beauty like this IS you, or at least part of you. ;)

Like you said, you see yourself in this watch, and how cool is that?
I don’t think you can make a higher compliment. And really, if you
look at the hobby in the same exact way as you do this extraordinary
Blancpain. Then you should be energized for life with the hobby ! :)

Enjoy what you like, and don’t get caught up with what people
think. In essence follow your heart and you’ll always be happy.
I know seeing you enjoy this watch makes me happy. ..Wishing
you a GIANT congratulations on both the watch, and being back !!!

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sierra11b
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by sierra11b » Fri Dec 02, 2022 9:03 am

Reminds me of Smith and Wesson Pintos

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jimyritz
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by jimyritz » Fri Dec 02, 2022 12:28 pm

That's a cool BP- Congrats!

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tmw
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by tmw » Fri Dec 02, 2022 1:01 pm

Thats awesome. I havent seen one of those in years!
Stan, don’t you know the first law of physics? Anything that’s fun costs at least eight dollars”
-- Eric Cartman

“To absent friends, lost loves, old gods, and the season of mists; and may each and every one of us always give the devil his due.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman

I bought a cheap watch from a crazy man
Floating down canal
It doesn't use numbers or moving hands
It always just says now
Now you may be thinking that I was had
But this watch is never wrong
And If I have trouble the warranty said
Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On

- Jimmy Buffett

BramleyGreg
Posts: 492
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by BramleyGreg » Sat Dec 03, 2022 5:18 am

AtomicTom wrote:
Fri Dec 02, 2022 8:47 am
What an outstanding post here sir, holy cow, just beautiful hearing
your thoughts on everything. As well as your feeling on the hobby. :salute:
I think that a lot of people are experiencing the same different ups
and downs within the hobby, as well as life in general. ..All which
really can zap you and make things you once liked, or loved all of
the sudden not seem so important. However, I think staying true
to watches, or a beauty like this IS you, or at least part of you. ;)

Like you said, you see yourself in this watch, and how cool is that?
I don’t think you can make a higher compliment. And really, if you
look at the hobby in the same exact way as you do this extraordinary
Blancpain. Then you should be energized for life with the hobby ! :)

Enjoy what you like, and don’t get caught up with what people
think. In essence follow your heart and you’ll always be happy.
I know seeing you enjoy this watch makes me happy. ..Wishing
you a GIANT congratulations on both the watch, and being back !!!

Thank you everyone for your kind words.


AtomicTom....

Thank you... and yeah... the gist of my post really was about not just the watch but getting my hobby passion back... thank you for commenting on that.

I used to see a watch and think: want... want... want. When really... I probably didn't.

We can all easily fall into that trap. I have around twenty watches going on over here... and need to cull. I am not wearing them and really... I don't need them.

I have traded in my 50th Anniversary Speedie on this... but I also have another old hesalite one that works just fine. I have hardly worn that lately too. It needs a pusher button but I simply just haven't gave it ANY wrist time. I JUST bought a NATO for it... a nice one... and am gonna stick that on to also rejuvenate THAT. As for the rest of my watches... i can see a huge sale coming on.

I also have been sat on an old Omega electronic Seamaster f300... and there is a guy in the UK who services and repairs these. I don't know of anyone in the world who also does the electronics. Ironically it has been sat there needing a breathe over / service as I have been buying other pieces. I need to sell all the stuff that I have been acquiring and fix the old beauty. Why didn't I do this before? I have no idea. I am insane. But the appeal of rescuing a watch that I already OWN is currently my interest. :thumbsup:


So moving forward is gonna be tricky. :shrug: :lol:

I have pieces that I regret selling that were quite 'different'. I would be more than happy to re-acquire these over time... but I am seriously gonna have to restrain myself.

One is the Mazzuoli Manometro. I parted with one years ago and they are back on sale online at reputable dealership here.. brand now. They are up for £2700 and currently they have two up for a reduced £1800. That's a thousand pound below the RRP... and holy heck am I tempted. :oops:

But no. :scream: :scream: :lol: :lol:


I also miss my old Baume and Mercier Capeland S XXL yellow titanium diver. I had TWO at different times of my life and parted with these... and would still love them? Why? Because this is also an individualistic piece.

We all have watch regret however there are those that I regret more than others. I also had a blue Anonimo Polluce which I hated getting rid of. So yeah.. the 'character' watches are the ones I miss.

I miss my Rolex Sub.. but only because I sold it before the huge profit that I could have made on it. :lol: :lol:


But seriously... the different pieces are the ones that I miss.


So yeah... the Seamaster f300 electronic is gonna head towards Dorset for a service this week.. a spend that I don't mind.



But yeah... I am not rushing to purchase any watch any time soon. If I get a windfall I would be tempted... but wouldn't rush into anything.


I am feeling that it is all about what is special now... rather than the collection. :cheers:

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flyskate
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by flyskate » Sat Dec 03, 2022 5:29 am

Beautiful! Congratulations!
Stephen

AtomicTom
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by AtomicTom » Sat Dec 03, 2022 9:23 am

BramleyGreg wrote:
Sat Dec 03, 2022 5:18 am
AtomicTom wrote:
Fri Dec 02, 2022 8:47 am
What an outstanding post here sir, holy cow, just beautiful hearing
your thoughts on everything. As well as your feeling on the hobby. :salute:
I think that a lot of people are experiencing the same different ups
and downs within the hobby, as well as life in general. ..All which
really can zap you and make things you once liked, or loved all of
the sudden not seem so important. However, I think staying true
to watches, or a beauty like this IS you, or at least part of you. ;)

Like you said, you see yourself in this watch, and how cool is that?
I don’t think you can make a higher compliment. And really, if you
look at the hobby in the same exact way as you do this extraordinary
Blancpain. Then you should be energized for life with the hobby ! :)

Enjoy what you like, and don’t get caught up with what people
think. In essence follow your heart and you’ll always be happy.
I know seeing you enjoy this watch makes me happy. ..Wishing
you a GIANT congratulations on both the watch, and being back !!!

Thank you everyone for your kind words.


AtomicTom....

Thank you... and yeah... the gist of my post really was about not just the watch but getting my hobby passion back... thank you for commenting on that.

I used to see a watch and think: want... want... want. When really... I probably didn't.

We can all easily fall into that trap. I have around twenty watches going on over here... and need to cull. I am not wearing them and really... I don't need them.

I have traded in my 50th Anniversary Speedie on this... but I also have another old hesalite one that works just fine. I have hardly worn that lately too. It needs a pusher button but I simply just haven't gave it ANY wrist time. I JUST bought a NATO for it... a nice one... and am gonna stick that on to also rejuvenate THAT. As for the rest of my watches... i can see a huge sale coming on.

I also have been sat on an old Omega electronic Seamaster f300... and there is a guy in the UK who services and repairs these. I don't know of anyone in the world who also does the electronics. Ironically it has been sat there needing a breathe over / service as I have been buying other pieces. I need to sell all the stuff that I have been acquiring and fix the old beauty. Why didn't I do this before? I have no idea. I am insane. But the appeal of rescuing a watch that I already OWN is currently my interest. :thumbsup:


So moving forward is gonna be tricky. :shrug: :lol:

I have pieces that I regret selling that were quite 'different'. I would be more than happy to re-acquire these over time... but I am seriously gonna have to restrain myself.

One is the Mazzuoli Manometro. I parted with one years ago and they are back on sale online at reputable dealership here.. brand now. They are up for £2700 and currently they have two up for a reduced £1800. That's a thousand pound below the RRP... and holy heck am I tempted. :oops:

But no. :scream: :scream: :lol: :lol:


I also miss my old Baume and Mercier Capeland S XXL yellow titanium diver. I had TWO at different times of my life and parted with these... and would still love them? Why? Because this is also an individualistic piece.

We all have watch regret however there are those that I regret more than others. I also had a blue Anonimo Polluce which I hated getting rid of. So yeah.. the 'character' watches are the ones I miss.

I miss my Rolex Sub.. but only because I sold it before the huge profit that I could have made on it. :lol: :lol:


But seriously... the different pieces are the ones that I miss.


So yeah... the Seamaster f300 electronic is gonna head towards Dorset for a service this week.. a spend that I don't mind.



But yeah... I am not rushing to purchase any watch any time soon. If I get a windfall I would be tempted... but wouldn't rush into anything.


I am feeling that it is all about what is special now... rather than the collection. :cheers:
Don’t mention it sir, it’s an honor just to talk with you and just hear all of this. :)

I think a lot of people have similar stories, so you are in know way alone. :thumbsup: :salute:
From the passion for watches going into different phases, to wanting to
buy every watch we see. To having regrets on a watch we might no longer
have. There is so much about this hobby it makes the head spin. Plus
even when you think you know a lot. Or have that grail watch, you are
smacked in the face with a dose of reality that you are only experiencing
the tip of the horological iceberg.

That right there is something to inspire you about the hobby. ;) And there
is never one right way to enjoy a watch, or the hobby. In fact there have
to be as many ways to enjoy the hobby as there are fans of watches. Even
more than that I imagine. ..So enjoy rescuing that old watch, or tracking
down something unique and different. Or just sit back and enjoy knowing
about, or finding about watch brands young and old. The possibilities are
endless as they say. And then you have not only the watches, but exceptional
people like yourself at watch forums like DWC here. :headbang:

It’s something that can be there to always energize, as well as entertain
you. :salute: Something that you can always count on, and most importantly
always have fun with. Something as special as the watches we all enjoy.

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93 Turbo
Posts: 4585
Joined: Sun Dec 04, 2011 9:48 pm
Name: Jules
Location: Oz

Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by 93 Turbo » Sat Dec 03, 2022 3:37 pm

Great looking BP. Know the feeling about the way this hobby is heading.
Strength is = 2 or > than "tipping over a so- called smart car plastered in “Coexist” bumper stickers".

Pat McNamara.

BramleyGreg
Posts: 492
Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:22 am
Location: Sheeplove, Northern England.

Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by BramleyGreg » Sun Dec 04, 2022 4:58 am

AtomicTom wrote:
Fri Dec 02, 2022 8:47 am

Don’t mention it sir, it’s an honor just to talk with you and just hear all of this. :)

I think a lot of people have similar stories, so you are in know way alone. :thumbsup: :salute:
From the passion for watches going into different phases, to wanting to
buy every watch we see. To having regrets on a watch we might no longer
have. There is so much about this hobby it makes the head spin. Plus
even when you think you know a lot. Or have that grail watch, you are
smacked in the face with a dose of reality that you are only experiencing
the tip of the horological iceberg.

That right there is something to inspire you about the hobby. ;) And there
is never one right way to enjoy a watch, or the hobby. In fact there have
to be as many ways to enjoy the hobby as there are fans of watches. Even
more than that I imagine. ..So enjoy rescuing that old watch, or tracking
down something unique and different. Or just sit back and enjoy knowing
about, or finding about watch brands young and old. The possibilities are
endless as they say. And then you have not only the watches, but exceptional
people like yourself at watch forums like DWC here. :headbang:

It’s something that can be there to always energize, as well as entertain
you. :salute: Something that you can always count on, and most importantly
always have fun with. Something as special as the watches we all enjoy.
The honour is all mine dude.

And sure... there are many ways to be inspired.

The hardest is to be inspired not to want to put your hand in your pocket! :lol:

I do of course jest.

I am also having some humbling thoughts about the hobby.

People are struggling with decisions whether to eat or put the heating on over here in the UK.
So to be solvent enough to even buy ANY watch is a position of privilege.

It is not for me to feel guilt over that as I have suffered hard times myself in this world and I don't have riches right now.

But to make this purchase sees me as fortunate. Luckily it was 80 / 90 percent funded by a watch trade in... but still... these are uncertain times.


So for us to even talk of owning any watch is a position of luck and great fortune. We do make our own luck to an extent, but some people don't have much in this world.


Sorry to get deep. Just appreciating being solvent right now. Many aren't.


Greg.

AtomicTom
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Posts: 13717
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by AtomicTom » Sun Dec 04, 2022 9:34 am

BramleyGreg wrote:
Sun Dec 04, 2022 4:58 am
AtomicTom wrote:
Fri Dec 02, 2022 8:47 am

Don’t mention it sir, it’s an honor just to talk with you and just hear all of this. :)

I think a lot of people have similar stories, so you are in know way alone. :thumbsup: :salute:
From the passion for watches going into different phases, to wanting to
buy every watch we see. To having regrets on a watch we might no longer
have. There is so much about this hobby it makes the head spin. Plus
even when you think you know a lot. Or have that grail watch, you are
smacked in the face with a dose of reality that you are only experiencing
the tip of the horological iceberg.

That right there is something to inspire you about the hobby. ;) And there
is never one right way to enjoy a watch, or the hobby. In fact there have
to be as many ways to enjoy the hobby as there are fans of watches. Even
more than that I imagine. ..So enjoy rescuing that old watch, or tracking
down something unique and different. Or just sit back and enjoy knowing
about, or finding about watch brands young and old. The possibilities are
endless as they say. And then you have not only the watches, but exceptional
people like yourself at watch forums like DWC here. :headbang:

It’s something that can be there to always energize, as well as entertain
you. :salute: Something that you can always count on, and most importantly
always have fun with. Something as special as the watches we all enjoy.
The honour is all mine dude.

And sure... there are many ways to be inspired.

The hardest is to be inspired not to want to put your hand in your pocket! :lol:

I do of course jest.

I am also having some humbling thoughts about the hobby.

People are struggling with decisions whether to eat or put the heating on over here in the UK.
So to be solvent enough to even buy ANY watch is a position of privilege.

It is not for me to feel guilt over that as I have suffered hard times myself in this world and I don't have riches right now.

But to make this purchase sees me as fortunate. Luckily it was 80 / 90 percent funded by a watch trade in... but still... these are uncertain times.


So for us to even talk of owning any watch is a position of luck and great fortune. We do make our own luck to an extent, but some people don't have much in this world.


Sorry to get deep. Just appreciating being solvent right now. Many aren't.


Greg.

No need to apologize Greg, you of course are making some incredible points which
I bet all of us think about in the same ways. But I really don’t think that you or any
of us to feel guilt in any way. ..In fact a lot of us I am sure are actually the people
who are going through these rough times. However, we need to have an escape, as
well as be able to enjoy a little something about life I think. ;) It’s a hobby that
really is so extraordinary that you can enjoy it in so many ways too. ..For example
with buying watches, or putting that hand in our pockets. :grin: ..I honestly don’t
very often. :grin: I just enjoy knowing about things within the hobby, and talking with
cool people like yourself. :salute: And then usually at some point, like around a birthday,
or Christmas coming up, will maybe look to find a watch or two.

But even if you were to pick up a watch a week that is great too. :) It’s about
enjoying a hobby, the people who enjoy it, as well as just a little bit of life.
No need to feel guilty sir. ..Just have fun.

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Cabaiguan
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Name: Raf

Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by Cabaiguan » Tue Dec 06, 2022 4:53 pm

I don’t think I’ve ever come across this Blancpain. Interesting that it shares the Air Command name like the recent chronograph release. Nice watch.
"A ship of war is the best ambassador." - Oliver Cromwell

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sierra11b
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Re: New Arrival : Blancpain Air Command Concept

Post by sierra11b » Wed Dec 07, 2022 6:36 pm

These were released in conjunction with the Zenith rainbow chronos IIRC, which are also very cool, but like this Air Command, which is less refined but quirky cool like the rainbow, I think the collectibility will be sustainable for years to come.

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