It’s the storytelling that accentuates the wonders of the horological world.

And few draw on a sense of history – a chance to look back in order to move forward and expand the narrative – better than Blancpain.

It’s into this bag the standout Swiss manufacture has again dipped this summer – delivering the exceptional Air Command Flyback Chronograph. While many know the Vallée de Joux based manufacture for its attachment to the water and preeminent Fifty Fathoms range, so too the classic presentation of heightened craftsmanship via the Villeret collection, Blancpain runs much deeper, as seen with this new and striking pilot’s effort.

Beyond what was a limited 2019 run, the Air Command Flyback Chronograph 2021 salutes the skies of the ‘50s and the highly sought after vintage pieces (true grails) of the same name.

Reflecting the alluring spirit of the vintage pilot’s watch, two new iterations of the Air Command Flyback Chronograph are available, in titanium (ref. AC02-12B40-63) and red gold (ref. AC02-36B40-63). Each boast, as perhaps expected, a flyback chronograph as well as countdown rotating bezel and tachymeter scale indicating ground speeds – a 30-minute counter with three elongated markers marking three-minute increments and a 12-hour counter.

Presented at 42.5mm with a 13.7mm height designed case, the deep blue hue instils a sense of refined character with further flourishes in the use of Super-LumiNova on the hands, hour-markers and bezel, as well as the allure of the ‘glass box’ sapphire crystal (a further nod to those models of ‘50s).

Each is completed with a blue calf leather strap with white contrast stitching. From $26,500; blancpain.com