Blancpain Sports Air and Speed Command Watches Review

Blancpain Sports watches represent yet another stylistic departure from the classic designs of Villeret, Leman and Le Brassus. Three main lines, Fifty Fathoms, Air Command, and Speed Command (some available in ultra-slim and flyback chronograph variations) first adopt the principles of modern sports watchmaking, then transform them into something distinct only a high-end luxury company such as the Swiss Blancpain could develop. The most notable feature about Blancpain Sports is the impulse of power and intensity emanating from the timepieces.

Its exact source is actually difficult to pinpoint – an element of mystery is one characteristic of the Sports collection – but it seems that a combination of testosterone-infused design, in the bracelets and straps, as well as in the cases, with deep black, dark blue or other matted colors forms the core of this impulse.

The Speed Command literally drips with adrenaline: a deep black design with screaming yellow or orange numerals and indexes that spread upon the dial and the bezel produce a shocking, awakening effect. Undoubtedly, the color scheme takes into consideration the dramatic physical stress motor racers undergo.

Piercing blood-red hands point at the time like needles, providing another (less desirable) hint at emergency. It's interesting that Blancpain still consider, even in such “extreme circumstances,” the overall design consistency: corresponding yellow and orange threads were used to stitch the straps.

The Speed and Air Command include a set of sports and motor oriented features, as befits watches worn by drivers and pilots. Besides date display, and seconds subdial, both include a tachometer and a rotating bezel (two-way).

Physical characteristics include water resistance between 100 and 300 meters, dial made of black carbon fiber and, as previously mentioned, brightly illuminated hands and indices. It becomes clear that Blancpain follow through with the directions indicated by the muscular outward design, and manufacture a watch just as sturdy on the inside.