In the 1950s, the United States Air Force was looking for a high-precision chronograph capable of meeting demanding specifications.

Blancpain, which had already won over the American Navy with its Fifty Fathoms diver’s watch, drew inspiration from it to develop a chronograph for the US Air Force. This timepiece was offered to American military pilots through the distributor Allen V. Tornek, for whom Blancpain is thought to have created a dozen watches as prototypes.

The total production of Air Command chronographs was probably very limited, says Blancpain, which makes them real collectors items. NWC thinks this one will also be collectable, although the entry price is steep for mere mortals.

Now Blancpain are reviving the Air Command model and we have to say, it looks the business.

It has a 42.5mm wide case, which comes in red gold or steel finishes, with blue dial and bezel, plus there’s a limited edition in steel, with a tan leather strap and black dial.

The flyback chrono function can also be used a countdown actuator, in tandem with the bezel numbers. Ideal for Elon Musk or other space rocket owners who need to count things down on a regular basis. Price is £15,900 for the blue dial, steel case model.

The gold edition costs £26,500 by the way.