BLANCPAIN
BLANCPAIN AIR COMMAND
4 990.00 CHF
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Buy a pre-owned Blancpain watch at The Swiss Collector
Founded in 1735 in Villeret in the Swiss Jura by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, the manufacture is one of the oldest watch brands still in production. It has been a member of the Swatch Group since 1992. Blancpain has built its identity on two complementary pillars : professional diving watches (with the Fifty Fathoms, the first modern diving watch launched in 1953) and grand horological complications, including the complete calendar, tourbillon and minute repeater. Every movement is designed, developed and hand-assembled in-house. The Fifty Fathoms, Bathyscaphe, Villeret and Women collections cover a broad range, from technical dive watches to dress and jewellery pieces. At The Swiss Collector, our selection of pre-owned Blancpain watches is certified by our experts and updated regularly.
The History of Blancpain : Three Centuries of Integrated Manufacturing
The Origins (1735–1953)
Jehan-Jacques Blancpain founded his workshop in Villeret in 1735, in the village that would later lend its name to the house's dress collection. The manufacture quickly developed expertise in mechanical complications and slim movements. From the 1800s onwards, Blancpain produced pocket watches with minute repeaters : a tradition it would continue in wristwatches throughout the 20th century.
The Fifty Fathoms and the Quartz Crisis (1953–1992)
In 1953, Blancpain launched the Fifty Fathoms, developed in collaboration with Commander Robert "Bob" Maloubier of the French Navy. The watch established the technical standards for modern diving watches : water resistance, unidirectional rotating bezel, legible dial in darkness. It was adopted by several naval forces worldwide. During the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 80s, Blancpain maintained mechanical production where others abandoned it. In 1983, the house relaunched its Classique collection (the future Villeret) with a complete calendar moonphase that contributed to renewed interest in mechanical watchmaking. In 1991, it presented the 1735 watch, then considered the most complicated wristwatch in series production, with 740 components in its calibre.
The Swatch Group Era (1992–Today)
In 1992, Blancpain joined the Swatch Group, which provided the resources to develop its calibres fully in-house. The Villeret collection was officially named in 2003. The Bathyscaphe, launched in 2013 for the Fifty Fathoms' 60th anniversary, expanded the diving range with a cleaner design available in 38 and 43 mm. In 2025, the Villeret Golden Hour series renewed the three main references of the collection with new dials and a quick-change strap system.
Collections & Models
References & Secondary Market Prices
5015 Fifty Fathoms Automatic Steel 45mm
CHF 9,500 – CHF 14,000
5000-1110 Bathyscaphe Steel 43mm (three-hands)
CHF 7,500 – CHF 10,000
5000-0240 Bathyscaphe Ceramic 43mm (blue dial)
CHF 9,000 – CHF 12,000
5200-1110 Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Steel 43mm
CHF 11,000 – CHF 15,000
5100-1110 Bathyscaphe Steel 38mm
CHF 7,000 – CHF 9,500
6654-1127 Villeret Complete Calendar Moonphase Steel 40mm
| CHF 8,000 – CHF 12,000 |
Values vary depending on condition, presence of box and papers, and vintage. Contact our TSC experts for a precise valuation.
Blancpain vs Omega vs IWC : Which to Choose ?
Blancpain
An integrated manufacture with a long history in diving and mechanical complications. Every watch is hand-assembled by a single watchmaker. Strong value for the manufacturing level, relative to its price positioning. Solid secondary market performance on the Fifty Fathoms and Bathyscaphe. A relevant choice for those seeking a dive watch with a proprietary manufacture calibre.
Omega
A broader and more accessible Seamaster dive range, with stronger general public recognition. Recognised Co-Axial manufacture calibres. Secondary market is generally more liquid on flagship models.
IWC
Strong credentials in pilot and dress sport watches (Portofino, Portugieser). Similar complications to Blancpain in the calendar segment. Comparable price positioning.
Our TSC view
For a manufacture dive watch with a history dating back to 1953, Blancpain is hard to overlook. The Fifty Fathoms for diving, the Bathyscaphe for a more versatile format, the Villeret for dress complications.
Blancpain and Ocean Conservation
Since 2013, the Blancpain Ocean Commitment initiative has funded underwater scientific expeditions, marine conservation projects and the creation of marine protected areas. The collaboration with photographer and diver Laurent Ballesta (known for his coelacanth and Antarctic expeditions) has produced limited editions whose sales contribute directly to these programmes. This commitment is a natural extension of the Fifty Fathoms' origins, designed with and for professional divers.
Buying Pre-Owned Blancpain at The Swiss Collector
- Budget : Pre-owned Blancpain watches start from CHF 3,500 for early Léman or Villeret models. Bathyscaphe steel references range from CHF 7,000 to CHF 12,000. The Fifty Fathoms 45mm starts around CHF 9,500. Villeret complication references (complete calendar, moonphase) are priced between CHF 8,000 and CHF 15,000. Grand complications (tourbillon, minute repeater) exceed CHF 30,000.
- Condition : Every watch is classified across four levels (like new, very good, good, worn) with high-definition photographs.
- Selection : Each piece is checked and assessed by our experts before listing.
- TSC Guarantee : 12 to 24 months depending on condition and configuration.
- Box & Papers (full set) : Clearly identified in our listings.
- Delivery : Insured and trackable worldwide shipping.
Servicing
Blancpain recommends a full service every 5 to 8 years depending on the model. The long-reserve calibres (1315 : 120h, 1151 : 100h) are robust, but regular maintenance preserves water resistance on diving models and the accuracy of calendar displays. Silicon hairsprings, used in several recent calibres, reduce lubrication requirements without eliminating the need for periodic servicing.