Blancpain’s new course… LARGE

At Baselworld Blancpain presented several new models that didn’t immediately rock my world, so to say. That’s why i took some time to give the new Blancpain models some more thought. My opinion hasn’t changed and i think most new models are just not reflecting the brand’s beautiful and classy heritage, except for one.

The new Blancpain Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph is in my opinion a classy and sporty chronograph that fits Blancpain’s profile. Blancpain‘s decission to eleminate the LEMAN serie in favor of the new L-Evolution serie is in my opnion not the best and also the newest 500 Fathoms line is just not my cup of tea.

The Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph has 43,5mm large case is DLC coated and is water resistant to 100 meters. For those unfamiliar with DLC, it is a diamond carbon coating and means Diomond-Like Coating. This threatment makes a case black, just like PVD coating. The big difference between PVD and DLC coating, is that DLC is much, much harder.

The Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph is design in collaboration with Lanborghini to celebrate the Super Trofeo championship. Six times a year 30 Lamborghini Gallardos compete for the Super Trofeo. The Blancpain Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph is limited to 300 pieces. The strap is made of alcantara, just like the seats in the Lamborghini Gallardo. The movement is calibre F185, with blackened bridges and main plate, which delivers 40-hour power reserve.

I mentioned i don’t like the new 500 Fathoms. If you want to read more about it i suggest to read the this post on Horomundi. The beauty in the photo above is the new Fifty Fathoms GMT.

Here are a few photos of the new L-Evolution series of Blancpain. The 43,5mm large L-Evolution serie will replace the 40mm large LEMAN serie and will be available next to the Villeret serie. Personally i always liked the LEMAN series a lot and thought of them as one of the few nice sized watches. I just don’t see the point in replacing with 43,5mm large watches, because the choice in large watches is just overwhelming.

The L-Evolution features the 8 days automatic movement calibre 13R5, which is based on the hand-wound calibre 13R0. It has the same unique system of regulating screws for the titanium balance. Calibre 13R5 is equipped with three barrels for 192-hour (8-day) power reserve.

The L-Evolution features calibre 1241H,already used in the Leman GMT Alarm. This automatic movement has twin barrels serving the functions: one for the time and the other one for the alarm function. The alarm and date are set for the travel location, indicated by the large hour and minute hands.