The story behind this Blancpain Leman Flyback
Blancpain embodies a timeless vision of fine watchmaking, where watchmaking tradition meets cutting-edge engineering. In the mid-1990s, the manufacture launched the Leman collection, named in honour of the famous Swiss lake, to offer timepieces combining classic elegance with sporty robustness. The Leman Flyback chronograph, reference 2185F-1130-71, quickly established itself as an absolute icon of this line. Its creation was in response to a specific tactical need among aviators and navigators who required a flyback function to chain together timings with a single press, without having to stop, reset and restart the hand. The fascinating story behind this timepiece lies in its prodigious mechanical heart. It was one of the world’s first automatic chronographs to incorporate a vertical clutch – a complex architectural innovation enabling the central hand to start moving instantly and with complete smoothness, eliminating the unsightly jerk typical of the horizontal mechanisms of that era.
Case, movement and strap of this Leman Flyback
This exceptional timepiece is housed in a stainless steel case measuring 38 mm in diameter, a size that strikes the perfect balance on a man’s wrist. The double-grooved bezel frames a deep black dial with sombre reflections. The large Arabic numerals and sword-shaped hands are generously coated with luminescent material to ensure optimal readability in all circumstances. The movement is powered by the F185 calibre, a masterpiece beating at a frequency of 3 Hz and guaranteeing a power reserve of 40 hours. Comprising 308 components, meticulously assembled and decorated to the highest standards of the Vallée de Joux, it features a column-wheel chronograph and a date display at 6 o’clock. The whole is enhanced by the brand’s legendary steel bracelet, whose intricate alternation of polished and brushed finishes lends it unrivalled fluidity and light reflection.
Why this Blancpain watch
Purchasing this chronograph today represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of watchmaking history of ideal proportions. The current market is passionately rediscovering 38 mm cases, now regarded as the pinnacle of understated elegance. This specific model, which has been withdrawn from the official catalogue for many years, attracts connoisseurs for its unique combination of refined military aesthetics and absolute mechanical prestige. Finding such an example, complete with its original steel bracelet, is a true privilege for collectors seeking a charismatic alternative to more common models.
Contents and condition
This timepiece is presented to you in exceptional cosmetic condition and is highly desirable. Carefully repolished by master craftsmen in preparation for sale, the watch has regained the pure lustre of its steel and the sharpness of its original lines. Although its original papers and case have been lost over time, this distinctive timepiece will be presented to you in an elegant The Swiss Collector presentation box, ready to begin a new and prestigious chapter on your wrist.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector certifies the absolute authenticity of this timepiece, which comes with a 24-month mechanical warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand watch retailer, backed by the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.
* Very good condition – watch has been previously worn and polished. Slight signs of external wear. Case and strap in excellent overall condition.
