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9 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I B lancpain is a true giant in the world of haute horlogerie. Founded in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, the brand has only ever made mechanical watches, eschewing quartz for only the most technical timepieces. Indeed, Blancpain created one of the most complicated mechanical watches ever made, the Blancpain 1735. The company is led by Marc Hayek, the grandson of The Swatch Group's founder and chairman, Nicolas Hayek. At the helm since 2002, Hayek has forged strong connections between the brand and the world of motorsport. Blancpain are currently the partner of Lamborghini and title sponsor of the ‘Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo’, the official timekeeper of the FIA GT1 Series and the ‘Blancpain Endurance Series’ and an Official Partner in the ‘ADACGTMasters’ championship. As a powerful symbol of the brand’s active commitment to motorsport, Hayek actually takes part in the ‘Blancpain Endurance Series’ as a driver, following his participation in 2009 and 2010 in the ‘Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo’. The brand keep themselves no less busy in the creation of timepieces, and over the past seven years the manufacturer has developed no less than 26 new calibres. Through its various models, Blancpain preserves its heritage of precision and elegance, while also displaying an innovative and occasionally provocative spirit. The range encompasses the sportive L-evolution line, the legendary Fifty Fathoms diver’s watch, as well as the classic Villeret collection, high complication from the Le Brassus collection, and finally the feminine models. A stunning addition to the L-evolution collection is the flyback split-seconds chronograph. Using carbon fibre and cutting-edge technology, it’s a further evocation of Blancpain’s strong commitment in GT racing. Having decided to adopt such an extreme attitude, Blancpain naturally chose carbon fibre in creating this timepiece. Its lightness and sturdiness, combined with its aesthetic appeal, provide a wealth of development options. This high-tech material was used to create the bezel, caseback and dial, representing significant technical feats and Blancpain’s characteristic innovative strength. To accentuate this sporting personality, the large date display features a digital font, red accents punctuate the black background, the 8 o’clock pusher echoes the shape of a fuel-cap and the 9 o’clock counter that of an insignia. At the heart of this new model beats a Calibre 69F9, comprising an astounding 409 parts, including 44 jewels, and including a 40-hour power reserve. It is equipped with a column wheel that guarantees precise pusher control, as well as a vertical coupling-clutch that avoids any unwanted jerking of the hand when the chronograph is activated. This movement combines a flyback split-second chronograph mechanism with a large twin-aperture date display. The split-second chronograph function is a major horological complication that enables readings of “split” or intermediate times thanks to a so-called split-second (rattrapante or “catch-up” in French) hand that is superimposed on the chronograph sweep seconds hand. The sapphire crystal reveals fascinating glimpses of this movement with its unique decoration and the overstitched strap in black alcantara features carbon inserts reminiscent of the latest breakthrough developments in the field of racing cars, while the carbon folding clasp adds an ultimate touch of refined detailing.