Blancier, the German watchmaker, is introducing their military chronograph for the US market. This watch, code named Blancier Desert Wolf, is a project from Blancier’s founder Willem Kamerman.
Normally, Blancier creates classical looking watches both on request and through workshops where you can design and assemble your own Blancier timepiece. We have covered Blancier before here at MotoringExposure, focusing on their watch atelier and customization of mechanical watches made to your request and specifications.
With the Blancier Desert Wolf watch, the watchmaker is thinking outside the box and there is little-to-no connection with their usual mechanical suspects.
“I wanted to design something special for the men and women who are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan under ISAF,” said Mr. Kamerman, “because they deserve our support and respect.”
The Blancier Desert Wolf watch has been designed to operate in tough conditions and situations, therefore Blancier chose to use a quartz-driven chronograph movement. Mechanical movements tend to be sensitive to bumps, unexpected movements, and shocks. By using a quartz movement, Blancier mitigated that risk.
Printed on the dial is the mountainous region in the Iraqi and Afghanistan area, covered in camouflage. The coordinates printed below the 12 o’clock hour marker (33° 00’ N, 65° 00’ E) are the geographical coordinates for Afghanistan. This chronograph makes (in the eyes of Blancier) a perfect choice for those who stay at home and want to support the troops, or soldiers who want to wear them during deployment.
At first sight, the square case reminds us a bit of the Bell & Ross BR01 design, but after looking for the second time, it appears as though edges are more ‘rounded’ – a rounded square, so to speak. Because of the bullhead design, which means the crown and pushers are placed at the top of the watch, it makes it perfectly wearable during all circumstances.
The sapphire crystal is (according to Blancier) ultra-thick and has been AR coated on both sides to guarantee that light will not be reflected. Underneath the crystal is a dial with orange SuperLuminova hour markers. Also, the United States flag is printed at the seven o’clock marker on the dial.
If you buy the Blancier Desert Wolf, 10.- USD will be donated to The Fisher House program. The program helps connect members of the military with their families during times of illness, injury, and hospitalization by providing free “comfort homes” at or near major VA and military medical centers. To donate or find out more information on the program, visit http://www.fisherhouse.org. The Blancier Desert Wolf retails in Europe for € 345.00, and $ 395.00 in the United States.
Blancier Desert Wolf Gallery
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