THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: BLANCPAIN
MODEL: 2185F-1130-71
YEAR: C2002
BOX/PAPERS: NO/YES (SERVICE)
CASE DIAMETER: 38mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
It's hardly a secret that we love vintage and neo-vintage Blancpains here at Falco, from the early Fifty Fathoms and Bathyscaphes under Jean-Jacques Fiechter, to the 34 mm masterpieces created under the leadership of Jacques Piguet and Jean-Claude Biver.
Despite its incredible heritage and watchmaking, vintage and neo-vintage Blancpains remain some of the most overlooked (and underpriced) watches out there, perhaps impacted by the brand's rather unique history, whereby its offerings were so clearly defined by their respective eras (we suggest a fantastic read by Time The Destroyer on Substack).
In recent years, neo-vintage Blancpains from the Biver and Piguet era have finally started receiving the attention they deserve (a lovely event was recently hosted by Blancpain and Subdial focusing on these watches). However, there are still some amazing models from the brand, introduced in the 10–15 years following Société Suisse de Microélectronique et d’Horlogerie (SMH)’s acquisition in 1992, that continue to fly completely under the radar, such as this example: the Léman Flyback Chronograph ref. 2185F-1130-71.
Originally introduced in the late 1990s as part of the Léman / 2100 series, this is an automatic flyback chronograph that fits into a case measuring just 38 mm across and 11 mm thick. The magic comes from the F185 movement housed inside, derived from the legendary FP1185, developed by Edmond Capt for Frédéric Piguet: the thinnest automatic chronograph movement of its time.
The 2185F-1130-71 features a lovely “military dial”, with bold Arabic numerals and sword hands. This example is fitted with the rare (and amazingly comfortable) five-link bracelet, complete with full links and no visible stretch. The watch has been carefully maintained throughout its life, with several Blancpain factory services and accompanying documentation. It shows: the dial is perfect, and the case is in equally great condition, showing off its beautiful stepped profile and curved lugs. The movement is running perfectly at +1 s/d, with 320° amplitude and a 0.1 ms beat error.
This is a watch you often see at enthusiast gatherings: incredible design, amazing value, and simply beautiful on the wrist.