I just read your post on this mysterious Milspec1







After (very) close and torough examination against some Torneks , I can tell you that this is a full spec TR900 except the dial inscription and the engraving on the back.

It look like it is a pre production model or a prototype.

Even more interesting is that I had recently another very similar Milspec1 bought by Jeff from a common friend and later sold to switzerland.

This watch had the same mysterious engraving AM 10X but was probably another prototype.

This time of the "US NAVY" Blancpain with the same case as the "US Navy" (but different from the TR900...)

Both models had fixed bars wich is not the case for most of the "civilian" Milspecs. IMHO "AM" stand for "American Military"

So these are surely both missing links at least until further informations surfaces.

Bonne soirée,

Eric

Much appreciated, my friend.

These birds don't come out too often!

So, yes, it is logical to think that these are some kind of protos, or pre Tornek.

Your special Milspec is in great shpae with a beautiful patina.

I hope that one of these days, we'll have an idea of the number produced, and in what order did the Military Milspec appeared.

I mean: If this one is a Pre Trone, which, once again, seems the logical explanation, when did the Blancpain US come out?

Before or after this one?

Best, and once again thanks for the help, the informations, and the pics!

Nicolas

Eric

That is in the top three Blancpain of all time.

What reference material do you have on "AM" stand for "American Military" I think that I have seen that before but never put the connection.

I don’t think they are pre or post tornek. I think they were made at the same time. If you study tornek and your watch the hands the second hand lume is always lighter. There is no other Blancpain that I have seen that has that same hand lume.

Hi Brian,

I don't know if it is pre or post.

But I am almost sure of one thing : to sell a watch in great number to the US governement you better had to be an US watch company.

This is why the Blancpain Milspec became the Tornek Rayville or even "US Navy" I believe.

So I would guess it is rather before than after and that after evaluation it was kept and used in the US military forces.

BTW the US Milspec came with a worn black issue strap that I believe from same period as the watch.

My translation of AM is not backed by any evidence , just my 2 cents...

Bonne soirée,

Eric

Bonne Sante Mon Ami!

JB





Hope so, as it is a killing piece!

What number was yours?

I mean AM XX?

Best,

Nicolas

the watch has gone to Switzerland now, on the wrist of a good friend.

I also know the owner of AM57, in the US of A ;-)

        Cheers

          Jeff

AM 103 is back in France since a few months . This watch has a "US Navy " case that is different from the TR900 case.

AM 57 is also back in France. I am very pleased I coud get it back from the US . It is a very important watch to me as it is an exact TR900 clone....

I have never heard or seen another "AM xx" Milspec apart from those two.

Bonne soirée,

Eric

I meant  " xx " =numbers ...

Yes, AM 57 is back in France.

Seems we have a commo, friend!

Best,

Nicolas

No message body

No message body

Very nice indeed Eric. Thanks for sharing.

You and Nico are causing me much agony with photos like these ...... but strangely I like the feeling.