Blancpain

I've recently had the pleasure of obtaining a great 3/6/9/12 Aqua Lung from the original owner who fought in the USAF and part of their diving squad!! Like one of my close friend's piece, this is also a Microbille case but with a rather different and unique crown than his. Importantly, it also has a 55xx case making me speculate that these all contained microbille cases within the serial range. In addition to the piece, Richard Pambrun, the original owner and an accomplished MSgt of the military, included a narrative of his time in the military and how the Blancpain came into his life....very cool story!! He even states how that crack in the bezel at the 12 o'clock came about in the narrative so just wanted to share with you all Richard's life story

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I personally wasn't aware that the US Military ever issued these 3/6/9/12 BP's but I guess I'm wrong....they did from the words of the man himself. I just confirmed through email. Very cool stuff!!

Best,
Jon

Do you have more details on the purchase and on the conditions of the purchase?

Best,

Nicolas

as part of their new applications in training, they did not have the resources to supply these types of equipment to their team. So the supply guys went to purchase the necessary equipment through diving retailers including this example and issued to their men. Rich also mentioned that he remembers they were issued later on as wide-scale in the military until the mid-70's he believes, which makes me think it could possibly be the TR-900 that he is referring to. He also said they also supplied him with a Rolex Submariner but he lost it during a training routine to the ocean since it had the very flimsy bracelet instead of the nato strap and it broke. Another reason why these straps are much more purposeful in the military than bracelets

Best,
Jon

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kind regards. achim

Great post, great catch ! This case  shows there are still some unknown FF on the run !

these war memorabilia's were not thought as nearly collectible as they are today, otherwise I'm sure his friend would have kept it

Best,
Jon

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Truly a great catch

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Its very cool that he has so many color photos of his watch in action.  I always ask the original seller if he has any photos of his watch!  Very cool!  Brian

He was able to scan those pictures to me. Digital always will preserve the original picture

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What a wonderful watch and a fantastic story.

The pictures of him wearing the watch are absolutley stunning and pretty unique, I don't remember
seeing many pictures of a FF being worn on duty. Very rare and really the cherry on a delicious cake.

Perhaps everything I dream of when looking for a vintage military watch - let alone a Blancpain FF!

One further question - the back of the case doesn't appear to have any military issue marks, do you know
if the watch was formally issued or as you describe more procured for them under the radar, so to speak?

the US military was much more flexible back then. This particular piece as I responded above to Nicolas's question was purchase by the military from a local diving store. They needed new diving equipment as their division began exploring the idea of pararescue but since it was so new and small, the US governement just provided funds for them to source and purchase whatever they needed. Nowadays, the products in order to be utilized by the US military, it must pass through very specific criterias, inspections, and requirements before being put into action. And not to forget, it most likely has to be specially built and under strict supervision and possible patents. The TR900 is probably the only Blancpain out there specifically built for the US Navy with a purpose. It also carries a patent ID on the caseback....specially built and made for the military and today is one of the rarest and most desriable miltary watches in the world.  

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Frank,

What amazing research!! So glad you found documented history and distinguished awards to the hero of our country and the original owner of this very special piece!!

Best,
Jon

So it was easy at that point to track down the award.  I had no idea that he had earned the award 3 times.

hi!
is this watch for sale?
rgds.thanks

hi!
is this watch for sale?
rgds.thanks
[Email address suppressed for privacy]

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Absolutely fantastic watch.  And what a story!  Funny to hear how cavalier the military was with such (now extremely) expensive watches!  A Rolex here, a BP there, lost, damaged, forgotten.. no big deal!  Although, when I was in AFG, I guess our Supply guys were the same with our Casios!  Ha! 

Oh man, what a story associated with that watch.  Thank you for sharing it.  Too cool.

V/R

Mike

It's what makes these military pieces so great as they were used and treated as they were built for: a tool! It's only then when we find some very clean examples, it makes them that much more special.

Best,
Jon

The previous owner was very kind and generous to share his story with us.

Congratulations on this great find.

Thanks

Bill

Richard was a true gentleman and hero!!

Best,
Jon

Someone recently directed me to this post. Very interesting and informative. Those BPs were really terrific — simple, elegant and tough — like a Rolex 5513.

As for the one shown by Hennebav, it is a 3 / 6 / 9 / 12 " 1000 Feet ".

Best,

Nicolas