Winning ways: Blancpain L'evolution Flyback Split-Seconds Chronograph

The latest addition to the L-evolution collection features a flyback split-seconds chronograph mechanism and a large date. 

It reflects Blancpain’s strong commitment to GT racing, as exemplified by its own CEO, Mark Hayek winning a GT race at the recent round of the Blancpain Endurance Series with his co-driver Peter Kox at Silverstone.




Carbon fibre casing

 

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 certain watch components: the carbon fibre bezel, caseback and dial represent significant technical feats, reflecting Blancpain’s characteristic innovative strength. 

To accentuate the L Evolution's sporting personality, the large date display features a dynamic 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.

Flyback split-second chronograph movement 

At the heart of this new model is the in-house calibre 69F9 with its 409 parts including 44 jewels, ensuring a 40-hour power reserve. A column wheel 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. 

When the split-second function is activated via the pusher at 8 o’clock, the hand stops to enable reading of a split time, while the sweep seconds hand continues running. A second press on the pusher enables the split-second hand to “catch up with” the sweep seconds hand. The flyback function, enabling reset and instant restart of the chronograph, is activated by pressing the pusher at 4 o’clock.

The sapphire crystal allows for viewing of this movement with its unique decoration. The parts have been coated with a beadblasted two-tone material. 

Carbon insert strap

The overstitched strap in black alcantara features carbon inserts reminiscent of the latest racing cars, while the carbon folding clasp adds an ultimate touch of refined detailing.