Blancpain L-evolution Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph

The new Blancpain L-evolution Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph watch was introduced to commemorate Blancpain’s President and CEO Marc A. Hayek exploits as a member of the Blancpain Reiter Engineering team during the 2010 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo season.

This year Blancpain has introduced a number of watches that made some fans of the brand loose a great deal of precious bodily fluids during the latest Baselworld 2010 industry event.

Among them is the gorgeous Blancpain Carrousel R?p?tition Minute-Le Brassus, new members of the Villeret Moon Phase collection (we will talk about them later) and a whole series of the fresh and updated L-Evolution collection. The most interesting in the latter is the refreshed Blancpain L-evolution Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph watch, which is limited to 600 pieces.

Like the 2008 model year Blancpain Speed Command Chronograph watch, the new Super Trofeo is powered by the Caliber F185 automatic chronograph movement with flyback function and 40-hour power reserve.

Made of 308 hand-finished components and running on 37 jewels, the ultra-thin movement is only 5.5 mm in height and measures 26.2 mm in diameter.

While the last year’s version of the watch was delivered in a scratch-resistant, but rather heavy DLC-coated stainless steel body, the 2010-year model is presented in a feather-light, but prone to scratches, polished titanium case.

To further decrease the watch’s curb weight, the Swiss watch maker equipped it with a carbon-fiber dial and lugs. Since there is no feasible way to weld carbon fiber fabric to metal, Blancpain decided to design the lugs as separate components of the case. To further reiterate its link to the world of automotive sport, the watch will be shipped on a strap made of black Alcantara material.

Although definitely flashy, the material for the strap doesn’t seem to be well chosen, since I have a strong suspicion that Alcantara will wear out a lot faster than the good old leather. Frankly, I would much prefer the Blancpain L-evolution Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph presented on a bracelet made of forged carbon fiber, but something tells me that such a timepiece would cost like a new VW Golf.

Photos: Blancpain

Blancpain L-evolution Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph watch specification:

Price range: N/A
Movement: Caliber F185, automatic, 37 jewels, 26.20 mm in diameter, 5.50 mm in height, 308 components
Functions: Flyback chronograph, date
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case material: Polished titanium
Bezel material: Polished titanium
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 43.5 mm
Case height: 12.6 mm
Dial: Black carbon fiber
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Steel
Water resistance: 100 m
Strap: Black Alcantara
Crystal: Sapphire
Case back: Sapphire