The dial does not have a running seconds hand, but to see the seconds one need only activate the chronograph. The dial layout is elegant and most of it is matte finished to match the case. The hands and hour markers are, however, polished. Some of the little details are fun, such as the digital font used for the big date discs and the chronograph subdial design. The hands however, while properly-sized, only have lume on the tips and really don’t need to be partially skeletonized, in my opinion.

At 43.5mm wide, the case is a nice, sporty size and wears a bit on the larger side thanks to the larger and longer lugs. The case is in sandblasted titanium and the quality is, of course, up to Blancpain standards. One of the things people don’t know about the L-Evolution case is that the lugs are designed to be removed and replaced with others made out of different materials. I don’t know if Blancpain has taken advantage of this much, but the idea remains sound and is an interesting piece of watch lore. On the wrist the L-Evolution is comfortable, albeit unique in its design–separating itself from the rest of what Blancpain produces, as well as other racing watches out there. Perhaps my favorite elements are the chronograph pushers and crown. Attached to the case of this particular L-Evolution model is really nice matte alligator strap on a rubber lining.

Controversial Luxuries Are Fun

Spending time with a bunch of Lamborghini cars no doubt makes you think of their main competitor Ferrari. I’ve always been a Lambo guy, and while I’ve always appreciated the beauty and performance of a Ferrari, I’ve never felt the same level of desire for them. I thought about why, and what I realized is that Ferrari cars are too conservatively attractive for my tastes.

What does that mean? Am I faulting Ferrari for being boring? Not at all. Ferrari produces some incredibly sexy and amazing to drive cars. But they are rarely controversially sexy, and there is an elegance to them that simply works all the time. I tend to like things that have a controversial element to them. I like it when people can’t all agree on something, and when something causes a polarizing viewpoint. Lamborghini design is much more in-your-face and bold. Their cars are loud both in design and performance. It is go big or go home with Lamborghini, and to an extent there is an almost exaggerated sense of everything when it comes to the brand. I find myself relating to that concept both in cars and watch design. I like products that are firmly one specific thing, without trying to satisfy everyone. There is something so wonderfully non-mainstream about a Lamborghini which is directly related to the fact that most people cannot afford them. So if only a few people can own one, why try to appeal to everyone.

Rolex is the luxury watch for everyone, Blancpain is among those brands trying to be a luxury watch for certain people. And that works for a product that is exclusive by nature. It is also great for a consumer, because when they find those products that really appeal to their own needs and tastes, and not everyone’s, there is more often than not a stronger emotional connection to them.

The Blancpain L-Evolution Chronographe Flyback Grande Date isn’t the only watch that fits well with a Lamborghini, but it works pretty well and I am curious to see how the relationship between the two luxury brands continues to evolve. It may stay strictly in the world of the Super Trofeo, or it might extend out a bit more–but don’t expect to see dual-branded timepieces, because I think the two brands know better. The Blancpain ref. R85F-1103-53B watch retails for $18,600 while the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 starts at about $400,000. blancpain.com     lamborghini.com

Necessary Data
>Brand: Blancpain
>Model: L-Evolution Chronographe Flyback Grande Date
>Price: $18,600 USD
>Size: 43.5mm
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes
>Friend we’d recommend it to first:  Well-funded car and watch lover who wants a trusted brand but an unusual product.
>Best characteristic of watch:  One of the first subtle L-Evolution collection watches that is a big step in the direction of where the collection should be.
>Worst characteristic of watch:  Design remains unfocused yet promising. Hands could be finished to be more legible and don’t need to be skeletonized.