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Bremont HMS Victory Limited Edition Watch

admin — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:42:33 +0000

Not too much information right now but this is the upcoming limited edition Bremont HMS Victory limited edition watch. The classic looking chronograph will be produced in honor of the historic HMS Victory ship. The HMS Victory was originally built in the 18th century and is the oldest surviving warship from that era. The limited edition watch is said to contain actual original material from the ship itself.

The watch is part of a relationship between UK-based watch brand Bremont and The National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, England. The final piece will be unveiled in July 2012 during an event aboard the ship. This is the second Bremont limited edition watch to contain parts from an historic military machine. They did this first in the Mustang P-51 timepiece covered here.

There are very few tech specs on the actual watch itself, and we don't know exactly where the "original HMS Victory material" will go. It could very well be on the rotor of the automatic movement. I am guessing that the steel watch case is about 43mm wide. Done like an old ship's clock, the dial is very legible and classy. I love the white dial with black hands and hour markers.

Inside the watch looks to be a base Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 movement. Bremont seems to use a special module that turns the subsidiary seconds and date indicators into retrograde hands. The result is a wonderfully symmetrical and balanced dial that feels fresh and new despite the intentionally "old" looking dial design. The retrograde seconds dial jumps back to its original position after each 30 seconds (as opposed to after each 60 seconds). I really like the decorative effects in the retrograde dials.

Right now we don't know how much the piece will cost or how many Bremont will make. Limited edition pieces such as this seem to be increasingly important to the brand and I look forward to checking out the HMS Victory chronograph watch myself.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bremont ALT1-WT World Time Watch

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:04:11 +0000

For all intents and purpose this new Bremont ALT1-WT is the commercial version of the exclusive Bremont C-17 Globemaster watch that I discussed here. While the C-17 (C17) Globemaster was not to be available for public purchase, the ALT1-WT will be. The watch takes the brand's signature aviator style and adds a world time bezel and GMT indicator into the mix of complications. It makes for a very good travel watch and I am glad that Bremont decided to offer a version of the Globemaster for "everyone else."

The ALT1-WT will be positioned as one of Bremont's new for 2012 watch models. But there will be other models as well. The differences between this model and the Globemaster are minor - being mostly the caseback and dial changes as far as I can tell. Bremont makes it clear that this watch is an adoption of the C-17 Globemaster. The case done with specially hardened steel and is 43mm wide. The most recognizable element is the rotating city ring that is to be used in conjunction with the 24 hour hand. This gives you the time all around the world at a glance and the design here is well-done. Bremont uses their Roto-Click system for the inner rotating bezel that offers distinct positions for the bezel turns. It is a nicely satisfying little detail. You can tell that the city ring is different on this model compared to the Globemaster (that has airport indicators).

You can see that the "globe" motif on the watch face is also carried over from the Globemaster - this is likely to become a signature design feature of the watch. I like that the hour markers are prominent and applied, and that the hands and hour markers are all richly coated with lume. You also have rather good proportions in all the hands. I am a bit concerned that because the chronograph seconds hand and GMT hand have arrow tips they might be easily confused when wanting to read the second time zone at a glance. As is the case with most Bremont watches the domed sapphire crystal will be richly AR coated.

Inside the watch is the Bremont caliber BE-54AE automatic movement that is a base ETA with a module that has been finely finished and regulated by Bremont. They always offer really nice movement decoration, and this one again will be visible through the sapphire caseback window. The movement will further be a COSC certified Chronometer. Going back to the dial I still really like the shape of the date window (it is dated from the HUD display on C-17 planes).

In addition to this white dialed version Bremont will offer the ALT1-WT with a blue or black dial. It comes on a leather strap (with possibly a metal bracelet option) and each watch will also come with a NATO style strap and changing tool. Price will be $5,695 for this good looking new Bremont timepiece.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bremont BC Solo Watch Review

admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 07:08:37 +0000

There is a reason timepieces from brands like Rolex, Tag Heuer, and Omega consistently sell so well. They are legible, well built, and conservative. It is a simple formula which has done well for those outfitting "nice watches" to legions of men for ages. Interestingly enough, this category of watches is judged differently depending on who you are and how you are feeling. My own opinion on such watches has varied from "boring" to "just what the doctor ordered." Funny how that goes... now I know why people in the know have watch collections, rather than just "a watch."

So here is my review of a very "nice watch." This English chap comes from Britain's own Bremont and is their most simple model to date. They call the BC Solo collection their entry-level range of watches. I guess that is technically true as they are Bremont's most modestly priced watches, but this is anything but an entry-level timepiece. What endears me most to the collection are the quirks and unique points that set it apart from others like it. In my opinion it is a few key details that really sell the BC Solo watch - details that most other brands of this size would never include.

At 43mm wide the BC Solo has that familiar Bremont Trip-Tick case that I am now very well familiar with. Very elegant in shape, it is comprised of brushed steel upper and bottom section with a middle barrel done in what I believe is PVD black coated aluminum. The shapeliness of this case and its impressive curves and proportions make me really wonder why there are still boring watch cases out there offered by other brands. My kudos to all designers who understand how important it is for even a modest looking watch to have a good case design. There must be complete synergy between the case, dial, and strap. Bremont is a brand that tends to do that well.

The black colored middle section of the case with its engraved horizontal rings adds a little pizazz to the design. It is amazing what a little color contrasting on the case can do when it comes to style. At 43mm wide the steel case shared among several Bremont pieces has always proven to be comfortable and well made. Little details such as the middle case ring, lug design, and integration of the Bremont propeller logo in the crown are some of those unique points which I indicated above help the BC Solo stand out from the crowd.

While the movement inside the watch is the same modified Swiss ETA 2836 (that Bremont calls their BE-36AE) which is used in other Bremont pieces, this is the most simple dial execution to date from the brand - though it isn't without its unique and charming details. For use in the BC Solo the movement has the day of the week ring removed and offers just the time and date. More on the dial shortly.

Presentation of the movement is very impressive, and it is visible through a rear-mounted sapphire caseback window. Decoration is complete with perlage and blued steel screws, along with a handsome custom Bremont automatic rotor (which looks to be in brass). Framing the movement is richly engraved text (along with a bit in cursive text) around the caseback of the watch. The effect is classy and masculine. You'll further notice that Bremont has carefully regulated the automatic movement and has had it sent to COSC for Chronometer certification. Further, while not a limited edition, each BC Solo watch is individually numbered.

The Trip-Tick case is thankfully water resistant to 100 meters and has a screw-down crown. Over the dial is a highly domed sapphire crystal that according to Bremont has several layers of AR coating on the front and back of the crystal. This coating is very necessary as the sapphire is so domed it attracts a lot of light which it reflects. While it doesn't effect legibility much, you should know that much of the time the crystal will have bands of light on it when you are looking at it outside. While avoidable with a flat (or flatter) sapphire crystal, Bremont had to balance that fact with an aesthetic decision to use a more domed crystal that helps the entire case look a bit more impressive.

In Bremont's words the dial of the BC Solo was inspired by pilot watches from the 1940s. There is a certain retro charm to the dial, but I would not call this a retro watch. If you need any help in recognizing the pilot nature of the dial, then just look at the red and white triangle used for the 12 o'clock indicator. I've had readers ask me what the origin of these triangles are, and I just don't know. Maybe someone can tell me why what looks like blank traffic signs ended up on watch dials.

Simple and clean, the dial is easy to read but has some welcome details. The best are the applied hour indicators on both the main dial and sloped flange ring. These do just enough to ensure that the dial does not feel flat, but also does not feel busy. All of the hour indicators and the hands have applied SuperLumiNova. Night reading is a breeze thanks to the luminosity. Though one of the quirks of the BC Solo collection is that the dial comes in two variants - which are only modestly different from one another. This version of the BC Solo has the white indicators, while there is also another version with "cream" colored indicators. The indicators on that other model are a bit more brown, and use a different color lume I believe. To be honest the variation between the two models is very slight, but If I recall correctly the contrast stitching on the strap will match the dial appropriately.

As a minimalist dial the BC Solo watch face works well. The selection for the placement and font of the "Automatic" and "Chronometer" text was chosen cleverly. Notice the clean looking sans-serif fonts and wide spacing between the letters. I would have had the hands a bit longer personally, but legibility is still very good. Bremont needed a watch like the BC Solo, and it works very well on its own as well as on the wrist.

Matched to the watch is a supple leather strap with Bremont signed buckle. While I have never seen one, according to Bremont's website the BC Solo is apparently available with a titanium bracelet. The leather strap is nicely padded and I love how the strap ends curve to match the shape of the case. Another little detail which helps separate a watch like this from the rest. Overall the Bremont BC Solo is a comfortable watch to pick up and strap-on. It goes with a lot of outfits and won't let you down. It might not be the watch for everyday, but it is easily a contender for being an "old faithful" member of your collection. Price is $3,950.

Thanks to Bremont for the review unit. Opinions are 100% independent.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bremont C17 Globemaster Watch

admin — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 23:08:22 +0000

Here is a nice new piece from Bremont that you can't get. Bremont will produce these C17 Globemaster watches for a select group of "pre-selected" military personnel to get one - basically for one squadron as I understand it. The pieces will be highly limited as well. Each Bremont C17 Globemaster will be limited to just 50 pieces, and it comes in a few versions if I understand correctly.

The watch is meant to honor the high-tech C17 cargo plane. I don't think there was ever a cooler looking cargo plane than the C17 Globemaster III. This is probably one of the most modern planes that a watch has been based on. Usually it is a historic plane that gets the "timepiece treatment." Bremont, a primarily aviator watch brand, is said to have worked closely with C17 pilots in developing the watch.

Not sure about the size but I would guess in the 43mm wide range. The Trip-Tick style case is in hardened steel with a domed sapphire crystal and exhibition back. The dial is a new direction for Bremont and comes in various color tones. The face has a sort of globe pattern to it with a new style of large lume covered hands and applied hour markers. Under the Bremont logo is a little image of the C17 plane.

Inside the watch is a modified BE-54AE movement. This is a base ETA Valjoux 7750 with a GMT module on it that has been highly decorated and given a custom rotor. The automatic rotor is meant to look like a view into one of the C17's large jet engines. The movement is also COSC Chronometer certified and visible through the display back.

The case features Bremont's Roto-Click internal rotating bezel. Here the internal bezel has the names of various military based on it. I believe it is used as a sort of world timer, but using military bases as the reference cities in all 24 time zones. There is also a nice dedicated 24 hour scale for the GMT hand.

The Bremont C17 Globemaster isn't available to the general public, but I have a feeling a version design elements of it might show up in future models. On Bremont's website the watch is listed, but only the special people the piece was made for can get it. These are certain to be collectors items in the future if you can ever get one.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bremont Mustang P-51 Watch

admin — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:02:00 +0000

There was a relative I had when I was a kid who saved up for years to buy something special. He was an unusual fellow, but he loved to fly. He worked hard to get a pilot's license and then was finally able to buy what he had his eye on... a World War 2 era P-51. One of the greatest dog fighters ever, the P-51 Mustang is an American fighter plane that was introduced in 1940 - and he wanted one really badly.

As a kid I wasn't really sure how to respond to the ex-military plane in front of me. Some guys want a vintage American muscle car, and others watch a plane with the same cojones. That was my first memory of a P-51, but to Nick and Giles English of Bremont, it means something else. The British aviation themed brand brings us a limited edition watch dedicated entirely to American and English superiority over the skies. What is the UK/US connection that makes the watch legitimate? The US sold many P-51s to England for use in the RAF (Royal Air Force). As such, the P-51 Mustang, in its many forms, was a staple of mid 20th Century US and British air power. Interestingly enough, I understand that the first P-51's weren't really great - but later improvements made them much, much better.

The P-51 had something else going for it, being that it was a really good looking plane. Part of its heritage is in its good looks, and a bit of that ends up right here in this watch that Bremont designed to celebrate the famous fighter. At the same time, I have yet to see any other watch that feels so appropriate to go with a brown leather bomber jacket.

Bremont is taking the watch's connection with the actual plane very seriously. The watch is actually dedicated to a very specific P-51 built in 1944 called the P-51K-10. Built in Texas, the plane was used in WWII in the Pacific when fighting the Japanese and then later saw military duty in other parts of Asia. The plane was nick-named "Fragile by Agile" by its pilot, and eventually found a home in the UK. Later, the plane was reacquired by someone in Texas (back to its "birth" location).

Some of the plane is actually used in the watch. Bremont says that aluminum from the fuselage is in the dial (as the subsidiary seconds hand) and some in the movement (as the rotor - save for the weight) in each of the pieces in this limited edition set. Decorative elements on the watch and dial are based on instruments and other aspects of the P-51. Not only is the automatic rotor in the movement a very real looking replica of the plane's propeller, but there is another propeller on the dial as the subsidiary second's hand.

The dial of the Mustang P-51 watch feels about as busy as it needs to be to support the themed. It is also a highly useful dial with some neat features. Powering the watch is a modified Bremont "BE-54AE" automatic movement. This is essentially a highly modified Valjoux 7750 with a GMT module. The movement has further been COSC Chronometer certified. Bremont placed a centrally mounted GMT hand, made it a 30 minute chronograph, and added an internal rotating bezel. The internal bezel is nifty using Bremont's Roto-Click system that makes it easy and precise.

Hands on the dial are coated with SuperLumiNova and the dial is AR coated sapphire. The watch is case uses Bremont's 'made for durability' Trip-Tick technology and is in steel being 43mm wide. Like other Bremont watches, the middle section of the case is done in black PVD. The case should be really sturdy, is shock-resistant, and is water resistant to 100 meters. One the back of the watch Bremont uses an engraving that looks hand-applied for the text. It looks very romantic given the theme of the watch. These guys know aviation themed timepieces and do them very well.

For the strap they uses a tanned calfskin leather with an embossed pattern to look like distressed leather. You know, to go with your bomber jacket. While not for everyone, this is a fantastic looking timepiece with real history, and an attention to detail that any limited edition watch should have. Bremont really knows how to pull on my "desire strings" and I really look forward to seeing this watch in person soon. There will be 251 pieces in this limited edition Mustang P-51 collection. Price is a bit high at $11,900, and will be available for purchase in the fall of 2011.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bremont B-1 Marine Clock Hands-On

admin — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:04:06 +0000

Check out the first working version of Bremont's highly anticipated Marine Clock (model B-1). While this still an unfinished prototype, we can see just how close to the concept Bremont was actually able to make the clock look in reality. There are still some things to complete. For example this version doesn't yet have working knobs to control the clock or adjust the times. You'll also see a lack of detachable winch style winding stem that is still in development. But the clock is more or less done, and it is really a thing of beauty.

I wrote about the Bremont Marine Clock previously here in more detail. There you can go learn more about its functions etc... But in short, why the big deal? The Marine Clock has been 100% developed and built by Bremont... in England. The massive clock is water resistant (to deal with the 'ol sinking ship' problem, and to defend against corrosion), and it will come in a variety of color combo choices per the customers request.

The clock is 100% mechanical and must be hand-wound. The good news is that it has a power reserve of 40 days! Yes, with a handy power reserve indicator. Winding the Marine Clock isn't child's play. That is why Bremont needed to provide a winch style winder. The winder will be attached to the back of the case. When you want to winding the clock, you unhinge it from its back plate, remove the winch, and then attach it to the movement for winding.

Adjusting the clock will be done five crowns that will be arranged on the space under where the winch attaches. Made from mostly brass, the movement is wonderful looking. Not sure what the final finishing on it will be though. The clock is really pretty heavy. The case with back plate are done in aluminum, and are still heavy even in the lighter metal. The clock is designed to attach to a wall, but Bremont can make you a custom stand if you like. The clock is actually design to be able to be lifted out of the back plate if necessary. When in the housing the clock back opens on strong hinges and then locks into place securely (for the water resistance). The system works nicely. Bremont even said that they could design it with an exhibition back if someone wanted to mount the clock on a stand. That would be really cool.

The aluminum housing is available in all sorts of colors based on whatever the customer wants. The clock face itself is nicely rendered and easy to read with all the hands and functions. Looks like a massive watch dial actually - which is cool. Bremont is also showing off their powers when it comes to making movements. This clock will be made in really limited quantities, but foretells a Bremont that makes their own watch movements (something that is coming). The B-1 Marine Clock is an impressive machine and I think most people will like it. Though not many people will be able to get one. Price isn't that bad actually given all the hand-done effort. I twill cost somewhere in the 40,000 British Pound vicinity. A few people argued that Bremont should charge more. But that isn't Bremont's style. They wanted to offer a good, English clock for a price that makes sense to Bremont and the customer. Look for a final version soon and contact Bremont if you are interested in having them make you one when the time is right.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bremont Supermarine 500 Watch Review

admin — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 07:09:42 +0000

It was love at first sight with the Supermarine 500. That doesn't happen too often with watches. It wasn't the first watch I loved, and it won't be the last, but this timepiece certainly has a place in my heart. If you recall I first discussed the Bremont Supermarine 500 watch here back when it was released. At the time I was smitten by the design and the features - though I had never seen one. I paid close attention to Bremont, and followed their activities. Then Bremont invited me to check out their watches at Baselworld. I finally got a chance to check out the Supermarine 500 pieces hands-on.Â In both of those articles you'll find a lot of details on the watch specs, and the various colors options. This version is the Bremont Supermarine 500 Ref. S500/BK. That means it has a black dial, with black bezel. The lume color just hints at green. There is of course the famous model that combines black and a beautiful almost electric lime green (key lime?). Choosing the right color scheme in a Supermarine is tough because they all look quite nice. For me, this black on black model with whitish indicators is the most lasting... classic look. And it really is a classic look. I want to shake the hand of the designer. The ability to design an instant classic is really tough. Not only that, but the watch is actually rather unique looking in today's landscape of luxo-divers.

Bremont's core philosophy is a wise one. They stand close to function and durability. They know that men buy watches because of those reasons. Things like beauty and fashion are important, but they come second (or third). Sort of why we like Ferrari cars - we admire and respect their performance first, and feel good knowing they are pretty too look at. The Supermarine 500 has a long list of durability features - as do most Bremont watches. To get most men excited about this watch, it is just a matter of educating them on the fact that the Supermarine 500 line:

-Has excellent, thickly coated SuperLumiNova lume
-Is 500 meters water resistant
-Has an automatic helium release valve.
-Has a very nicely operating rotating diver's bezel that is covered with a sharp looking sapphire crystal
-Is anti-magnetic
-Is optimized for shock with its Trip-Tick case construction
-Has a well-done anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal
-Has a COSC Chronometer certified ETA 2836-2 automatic Swiss movement
-Is solid and well-made, and looks damn good in the process

I usually don't like such "laundry lists," but everything works nicely here. This isn't the first watch that boasts all these features (not by far), but the power of the Supermarine 500 is that it feels like it is more than a mere sum of its parts. The design is influence by the Supermarine water landing place. I discuss this in my first article on the watch (link above). You can feel the retro influence in the dial, the numerals, and the shape of the case. It feels pleasantly nostalgic and tasteful - as opposed to ephemeral in its appeal. Over a year of knowing about this watch and it still looks good. Which is actually a test for if a watch has a nice design. You should all remember this. See a watch and are not sure whether it is a design you'll love in a few months? Here is what you do. Look at the watch you want to buy. Then don't look at it for a bit. Instead, look at tons of other watches. Online, in stores, where ever... After that go back to the original watch you liked and wanted to get. Does it still look good? Still hold that place in your heart compared to everything else you've look at? If so, you know it might be a good purchase choice.

For me, the Supermarine 500 passed that test. It even has two personalities, as it comes on a vertical strip textured rubber strap and a metal bracelet. It seriously looks like a different watch on either one. The metal bracelet is really nice looking and has a pretty good polish. The fold-over push-button deployment operates smoothly. My only small issue with the bracelet is adjustability options. It does have two small micro adjusts, but it could use three or four. Again, this is extremely dependent on your wrist size. Plenty of people find that the watch will fit perfectly. Other will find it always a bit too loose or too tight. Again, if you are one of those people and worry about this, the rubber strap is a good option when you need a comfortable, yet secure fit for sport activities.

The dial continues to be highly reliably and legibly. The lume (again) is really excellent on the watch, and the dial is easy to see in most situation. Bremont did a good job with the size and proportions of the hands. The dial comes complete with a full minute scale on the flange ring in addition to the large applied hour markers. I am usually not a fan of domed sapphire crystal (prefer flat ones), but this watch pulls off a domed one well. Meaning that there is very limited distortion on the dial, nor glare. Chalk it up to Bremont's use of a high quality sapphire crystal that uses lots of AR coating. The polished hands and hour markers add a gentle luxurious component to the otherwise retro tool style of the piece.

I continue to love the shape of the lugs. Just a great elegant curve that is common on Bremont timepieces. The middle section of the steel case is in black. The case is 43mm wide and rather tall. This is a good feeling "chunky" dive watch case. The body of the watch is made more interesting by this middle PVD black section (part of the Trip-Tick construction). Not only is the middle section black, but it has some nice horizontal lines that add texture and visual interest to the case.

Opting for an off-centered crown (that has a Bremont propeller logo engraved in it), Bremont designed an interesting "swoosh" crown guard that helps integrate the look of the crown into the overall watch. Like the watch case, the crown has a small middle black section to it - a nice little detail of the variety I now come to expect from the brand. With an assortment of very well-made, highly desirable watches, Bremont has set a very high bar for itself moving forward. There are promises of in-house movements, in-house modules, and other exciting things from the British brand. Are they eager to put the UK back on the map as a serious destination for watch lovers to look for high-end brands? Or are they interested in putting British charm into the Swiss watch industry? They could really do either at this point.

The screw-down caseback of the watch has a relief engraving of the stenciled Supermarine plane. Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA 2836 automatic day/date movement that Bremont calls their BE-36AE movement. Like I said, it has been Chronometer certified for accuracy. Bremont has also placed their own special rotor on the movement. Bremont places the watch in a clever cylindrical leather case. It has a hard middle section that is good for storing three watches while on the go, and in the middle of the inner cylinder "pillow" is a storage area for the extra strap, etc... I love it when watch boxes are actually useful.

A good diver watch is a stepping stone for serious brands. All good brands have good dive watch. Not all of them hit a home run right away. Bremont has succeeding in defining itself through the Supermarine 500 diver. This is also the second Bremont watch that I reviewed, the first was a review of the Bremont U-2 watch. It is a beautiful timepiece that is nice to wear, and easy to own. At $5,150 it isn't very cheap, but neither is the brand's persistence or ability to impress. As an alternative (or compliment) to a Rolex, Omega, or other highly popular luxury dive watch, the Bremont Supermarine Certainly holds its own. I can easily recommend (and do suggest) this timepiece.

Thanks to Bremont for the review unit. Opinions are 100% independent.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bremont U-2 Watch Review

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:03:29 +0000

The romance of flight, the mystique of secret flight, the durability of extensive testing. Each of these concepts is a major part of the Bremont U-2 watch - new limited edition made specially for pilots of the U-2 spy plane. This review is really a review of two watches - the U-2 as well as the Bremont Martin Baker watches (that I wrote about previously here). Bremont shouldn't require any introduction at this point as I have been gushing about their pieces frequently. I was happy to report on the sexy look of their Supermarine watches here, and now for something more flight oriented.

It all started with the Martin Baker project - where Bremont needed to make a watch suitable not only for professional pilots, but also to survive an aviation WCS (worst case scenario). This basically meant be thrust out of an aviation seat at god knows how many G's and making it to the ground OK. All with your watch still working. Thus, the Bremont Martin Baker watch (MB1 and MB2) needed to withstand magnetism, vibrations, shock, high pressure, low pressure, fast movement, and still needed to look good in the process. You can see video below that touches on the testing the watches went through.

The result was a roughly 42mm wide steel case with Bremont's Trip-Tick construction and coated in black DLC (diamond like carbon). Case is water resistant to 100 meters. The movement of the watch is actually suspended in a shock absorbing material (see the red areas in one of the movement images below). Trip-Tick is where Bremont uses, 1) a hardened steel bezel and sapphire crystal, 2) a central body (barrel) section of the case done in either titanium or a PVD coated steel section (in that cool grated texture), and 3) and steel caseback - often with a sapphire crystal exhibition window. In the case of the Bremont U-2, everything is in steel - save for the inner barrel that is in anodized aluminum - and coated in DLC - a material coating that is very hard with amazing scratch resistance.

Over the dial is a domed sapphire crystal with a lot of AR coating on it. This makes the dial very easy to read - despite having such a domed crystal. Such doming can often lead to lots of glare and distortion - but that isn't the case here. The watch dial is very much an evolution of the MB1, with some added elements for the U-2's purpose. Like the plane, the purpose of the U-2 is a secret. No not really, but actual American U-2 pilots will be given special serious of the U-2 watch to wear. And there will be other models made available to the public.

The U-2 is a spy plane that saw service first back in 1957 - they are still used today. I remember as a kid seeing one out at Edwards Airforce base in the CA desert. The planes are matte black and long. Really long. They look like flying pencils. Their use was for very high altitude recon. It was a cold war era spy plane after all. Meant to be stealthy and useful for long distances. Really, the plane looks like a cockpit and a large fuselage mounted jet engine. An image of the plane is placed right on the watch dial to remind you that the U-2 watch is themed on a plane, not a pop band.

The government will eventually ground all the remaining U-2 planes - even though they are still being used for limited missions today. Why? Unmanned spy drones and orbital spy satellites have become more useful, much more useful. While I will never call a super cool spy plane is obsolete, the U-2 is a historical token of the ingenuity that the need for secrecy can create, and will eventually be only a reminder of the past. But they still have a good 5-10 years in them. I want you to check out the two cockpit images. One is of an original U-2 cockpit, and the other is of a more modern one with upgraded instrumentation. Notice that even with more reliance on computers and screen, there are still analog instrument. Cause the bottom line is, electronics can fail, and in many events people trust mechanical things more. So a watch like the Bremont U-2 not only looks like it belongs in the plane, but is useful to wear while in it as well.

See those four red crosses on the watch dial? Look at the tail of the Dragon Lady (nickname of the U-2 series planes). These and other little touches will be part of the U-2 theme. The name of the watch is charmingly applied on the dial. Instead of the 3 hour indicator being lume filled and done with a large Arabic numeral, 2 o'clock is - and there is a dark colored "U" next to it, spelling out "U-2." That was a cute touch. Aside from being another limited edition with its own story and some cosmetic changes, the U-2 watch retains most of the DNA of the Martin Baker watches. Also, note that the specific watch you see before you is a prototype version of the U-2. So the final versions will have some changes.

The dial design was curious to me at first, but proved highly enjoyable and useful. It is clearly styled after airplane cockpit instrumentation. Maybe more so that Bell & Ross aviation themed watches. Bremont founder restored vintage aircraft before making watches, so they know a thing or two about airplane instrument style. This includes the style of the hour and minute hands, the matte black metal dial, the hour indicators, and the damn good clarity. Though I have to say, the Bremont U-2 dial is probably a lot nicer in quality that most airplane cockpit instruments. Like the MB1 watches, the seconds hand has an emergency eject handle as the counterweight. This handle would rest between your legs in a Martin Baker ejection seat - ready to be pulled in the case of an emergency. It has no such function in the watch! Imagine an ejection lever that would eject the movement from the case. That would reach new heights of pointless complications.

Bremont uses a very healthy amount of SuperLumiNova all over the dial. Night viewing is very good, as the luminant is richly applied. I found myself very confident that I could read the time in the dark. The dial also has an inner rotating bezel, that is operated via the lower crown on the right side of the case. Unlike many inner bezels that seem to just freely turn around, the one here has small, but discernible notches for precise use. Again, Bremont has a charming British name for this feature - "Roto-clik." Like all true aviator rotating bezels, this one also turns in both directions (unlike diver bezels that only turn in one direction).

I do really like this watch and find myself claiming it for wrist time more often than not. Other people seem to like it as well. When they do, it gives me the opportunity to tell them all about Bremont, and the U-2. I like that it is an English watch (with a Swiss movement). Something about "London" written on the dial as opposed to "Swiss Made" that feel fresh. The movement is Swiss, like I said. Bremont uses as base ETA 2836 automatic - that has a day and date feature. Bremont modifies it a bit and calls it the Bremont Caliber BE-36AE. The movement has further been COSC Chronometer certified for accuracy. In addition to having some really nice perlage polish and blued steel screws, it has a very cool black colored custom Bremont rotor. There is a great (though watch nerd) joy when you hand someone a cool looking functional watch, only to have them turn it over and say "wow" when seeing the unexpected decorated movement.

Bremont pairs the U-2 watch with its calf leather strap and a NATO style fabric strap. They did a nice job with the buckle - nice elegant look that feels to thematically match the case lug design (at least to me). This buckle is in polished steel while the case is black. Again, this is a prototype watch - so I am not sure the exact buckle that will be on the final pieces. There will be at least 150 of these watches available to the general public. As well as another version that is toned down a bit (no DLC as well) that should be less expensive, and more widely available. Price for a model like this should be in the $4,000 range. A great limited edition timepiece with a design that won'tÂ disappoint, function that won't fail you, and story that is fun to tell.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bremont B-1 Marine Clock

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 07:07:21 +0000

"All hands on Deck! Everyone is required to meet the newest member of the crew... Gentlemen, I've called you here so that you can meet the new clock. His name is Bremont, and he is going to be our new B-1 Marine Clock aboard the ship. You are ordered to treat him like one of us. He is better looking that most of you aboard, and I say don't say this lightly - Bremont's life if probably worth more than any of yours. Perkins! Yes you. I am assigning you to Bremont maintenance and security duty. You are required to check in with Bremont to wind him each 4 weeks. You aren't allowed to forget. He is mechanical, but not perpetual. Also, and just as important - in the event the ship goes down, or we are in a some particularly nasty weather - you are to secure this life preserver around Bremont. He is water tight, but won't float. I can't afford to lose Bremont. You will value him over your, and other people's lives! Do not disappoint me...."

That is pretty much how I imagine life aboard a ship would be like for the privileged captain or ship owner that will get themselves a new Bremont Marine Clock. The first clock from the young British brand is a beauty. It is themed on the first Marine Chronometer - another English invention. John Harrison invented the marine chronometer - a very important creation that finally allowed for improved naval navigation. Check out the image of one here in the post below. This was back in the 18th century. John Harrison the clock maker, and the story behind the marine chronometer are super interesting, but a story for another day. You can learn more on Wikipedia here.

Bremont will manufacture the Marine Clock 100% in England - a fine return to English clock making, and great for the brand. While not a limited edition per se, the Marine Clock will be produced in very limited quantities, with only 10 - 15 pieces made each year. The first of which will be delivered in early 2011. The purpose of the clock is to be used as a precise and relied upon instrument aboard fine boats. On anything from classy well-kept wooden sailing ships to super yachts. Or your living room if you deem it proper.Â Everyone is gonna love one of these, and the clock is totally mechanical.

In addition to the time, the Marine Clock has a lot of cool functions. It will also have a power reserve indicator on the dial (very important), given that it has a power reserve of one month (it would be hell to remember when it needs to be wound without the indicator). The clock has multiple time zones - (local time, home time, and Greenwich mean time). There is a subsidiary seconds indicator for the main time - with some nice exposed gear work in an open space about the seconds subdial. The home time dial is the smaller dial with Roman numerals, while the main time uses attractive Arabic numerals. The GMT time is told in traditional 24 hour format around the the large face of the clock just as you would find on a wrist watch. Last, the Marine Clock features a special chronograph mechanism that functions as a "trip or voyage time" counter. This features can measure (using hours as units) a trip time of up to 90 days. There is a double handed counter that goes up to 90 on the outside (for the days), and has a 24 hour scale on the side (for each hour of the day).

Even though the clock needs to be manually wound - this process is said to be easy, while the clock is still water resistant. The details and beauty of the clock are all added benefits. What is important to Bremont is that the clock function as a serious functional tool. It is highly legible, using high contrast hands. Lovely used of traditional blued steel hands for the hours, minutes, and seconds. Customers who order Bremont Marine Clocks will have lots of customization options available to them. Including a variety of decorative options and colors. Bremont really wants customers to feel as though their Bremont Marine Clocks perfect fit the look and theme of their vessels. Not totally sure about size, but they areÂ meant to be "robust" clocks. Price will be about $58,000 each for these hand-done mechanical ship clocks from Bremont. I bet a scaled down wrist watch version would do nicely as well.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bremont Supermarine 500 Dive Watch Hands-On

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 07:12:45 +0000

Back at Baselworld last month I was really excited about seeing one particular timepiece - the Bremont Supermarine 500. When I first learned about the watch sometime ago, I wrote about the Supermarine 500 here, exclaiming that it was the watch that helped me pay attention to the new British brand. The attractive 500 meter water resistant dive watch with a vintage inspired design based on an old seaplane looked like a must have - but I needed to see it in the flesh.

As I walked in the room to meet with Bremont. I felt as though I basically mumbled hello with my eye looking past the people, and stamped right over to the table with the Supermarine 500 watches. It had been long enough and I wanted to get my hands on the watches. What I really liked about the Supermarine 500 watches was the style, tech specs, and the combination of simplicity with enough decoration not to be boring. This is truly a competent daily wear - still a rarity for me to find in the sea of available watches these days.

Bremont did a good job with look of the piece in person. I had a few minor thoughts for the design to share with Bremont, but overall it is a great looking dive watch. Size is 42-43mm wide - the standard size of medium watches these days. As you can see, it wears nicely and doesn't look too small or too large. The steel case has a neat PVD ring around it that adds to the Bremont character (part of their Trip-Tic durable case construction branding), and really helps the piece stand out from other dive watches. Clearly having a multi piece case by having the pieces contrast can result in a good look. There is an interesting long and tapered single piece crown guard that is also attached to the case near the crown that is mounted on the upper left side of the case. Another look that Bremont hopes will distinguish the Supermarine 500. Note the little propeller design engraved into the crown.

I quite like the design of the lugs that feel as though they match pieces from the famous seaplane. Even if they don't, the look of the lugs (especially when viewed from the side) is impressive and again, different. Once more, as the entire case sandwiches the PVD black, horizontal line engraved mid section, the design is imbued with an added technical feel that is more than welcome. Wearing the watch feels more than other timepieces, like a machine on your wrist.

The rotating diver's bezel is capped with a sapphire crystal ring that adds visual interest as well as scratch resistance. I've always liked that look on watch collection since I first saw it on one of the Blancpain 50 Fathoms watches (which in a way I consider a designÂ influence to this Bremont watch). On the dial, you see more vertical lines that match those on the side of the case as well as the strap. These are meant to evoke the vertical lines on the running boards of the plane (see link to other article above for plane images). The dial is a good mixture of classic dive watch aesthetic, as well as vintage instrumentation panel (with a little bit of a retro pocket watch twist). While the dial is easy to read with purposeful hands, there are is good level of slightly subdued decorative elements. Making for a great "historic" look that still is able to separate itself from other more spartan creations. The flange ring has minute markers on it to match the smaller ring in the middle of the dial. The applied hour markers are large and attractive being covered with lume. There are a few Supermarine 500 dial colors to choose from with the light green and black being the signature look. Though I do like the blue and off-white, as well as the green and silver dial options.

Inside the watch is an ETA 2836 that has been modified a bit and is called the BE-36A movement inside the watch. The automatic Swiss movement has been COSC Chronometer certified in this watch. An important value added point that Bremont almost hides on the back of the watch. The native day/date display is on the dial with a polished metal frame around the information windows. One small suggestion I had for Bremont is to just slightly increase the height of the applied hour markers - just a little tiny bit.

The rear of the watch has an engraving of the Seaplane (looking straight at it) that the watch line was based on. Admittedly, although it is engraved well, it is not the best design. You need to stare at it too long to figure out that it is a plane, and the schematic-like illustration looks odd head-on. In addition to the case being 500 meters water resistant, it is also anti-magnetic and shock resistant, going along with the Bremont family of core durability values applied to its watches meant for activity. Bremont watches make you feel pretty confident that they can stand up to a lot. Having watches like the Martin Baker series in their collection sure helps with that.

In addition to the rubber strap, the watches are available with a really nice (and not to heavy) steel metal bracelet. The bracelet speaks for itself as you can see it in the images. I can't tell which I prefer. If I had one of the watches I would want to go with both the rubber strap and steel bracelet, and switch them out as I saw fit. In all, the Bremont Supermarine 500 is a unique luxury dive watch, even though it has a plethora of competition. The brand does an excellent job of marketing its "active" character, and the unique British edge to the design is evident in most all of their watches. While the Supermarine 500 is not without its little quirks, it is a satisfying watch that you'll easily see yourself picking up to wear regularly. Price (at least in the UK) is about $4,500 or so.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.