AndrewD
[HoMe Moderator]
12829
Bremont Chronometers in Australia
It is always exciting to see a new brand coming into the local market and we were recently invited to the Melbourne launch held at Pickings & Parry in Fitzroy, a men’s shop featuring hand made and traditional objects for everyday life.
Bremont is a relatively young company, bringing their first offerings to the marketplace in 2007. The company was founded by two brothers, Nick and Giles English, in 2002. The movements used are the ETA 2892 and Valjoux 7750 chronograph workhorses that are finished to a higher standard (perlage is obvious through the display backs) by the Bremont watchmakers and cased up in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, using local Manufactures for parts.
On the wrist of the Australian importer, Nick Hooper, the Martin-Baker MB2. The MB1 is officially available only to those who have used the Martin-Baker fighter ejection seat. It of course features the anti-shock system appropriate for such a watch. This watch is housed in a 43mm x 13.5mm steel case with a bi-directional Roto-Click bezel which is operated by the crown at the 4 o’clock position.
The Supermarine and Martin-Baker watches (Martin-Baker is a British aviation company specialising in ejection seats) have an internal Faraday cage shielding the movement against magnetic fields and a rubberised vibration-resistant mounting improving the shock resistance of the watches.
The themes are obviously aviation inspired and I think the Bremont watches are at their best when channelling simple pilot watches with superior legibility. This was my favourite of the evening, from the Solo Collection, inspired by classic Pilot’s watches. This is the SOLO/CR and the watch is also available on bracelet. Inside is the Bremont automatic BE-S6AE movement with glucydur balance. The case is 43mm in diameter with a PVD treated case barrel and attractively sculptured lugs. I found it very comfortable on the wrist with a tang buckle.
The sapphire crystals have 9 layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides and this is very apparent on the wrist – superb legibility.
All Bremont steel cases undergo an additional hardening process and their steel measures 2000 on the Vickers’ Scale apparently making it 7 times harder than a typical stainless steel watch.
All the movements are COSC certified which adds a degree of reassurance regarding performance. In addition, the company offers a 3 year warranty which is unusual in the industry where 2 years is the norm and 1 year not unexpected. The COSC certificates are kept at the Manufacture and are available to owners when they register their watches after purchase.
From the U-2 Collection is the U2/SS in steel. A black DLC version is available as well. The U-2 is a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft so the watch has been tested to 100,000 feet and minus 40oC, not that I would like to be in those conditions. It also features the Bremont anti-shock mounting and antimagnetic Faraday cage and RotoClick bezel.
The Michael Wong MW Heli Chrono, based on the ALT1-P with a DLC case and Super-LumiNova C3 hands and numerals and integrated internal winding bezel. The case measures 43mm x 15.8mm. Inside is the automatic BE-50AE Bremont calibre beating at 28,88 vph with a 42h power reserve.
The Alt1-WT world timer with blue dial. White and black dials are also available. 43mm x 16mm case. 24 hour UTC hand.
The Supermarine diving watch certified to 500m. The Supermarine aircraft company created the famous S6B Seaplane of the 1920’s. The steel case measures 43mm x 17mm and features a helium escape valve and the soft iron Faraday cage and anti-shock mounting.
The Bremont Norton is a limited edition of 200 pieces based around the ALT1-C model. The dial is hand painted with design cues taken from the Norton Commando bike. 43mm x 15.8mm steel case with PVD barrel. Bremont BE-50A automatic movement with 43h power reserve.
The ALT1-P with bracelet and blue dial.
The ALT1-Z for ‘Zulu time’ or UTC for travellers.
The ALT1-C with cream dial contains a modified Valjoux 7750 in a case measuring 43mm x 15.8mm. Other dial colours include silver, black, green and anthracite.
Finally the ALT1-C in rose gold, the first non-limited edition Bremont Chronometer in precious metal. The case barrel uses DLC treatment that is a nice contrast to the RG bezel. Elegant yet sporty. Inside is the Valjoux 7750 nicely embellished with blued screws, perlage and a Bremont perforated automatic winding rotor.
Current production is 3000 watches per annum. Bremont produce limited series for various military squadrons.
Other pieces were passed around …
I like the philosophy of Pickings & Parry: “Inspired by a time when men dressed with style regardless of their activity and products were purchased to withstand the years, not just the season. Timeless products of enduring quality based on tradition and craftsmanship. The things we buy represent a part of who we are.” Clearly an appropriate venue to launch Bremont Chronometers into Australia.
Andrew
This message has been edited by AndrewD on 2014-03-18 13:02:27
Bremont Chronometers in Australia
Great post all the right stuff
We had a great time ...
What can I say
Giles crashed a 1930 Gipsy Moth ...
Wonderful post.....
I have a photo of your wonderful new ...
Great event - with Bremont, you know it'll be good
Sounds like you are a fan ...
Well done, Andrew, great pics and text.
Wha at wonderful series of images Andrew
