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Bremont’s New Adventure Era
Bremont’s New Adventure Era
The inception of Bremont can be traced back to 2002, when brothers Nick and Giles English, driven by an unwavering passion for engineering, embarked on a quest to create aviation-inspired mechanical timepieces. After five years of research and development, Bremont unveiled its inaugural collection in 2007.
Bremont rapidly built a reputation for engineering excellence, showcasing remarkable durability in both high altitude and deep-sea diving conditions. Their timepieces have been rigorously tested by a distinguished roster of ambassadors renowned in their respective fields, including Laird Hamilton, a legendary big wave surfer and waterman; Ocean Ramsey, a world-renowned freediver, marine biologist and conservationist; Aldo Kane, a record-breaking extreme adventurer and former commando sniper; Ben Saunders, a polar explorer; and Jason Fox, author, adventurer, and former SAS member — all of whom have worn Bremont watches in challenging conditions.
In 2021, Bremont opened the doors to “The Wing,” a state-of-the-art 35,000 square foot watch manufacturing facility nestled in the heart of the Chiltern Valley. This cutting-edge facility serves as the birthplace of Bremont’s meticulously crafted watches where each timepiece is brought to life through a fusion of skilled craftsmanship and advanced technology.
The same year, Bremont unveiled its proprietary ENG300 movement series. This achievement was followed by the development of a complex movement in collaboration with French, Swiss-based watchmaker Olivier Mory. Utilizing Mory’s tourbillon module, Bremont has created a complication specifically designed for travel and exploration. The Terra Nova Dual-Time Tourbillon is meticulously hand assembled by skilled watchmakers at The Wing.
Bremont makes a strong statement against its competitors in only using mechanical movements, the vast majority of which are tested to chronometer standards.
In 2023, industry veteran Davide Cerrato took the helm of Bremont. Cerrato has a proven record of relaunching and revitalising brands as well as establishing string brand identity and design aesthetics, as he did for Tudor with its Black Bay collection. Similarly, he has indicated a renewed focus for Bremont on streamlining the collections with land, sea and air themes. Cerrato proudly champions and continues the journey conceived by the English brothers since the company’s inception. The vision hasn’t changed. Cerrato wants to create a unique British brand, producing the greatest tool watches whilst leveraging Bremont’s distinct DNA, strengthening the brands identity and enriching its offering.
The Wayfinder: a symbol of Bremont’s evolving identity
In a bold and inspiring move, Cerrato unveiled “The Wayfinder,” a compelling new logo that celebrates Bremont’s evolution from the world of aviation to a broader brand architecture encompassing Land, Sea and Air. This innovative design builds upon Bremont’s iconic propeller logo, overlaying the marks of a nautical compass and weaving in elements of the Union Flag of the brand’s home nation.
The Wayfinder logo conveys a sense of rotation, symbolizing Bremont’s commitment to the creation of fine mechanical watches. Unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2024, The Wayfinder will be visible across new product offerings created for both Land and Sea, forming part of a wider brand refresh and new identity.
While The Wayfinder represents a bold step forward, Bremont remains deeply rooted in its heritage. The brand’s current identity, known as the “Heritage Logo,” was first introduced in 2012 and will continue to feature prominently on Bremont’s military collections and certain limited edition timepieces.
Moreover, Bremont’s font has been redrawn, creating an updated and contemporary presence that complements the brand’s evolving identity while paying homage to its storied past.
Inspiring exploration and adventure
Bremont’s timepieces have accompanied explorers on some of the most daring and challenging expeditions, from scaling the world’s highest peaks to traversing the harshest deserts and navigating treacherous polar regions. These watches have become trusted companions, withstood the rigors of extreme environments and served as a constant reminder of the human capacity for achievement and perseverance.
Cerrato’s inaugural full collection presents a compelling vision of the Bremont brand, characterized by a more streamlined product range, varied sizes, and tailored to attract a new audience of young, enthusiastic, adventureseeking consumers. This adventurous spirit is epitomized by newly appointed ambassador Jimmy Chin, a renowned climber, filmmaker and photographer.
Jimmy Chin is widely regarded as one of America’s foremost adventurers. His expertise in extreme mountaineering has paved the way for opportunities as a National Geographic photographer, Academy Award-winning film director, and New York Times Best Selling author. This partnership will go beyond mere endorsement, encompassing the creation of special edition timepieces, the first of which will launch in Autumn 2024, as well as exclusive content and immersive experiences that embody the brand’s adventurous spirit.
“Watches are not just instruments for keeping time; they are symbols of exploration and mark the moments that define our lives,” Chin states.
Rigorous testing protocols and quality
Bremont creates purposeful products, expertly engineered and extensively tested, embodying the very essence and provenance of tool watches. Designed around a unique British identity, inspired and informed by the military, they can perform in any environment.
Subjected to rugged use or exposed to harsh conditions, Bremont watches are constructed using the best watchmaking techniques available and highest quality materials such as 904L steel, a super alloy used in aerospece. No shortcuts are taken when it comes to reliable equipment, ensuring that each timepiece is tested well beyond standard expectations.
The brand subjects its watches to some of the world’s most demanding environments, tested on the wrists of adventurers, pilots, divers and explorers — individuals who embody the Bremont spirit.
Under Cerrato’s leadership, Bremont has incorporated the use of 904L steel, a superior grade “super alloy,” in the cases of new collections, a move that is quite uncommon in this price range. Implementing 904L steel signifies a high standard of quality and durability. Its primary advantage lies in its extraordinary resistance to various corrosive environments, ensuring it can endure everyday exposure to sweat, skin oils and temperature fluctuations.
In 2007, Bremont worked with Martin Baker with the purpose of designing the ultimate aviation watch. A watch was engineered to endure the same rigorous testing standards as the ejection seats. The rigorous testing protocols include vibration, crash and altitude assessments, extreme temperature evaluations and even live ejection trials, among others. After two years of development, the Bremont MBI was introduced. This MBI featuring a red knurled barrel is exclusively available to pilots who have ejected from an aircraft using a Martin-Baker seat.
All-new Terra Nova collection
The introduction of the Terra Nova collection marks a significant milestone in Bremont’s journey. The Terra Nova series serves as Bremont’s entry into land-based adventure models, complementing its existing dive and aviation offerings. The design elements of this collection pay homage to military pocket watches of the early 20th century while incorporating contemporary features for the 21st century adventurer.
The collection showcases watches that can withstand the most severe conditions. These timepieces feature a host of innovative elements, including cases crafted from 904L stainless steel, highly legible gradient dials and top-quality Sellita movements. Under the guidance of Cerrato, Bremont has also incorporated practical features like quick-release bracelets, because wearability, comfort, ergonomics and durability are paramount to Bremont.
With its cushion-shaped profile and 904L stainless steel construction, the Terra Nova offers superior corrosion resistance compared to standard industry materials. The collection includes various models, from simple time-only pieces to highly complicated tourbillons.
Cerrato summarizes the new collection, “With Terra Nova, we have focused on designing and creating a perfect field watch, meticulously researching and referencing early 20th century military pocket watches and drawing on Bremont’s long-standing ties with elite military squadrons around the world, to bring a true sense of provenance in the visual and functional language.”
Cushion case shape
One of the most distinctive features of the Terra Nova is its contemporary, geometrical cushion case. This unique shape is a visually interesting mix between a cushion and a round shape, setting it apart from traditional field watches. The case is crafted from 904L stainless steel, finishing that combines brushed and polished texturing, creating a sophisticated and iconic appearance.
The Terra Nova collection offers various case sizes to cater to different audiences. The range includes 38mm, 40.5mm and 42.5mm options, with the 38mm size being a new addition to Bremont’s lineup. This smaller size harnesses the emerging trend of more compact timepieces while maintaining the collection’s robust character. The closed caseback is engraved with a charted map of the globe, and the watches have a water resistance rating of 100 meters.
Gradient dials
Bremont’s Terra Nova collection features a distinctive visual appeal, primarily characterized by its unique gradient dials. Vertical gradient dials in anthracite, green and blue are featured across all Terra Nova references as an iconic design detail.
These dials are intricately crafted and serve to both enhance the aesthetic allure of the watches and to increase their legibility in various light conditions.
Oversized numerals and hands
Legibility is a crucial aspect of any field watch, and the Terra Nova excels in this area. The dial features oversized numerals cut in full-block Super-LumiNova, ensuring exceptional visibility in low-light conditions. This design choice not only enhances functionality, but also pays tribute to the vintage military pocket watches that inspired the collection.
The Super-LumiNova application extends to the indexes on the broken railroad minute track and the vintage inspired hands. This comprehensive luminous treatment ensures that the watch remains readable in various lighting conditions, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures.
New bracelet design
Bremont has introduced a new quick-release bracelet for the Terra Nova collection, crafted in 904L steel. The bracelet design mirrors the outer radius of the cushion case, featuring a combination of brushed and polished facets. Curved links are repeated throughout the length of the strap, creating a high level of articulation that ensures enhanced fluidity and comfort for the wearer.
The bracelet’s small links better conform to the shape and size of the wrist, providing a secure and comfortable fit. This attention to detail in the bracelet design complements the overall esthetic of the Terra Nova while enhancing its practicality for everyday wear and adventurous pursuits.
Versatility of the core collection
The Terra Nova Collection is offered in three distinct case sizes, each boasting an ascending degree of functionality. The options include a 38mm time-only model, a multifunctional 40.5mm version equipped with a date function or a rotating compass bezel, power reserve indicator, date and small seconds. The core collection is rounded off with a 42.5mm steel chronograph.
The Terra Nova 38 represents the most compact model in the collection, designed for individuals who favor a more discreet and refined timepiece. Offered with either a white or gradient anthracite dial, this time-only watch boasts a brushed stainless-steel case with dimensions of 38mm in diameter and a slim profile of 10.7mm in thickness. The watch comes with the option of a leather strap or a stainless-steel bracelet that seamlessly integrates with the case.
The Terra Nova 40.5 Date exemplifies a harmonious blend of style and practicality. This timepiece, available with either anthracite or green gradient dials, features a three-hand configuration and a date display positioned at three o’clock. Encased in a brushed and polished stainless-steel housing, it measures 40.5mm in diameter and has a thickness of 11.11mm. Strap options include a stainless steel bracelet, a leather strap or a NATO-style fabric strap, allowing for easy customization to suit individual preferences.
For individuals desiring a more adventurous timepiece, the Terra Nova 40.5 Turning Bezel is a perfect choice. This model is equipped with a bi-directional compass bezel, a small seconds subdial positioned at nine o’clock, and a power reserve indicator located at six o’clock, rendering it as a helpful instrument for outdoor enthusiasts. Offered with either an anthracite or blue gradient dial, the Terra Nova 40.5 Turning Bezel can be paired with a stainless-steel bracelet, leather strap or NATO-style fabric strap.
The Terra Nova 42.5 Chronograph boasts a functional chronograph mechanism and a ceramic bi-directional compass bezel. It is available with an anthracite dial and features two subdials for tracking elapsed time, along with a date window strategically positioned at six o’clock. With water resistance up to 100 meters, the watch can be paired with a stainless-steel bracelet, a leather strap or a NATO style fabric strap. For those desiring a touch of luxury, a limited edition of 50 pieces in rose gold, featuring a brown gradient dial, is also available.
Terra Nova has a strong identity and reflects Bremont’s goal to create perfect tool watches. It is also apparent that Cerrato is steadfastly committed to the evolution of the brand as well as the perpetual improvement of its watches with convincing designs and high-grade materials. The presence of a literal Wayfinder on the dial further strengthens our conviction that Bremont is indeed embarking on the appropriate course.
Bremont