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Bremont

by Stephen Foskett (Grail Watch)

Bremont Watch Company is a luxury, aviation-themed British watchmaker based in England. They have begun to move production from Switzerland to Henley-on-Thames.

History

Brothers Nick and Giles English spawned Bremont from a joint lifetime passion of engineering and aviation. The core company principles are Durability, Precision, Aviation and Mechanics. Thanks to the early influence of their father, Dr Euan English, the brothers were fortunate to inherit a wealth of practical mechanical experience, ranging from clock assembly to airplane and yacht construction. This foundation was consolidated with active flying experience, often flying at historical air displays, cementing a knowledgeable appreciation for historical mechanics.

Dramatically, it was the regretful death of their father on 4 March 1995, during training for an air show in their WWII Harvard, that spurred the brothers to commercially materialise their adoration for watches. Unable to recover from an inverted spin, Euan died instantly and Nick was left with over 30 broken bones. Following recovery, the two decided to honour the memory of their father and utilise the impetus that had been created.

Building on their existing family aviation business, they sought to create a quintessentially British brand that incorporated the highest quality mechanical movements, built to precise and durable parameters. The immensely resilient timepieces are inspired by a range of historical narratives, from 1940's aircraft to more specific collaborations such as Bletchley Park and HMS Victory. Indeed, there is a very keen awareness of the rich British historical rooting in Horology, from Harrison and Graham to more recently George Daniels and Peter Roberts. Indeed, this British revival at Bremont is materialised in partnership with other iconic companies like Jaguar Cars and Martin-Baker. The result is a portfolio of watches that are as much at home in the boardroom as they are in the field.

This original outlook was evident even in the name. Following an emergency landing in France in the late 1990s that Nick and Giles were taken in by a gracious farmer who let them stay the night. They relished a visit to his workshop where they appreciated his old wall clocks and engine parts before bidding farewell to the old wartime pilot. →His name was Antione Bremont.

Technology and Design

Bremont practices several unique manufacturing techniques, helping produce watches to designs of specifications and quality that are unmatched in their price bracket. Over-engineering is very much part of the brand ethos, helping produce watches that are ready for whatever environment they may be thrown in. All models care Chronology Certified and offered with a three year warranty.

Movements

Bremont is an etablisseur, using ebauche movements from Swiss manufacturers with modifications ranging from mild decorating to major overhauls. It is said that they source their movements from La Joux-Perret, though all have an ETA base. Note that Bremont often uses the same name for movements with somewhat different complications or configurations, though they are consistent in naming base calibres.

Collections

Bremont has core range of models and limited editions. The majority of the core range are directly inspired and/or styled from classic aviation. Core Range →Link

Limited Editions

Awards

Since its founding, Bremont has received a multitude of awards in various fields → Link:

References

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