Bremont Autumn/Winter Briefing 2016

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AUTUMN - WINTER 2016 Bremont.com

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THE BREMONT COLLECTION

HISTORY OF BRITISH WATCHMAKING

BUYING BREMONT

Take a look at Bremont’s luxury chronometers.

Bremont explores the rich history of watchmaking in Great Britain.

Find out where you can purchase Bremont.

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RE A D M ORE : BREMONT CELEBRATES BOEING'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY · BREMONT RELEASES REGATTA COLLECTION · SOLO-32 LADIES CHRONOMETER · FROM THE LOG BOOK

CELEBRATING THE WORLD'S GREATEST AIR RACE. The Bremont DH-88 Limited Edition celebrates the astonishing de Havilland DH-88 Comet, Grosvenor House, the aircraft that captured the world’s imagination with a phenomenal record-breaking flight in 1934. Fighting exhaustion and significant mechanical challenges, whilst barely stopping for over three days, two men in their pioneering British racing aircraft won the incredible air-race from England to Australia. R E A D M OR E ON PAG E

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During the golden age of flight, the England to Australia record became the goal of many legendary aviators. The Smith brothers first completed the hazardous journey in 1919, taking 27 days and 20 hours. There would be many failures, but repeated attempts saw the time gradually reduced to just over seven days by 1934. The infamous MacRobertson Air Race aimed to, and succeeded in, shrinking that record further and in doing so, encourage the operation of a fast and safe commercial air route to Australia. To commemorate this feat and to raise funds for the Shuttleworth Collection, Bremont introduces the ‘Bremont DH-88 Limited Edition’ chronometer, a special timepiece which has been painstakingly handcrafted in the company’s workshops in England and in an elegant style reminiscent of that wonderful 1930s era. The 282 stainless steel and 82 rose gold cases house the beautifully finished BE-54AE chronometer rated chronograph movement with GMT functionality. Constructed ensuring the durability and precision Bremont is renowned for, the timepieces also incorporate original spruce plywood from the undercarriage assembly of this winning aircraft. The aircraft’s story perfectly encapsulates the core values that inspire Bremont. A tremendous engineering achievement, the Comet completed an adventurous journey that secured its rightful place in aviation history. Through its own example of fine British craftsmanship, the Limited Edition Bremont DH-88, Bremont pays tribute to the Comet.

"The Shuttleworth Trust is a unique museum with over 40 flying aircraft with some of the only flying examples of their type in the world. Founded by Dorothy Shuttleworth in 1944 in memory of her son who died in a flying accident, it was set up as a charity to keep these amazing aircraft flying. Both Nick and I, through our father, have always had close personal connections to the Trust and we are pleased to be supporting it with a percentage of all proceeds from the sales of the DH-88 watches going to the charity." - GILES ENGLISH

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T H E W O R L D ' S G R E AT E S T A I R R A C E Excited voices and the roar of piston engines shattered the dawn at Mildenhall. Car headlights illuminated the darkness of the surrounding fields. On 20 October 1934, it seemed the world had descended upon this usually peaceful English airfield. An unprecedented crowd 60,000 strong came to witness the start of the MacRobertson Air Race. Even King George V and Queen Mary had visited to wish the participants good luck for their gruelling 11,300mile journey.

Twenty aircraft waited to take off, with the greatest pilots of six nations ready in their cockpits, competing for fame, prestige and a £10,000 first prize. The participating types varied widely but one elegant design stood out. Great Britain’s hopes for victory relied on the de Havilland DH-88 Comet, purpose built purely for the race. At 06:30 the flag dropped and at 45-second intervals the aeroplanes launched. The race was on. As the crowds drifted away, Mildenhall became quiet once more and their focus turned towards the finish line.

Sponsored by Australian businessman Sir Macpherson Robertson, the Royal Aero Club was engaged to oversee race proceedings. With no limit on aircraft size or power, competitors could compete for the speed race or best handicap performance. Along the route were five compulsory control points with the finish line at Flemington Race Course, Melbourne, where the victorious winner, the DH-88 Comet, would fly low-level between two pylons.

The 11,300 mile journey included 5 compulsory stops at Baghdad, Allahabad, Singapore, Darwin and Charleville DH-88 Comet pilots Charles W A Scott and Tom Campbell Black had reached Melbourne in an outstanding time of 2 days and 23 hours. Utterly exhausted but jubilant, they were soon positioned on a podium in front of expectant public and eager press. Macpherson Robertson announced: ‘You have thrilled the world… Your epic flight has manifested the courage and endurance for which British airmen are justly famed. The world is indebted to you for demonstrating aviation’s ability to draw closer the peoples of the earth’. After speeches and handshakes the pilots were allowed to take the rest they so desperately needed. Good wishes flooded in, including a cable from the King: ‘The Queen and I warmly congratulate you both on your wonderful feat. We are very glad we saw you at Mildenhall before setting out on your great adventure, and trust that you are not unduly tired after the strain of the past three days’.

Alongside the determination and impeccable navigation skills of its pilots, the Comet had proved itself a winning design. The type continued setting records after the race. Only five Comets were manufactured and today Grosvenor House is the only remaining airworthy example, thanks to the care of the Shuttleworth Collection. Abandoned after the War, it was given to the Collection in 1965 and made its first flight post-restoration in 1987. Developed solely for the air race, the Comet’s undercarriage proved to be a weak point under sustained use. After a failure in 2002 the Collection undertook approved modifications to strengthen it. The plywood used in the Bremont 2016 Limited Edition is taken from the original structure removed during this process.

To find out more about this incredible feat of adventure and engineering visit BREMONT.COM/DH-88

To find your nearest dealer visit BREM ON T.COM /N E AREST-STO R ES

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BREMONT ANNOUNCES REGATTA COLLECTION

Building on the partnership that Bremont has with the America’s Cup, the British watch company is pleased to announce the addition of new chronograph Regatta timepieces into the collection, the Regatta AC and Regatta OTUSA models. Considerable investment has been made to develop this Regatta calibre, specially designed to be used by sailors and incorporating two unique countdown Regatta chronograph movements. The Regatta OTUSA watch movements have been designed to show a numerical 15 minute display countdown and a 5 minute start time. Furthermore, the watches have a 12 hour counter and a date function which is not only hard to integrate altogether but is also rarely seen on Regatta movements. The Regatta OTUSA is

produced in both black and white dial variants and 235 of each have been made. In addition, this line bears historical significance because high-grade carbon fibre from the winning 2013 ORACLE TEAM USA AC72 yacht will be incorporated into each of the crowns. The carbon fibre, taken from the AC72 yacht foils, was used to defend the 2013 America’s Cup and defeat Emirates Team New Zealand. This victory was one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history which saw ORACLE TEAM USA claw back from being 7 points down and just 1 race win away from defeat. The team had to win 8 consecutive races to defend the oldest trophy in international sport; they will be attempting the ‘three-peat’ in the 2017 final for the 35th America’s Cup.

View the full America’s Cup Collection online at BREMONT.COM/AMERICASCUP

WIN AN E XCLUSIVE TRIP TO BERMUDA As Official Timing Partner of the America's Cup, Bremont is delighted to offer a chance to watch the incredible America's Cup action. The exclusive trip for two will include hospitality, accommodation and return flights.

To enter, simply head to BREMONT.COM/BERMUDA

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S A I L I N G TA K E S F L I G H T AT T H E A M E R I C A ' S C U P CHICAGO, JUNE 2016 Artemis Racing took victory in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Chicago in front of 200,000 fans on Sunday 12 June. This was the Swedish team’s second series win after taking to the top step of the podium in a memorable regatta in Bermuda last year. Great Britain’s Land Rover BAR finished second and SoftBank Team Japan took their first ever podium in third. The Bremont Horsemen, WWII formation aerobatic team even took to the skies in the Windy City over the weekend.

A M E R I C A ' S C U P TA K E S PLACE ON HOME SOIL P O RT S M O U T H , J U LY 2 0 1 6 Sir Ben Ainslie led Land Rover BAR to victory at the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth in July in front of an adoring home crowd. The story of the weekend was a battle, worthy of the America’s Cup, between Ainslie and his former teammate Jimmy Spithill, skipper and helmsmen of ORACLE TEAM USA. Saturday saw the Portsmouth based team take two victories and a fifth place in light winds setting them up perfectly for Super Sunday, three points ahead of the Defenders. With points counting for double on Sunday, ORACLE TEAM USA knew they had a good chance of closing the deficit and hopefully taking their first overall victory of the series so far, but Land Rover BAR made sure they did everything they could to prevent such a conclusion.

AMERICA'S CUP MAKES FRENCH DEBUT TOULON, SEPTEMBER 2016 The light conditions continued in Toulon on Super Sunday at the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series and after a strong day on Saturday, Artemis easily secured victory in the opening race of the day, putting them in what would be an unassailable lead and overall victory of the regatta.

For all the latest news on the America's Cup head to BREM ON T.CO M/ LO GB O O K

@BREMONTTIMINGAC Follow us on instagram for the latest from the America's Cup

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DEAR BOEING, HAPPY 100TH Bremont are pleased to announce the Bremont Boeing 100 Limited Edition, a timepiece inspired by 100 years of aviation.

Celebrating 100 years of

Not many companies can lay claim to a hundred years of history, but aerospace giant Boeing is pleased to celebrate its centenary in 2016. When William Boeing saw a piloted flying machine for the first time in 1909, it

launched a curiosity for flight that would one day make him a household name. He purchased and learned to fly an aircraft in 1915, but realised he could manufacture an improved version to his own design. In June 1916 he built

his very first aircraft, the Model 1 seaplane, and decided to make aviation his business. During the last century, Boeing has continually released innovative designs for both the military and civilian world. They have greatly improved the speed, safety and comfort of airline travel, with the 787 Dreamliner the latest addition to their fleet. In recognition of Boeing’s leading position as a commercial aircraft manufacturer, carbon fibre composite from the historically significant and technologically advanced Boeing Dreamliner flying testbed aircraft, ZA004, can be found integrated into the crown of each timepiece.

The Boeing Model 1 built by William Boeing and taking flight for the first time in June 1916

The anniversary timepiece is manufactured from Boeing aviation-grade Ti 6-4 titanium, a special metal that is significantly stronger than commercial titanium and used widely in both airframes and engine components within the aerospace industry. The distinctive brown colour of the Boeing 100 was inspired by a cockpit colour often used in the older Boeing aircraft called ‘Boeing Brown’ which was reportedly designed to make the cockpits more relaxing to be in. The hue also has that more vintage Bakelite look and feel of the older controls.

To find your nearest dealer visit BREMONT.COM/NEAREST-STORES

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BREMONT'S FIRST LADIES CHRONOMETERS The Bremont SOLO-32 Ladies Chronometer Collection sees the introduction of a new 32mm case and a number of new dial designs.

THE SOLO-32 LADIES CHRONOMETER COLLECTION

AC I 32 Designed to be a classic watch befitting the history of the America's Cup, the AC I 32 takes inspiration from the legendary J-Class yachts of the 30s with its understated design. As with the AC I, this miniature 32mm version incorporates sea blue steel hands and a fine ivory white opaline dial embossed with outlines of the America's Cup trophy to give subtle pattern and depth to the face of the watch. Carrying the 'London' mark on the dial, the watch will be built in the UK using the highest quality components and will be made in a limited edition of 535 pieces. The hand polished case is water resistant to 50m.

The SOLO-32 AJ line has a more modern aesthetic with applied index markers and named in honour of one of the English brothers' childhood heroes, Amy Johnson, who flew her DH-60 Gypsy Moth from England to Australia in 1930. Complementing this model is the SOLO-32 LC timepiece which is classic and timeless. Named after Lettice Curtis (pictured above), arguably the most remarkable female pilot of the Second World War, flying a wide range of military combat aircraft with the Air Transport Auxiliary and being the first woman to qualify to fly a four-engine bomber. The Bremont SOLO-32 Ladies Collection is available on a leather strap or bracelet. SOLO- 32 A J/BK /BR

SOLO -32 -A J / W H

SOLO- 32 - LC / W H

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THE BREMONT COLLECTION Bremont offers a 3 year warranty on all watches and each timepiece is put through a stringent testing programme.

ALT1-C Green, ALT1-C Anthracite, ALT1-C Polished White and ALT1-C Silver

A LT 1 - C C L A S S I C The Bremont ALT1-C stays true to the technical values behind any revered automatic timepiece. Integrating an impeccably modified and chronometer-rated Valjoux 7750-SO BI AC movement, the ALT1-C combines the traditional art of watchmaking with the very best in technical innovation, precision and durability.

ALT1-C Polished White and NEW FOR 2016 ALT1-C Polished Black

A LT 1 - B The ALT1-B (GMT) chronograph hails directly from the military. The design closely mirrors the watch Bremont delivered to the elite B-2 ‘Stealth Bomber’ Aircrew in 2012. Based on the ALT1-Z, it incorporates advanced elements of the Bremont chronograph range, including a modified BE-54E movement, Trip-Tick® case, Roto-Click® internal bezel, and black DLC case.

ALT1-B

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A LT 1 - P P I L O T The ALT1-P is designed for those who demand both accuracy and clarity. The clear Super-LumiNova® C3 hands and dial numbers make it a popular choice with aviation professionals. Like the Bremont ALT1-Z, the case has an integrated internally rotating bezel. Operated by a crown situated at 8H, it effortlessly measures the time of trips. The modified COSC tested Valjoux movement is finished to the highest possible standards.

ALT1-P Blue

ALT1-P Black

A LT 1 - W T W O R L D T I M E R The wonderfully over-engineered Bremont World Timer, ALT1-WT, is one of the more intricate military watches ever produced. Created for pilots and travellers the world over, it incorporates a complex, highly-finished dial. The Roto-Click® bezel enables the user to work out global time zones using the international landing location and the adjustable 24-hour hand can display UTC or ‘Zulu’ time.

ALT1-WT White

ALT1-WT Black

A LT 1 - Z Z U L U The Bremont ALT1-Z was designed with aviators and world travellers in mind. Z stands for ‘Zulu Time’ and allows the wearer to display local time together with the official world time standard: Universal Time Coordinated (UTC), Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), or even Zulu time (Z). UTC replaced GMT in 1972 as the international reference standard for communications, military, aviation, maritime and other activities that span multiple time zones.

ALT1-ZT Black and NEW FOR 2016 ALT1-ZT/51

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BREMONT BOEING The Bremont Boeing Model 1 and Model 247 are unique timepieces that reflect Boeing’s extensive experience in advanced material research. The models are manufactured in two versions, the first being Custom 465® Stainless Steel. This double vacuum-melted, age-hardened alloy was developed for the aerospace industry for superior strength and hardness. The second versions are constructed from Boeing aviation-grade Ti 6-4 titanium and feature GMT functionality. Key features include Bremont’s unique Trip-Tick® case and their beautifully finished movements are suspended in Boeing blue decorated steel and rubber anti-shock mounts, exposed for all to see through the crystal case backs.

Bremont Boeing Model 1 Black and Model 247 White Custom 465® Stainless Steel

Custom 465® Stainless Steel as used in the undercarriage of the F-18

Bremont Boeing Model 1 Black and Model 247 Grey Ti-GMT

MB The Bremont MB was designed to be quite simply the definitive British aviation chronometer. Tested and designed in conjunction with the iconic British aviation company ‘Martin-Baker’, three models are available: the MBI, MBII and MBIII. The MBI is only available to those individuals who have ejected using a Martin-Baker ejection seat and this rare timepiece can be quickly identified by its unique red aluminium barrel. The movement is protected by an anti-magnetic Faraday cage and a specifically designed anti-shock case mount. The MB range had to withstand the same rigorous testing as the seats themselves. This included shock, vibration, temperature extremes, and salt-fog tests amongst others.

MBIII and NEW FOR 2016 MBII White

MBIII/Bronze and NEW FOR 2016 MBII White/Orange

MB Testing

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View the full testing schedule at BREMONT.COM/ TESTING


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BREMONT JAGUAR Bremont and Jaguar continue their relationship following an overwhelming response to the creation of six Bremont chronometers which complement each of the six ‘continuation’ lightweight E-Type sports racing cars built by Jaguar. The MKI, MKII and MKIII watches are dedicated to the road-going Jaguar E-Type which at its 1961 launch was not only the fastest production car in the world but, according to Enzo Ferrari, the most beautiful.

Bremont Jaguar MKII and MKI

Bremont Jaguar MKII

Bremont Jaguar MKI

The Jaguar E-Type

U-2 The Bremont U-2 was designed exclusively for, and tested extensively by, the elite Spy Plane Squadron based at Beale, California. These incredible pilots regularly take their iconic aircraft up to 80,000 feet on reconnaissance missions that often last over 12 hours. Four retail models are available, one in a DLC case and the others in hardened stainless steel. Both have been put through their paces at 100,000 feet and -40°C in the laboratory and out on missions. U-22 Bronze

U-2 DLC

U-2 Blue

The U-2 tested extensively by the U-2 Spy Plane Squadron

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SUPERMARINE The Supermarine S500 and S2000 are Bremont divers' watches inspired by our aviation principles. Each maintains the Bremont DNA with an anti-magnetic Faraday cage encasing the beautifully finished chronometer-tested BE-36AE movement, as does the patented anti-shock case mount. The S500’s 43mm case can withstand depths of up to 500 metres although it has been tested far deeper, while the sapphire bezel offers extraordinary luminosity in low light conditions. The 45mm case of the S2000 has been re-engineered to withstand a depth of 2000 metres. Both cases also have an automatic helium escape valve for professional diving requirements.

S2000

S500 Black-Green

S2000

S500 with Super-LumiNova® luminous coating

SOLO Inspired by the classic pilot watches from the 1940s, the Bremont SOLO comes in two dial variants. Legibility played a significant role in its design. The SOLO is a beautiful chronometer, an obvious choice for anyone interested in the allure of mechanical watches. The classic Bremont 43mm Trip-Tick® case, hardened in the UK to over 2000Hv on the Vickers scale, is over seven times more scratch resistant than typical watch-grade steel.

SOLO-37 Silver-Rose Gold

SOLO-37 Rose Gold

The smaller case of the SOLO-37 still adheres to Bremont’s key principles, yet will appeal to those who desire something slightly lighter on the wrist. Housed in a 37mm Trip-Tick® three-piece case and powered by the modified BE-36AE movement, it is available with a stainless steel or 18-carat rose gold top bezel. The Bremont SOLO-32 Collection sees the introduction of a new 32mm case and a number of new dial designs. The SOLO-32 AJ line is inspired by one of the English brothers’ childhood heroes, Amy Johnson, who flew her DH-60 Gypsy Moth from England to Australia in 1930. The SOLO-32 LC line is inspired by Lettice Curtis, arguably the most remarkable female pilot of the Second World War, flying a wide range of military combat aircraft with the Air Transport Auxiliary and being the first woman to qualify to fly a four-engine bomber.

SOLO Black-White and SOLO White-Silver

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SPECIAL & LIMITED EDITIONS DH-88 The Bremont 2016 Limited Edition celebrates the astonishing de Havilland DH-88 Comet, ‘Grosvenor House’, the aircraft that captured the world’s imagination with a phenomenal record-breaking flight in 1934. Fighting exhaustion and significant mechanical challenges, whilst barely stopping for over three days, two men in their pioneering British racing aircraft won the incredible MacRobertson Air Race from England to Australia. The beautifully crafted and elegant Bremont DH-88 chronometer is painstakingly handcrafted in Bremont’s workshops in England in a style reminiscent of that wonderful 1930’s era.

The Bremont DH-88 Limited Edition range

BOEING 100 In recognition of Boeing’s leading position as a commercial aircraft manufacturer, carbon fibre composite from the historically significant and technologically advanced Boeing Dreamliner flying testbed aircraft, ZA004, can be found integrated into the crown of each timepiece. The anniversary timepiece is manufactured from Boeing aviation-grade Ti 6-4 titanium and the distinctive brown colour of the Boeing 100 was inspired by a cockpit colour often used in the older Boeing aircraft called ‘Boeing Brown’ which was reportedly designed to make the cockpits more relaxing to be in.

The Bremont Boeing 100 Limited Edition

AMERICA'S CUP The America’s Cup Series is a classic watch collection befitting the history of the cup. The Bremont AC I and AC II have been inspired by the legendary J-Class yachts of the 30s, both classical and beautiful. Bremont has created a practical and beautifully engineered collection of sailing watches, setting a new standard in technical innovation, precision and durability. View the full America’s Cup Collection at BREMONT.COM/AMERICASCUP

America's Cup Special Edition Collection

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BREMONT KINGSMAN Bremont Watch Company was selected to produce a collection of three unique custom made watches for the film. Each Kingsman agent in the film wears a beautifully crafted Kingsman Special Edition Rose Gold on an alligator strap, whilst the trainee recruits sport the black stealth-like Kingsman Special Edition DLC chronograph. Additionally, the Kingsman Special Edition Stainless Steel model is worn by Merlin (Mark Strong) who is the trainer of these potential super spies for the top secret Kingsman organisation. The watches are an integral tool in the secret agents’ gadget line-up.

Bremont Kingsman Stainless Steel, DLC and Rose Gold

Colin Firth wears the Bremont Kingsman Rose Gold

B R E M O N T W R I G H T F LY E R The Bremont Wright Flyer contains a piece of original fabric from the Wright Flyer aircraft that made the world’s first free, controlled and sustained flights in a power-driven heavier-than-air flying machine at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903. Limited to 300 Stainless Steel, 100 Rose Gold and 50 White Gold, the Wright Flyer features Bremont’s first ever proprietary movement: the BWC/01.

The Wright Flyer

Bremont Wright Flyer White Gold

PREVIOUS LIMITED EDITIONS Although all watches in the Bremont collection are manufactured in limited numbers, occasionally we embark on a very special project to produce something that is uniquely different and extremely limited in volume, typically due to the rarity of the materials we are working with. Whether it is the preservation of heritage or a subject that means a great deal to us, the key defining factor is our passion. Our first such project was a prime example, released in 2008 the EP120 was engineered using material from one of the most famous and iconic Spitfires flying, this wonderful plane was also owned by a friend of Nick and Giles’ father.

The Limited Edition EP120

B R EMO N T.CO M/A RCHI VE

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BREMONT’S ACCESSORIES Our luxury accessories are individually crafted and inspired by the design of our beautifully engineered timepieces.

WEEKEND HOLDALL Structured from the finest bridle leather and Cotton Duck canvas, Bremont’s durable Weekend Holdall is an essential item for every adventurer. The Weekend Holdall provides generous space, including two smaller zip compartments for better organisation of belongings. An adjustable shoulder strap is supplied for a practical alternative carry option. Made in England.

WATCH BOX BY GLOBE-TROTTER Bremont’s Watch Box by Globe-Trotter is an essential item for frequent travellers. Globe-Trotters’ extensive experience in producing hand-crafted, leather goods has enabled Bremont to design a watch box of the finest quality which can also be easily transported. The watch box features a leather top handle and a fully removable inner watch tray that can hold up to six timepieces. Made in England.

SINGLE WATCH WINDER Rapport’s horological expertise has facilitated the development of a brilliantly meticulous watch winder for Bremont, featuring a hinged, heavily magnified, glass lens to exceptionally showcase any timepiece. The watch winder comes in a brushed aluminium casing and is also inclusive of a Bremont branded back plate and propeller embossed watch cushion.

CHICHESTER POCKET WALLET Bremont’s Chichester Pocket Wallet includes four credit card compartments and two supplementary sections to stow folded notes and additional documents. The wallet features blind Bremont logo and propeller embossing and is crafted from deluxe calf and English bridle leather, guaranteeing excellent quality. Made in England.

HINKLER WATCH TOOL KEY FOB Featuring the knurled barrel design of the MB and U-2 watches, the Hinkler Watch Tool Key Fob is not only an attractive accessory but also features a hidden strap changing tool and screwdriver. Crafted from a combination of aluminium and stainless steel, Bremont’s multipurpose key fob makes it an ideal companion for any watch connoisseur on the move.

ADVENTURER’S JOURNALS Bremont’s luxury leather-bound Adventurer’s Journal has a matte finish with signature logo and propeller embossing. This 225 page notebook has a Bremont branded front page followed by faint-lined writing pages and a venetian red coloured page marker. The Adventurer’s Journal is the perfect gift for any inspired writer. Made in England.

To view Bremont’s stunning collection of straps and accessories please visit B R EMO N T.CO M/SHO P

bremont . com / S H O P


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THE BREMONT LOG BOOK A place where we share everything Bremont. Visit B R E MO N T.COM /LO G BOO K for more exclusive content.

H I STO RY O F B R I T I S H WAT C H M A K I N G BY N I C K E N G L I S H , CO - F O U N D E R BRITISH ENGINEERING It is not completely unexpected to find that the world sets its time by Greenwich and not by Geneva. Whilst Geneva and Switzerland may be producing the vast majority of luxury wrist-watches today, this certainly wasn’t always the case. In 1800 half of the world's watches, around 200,000 pieces a year, were produced on British shores by British watch makers, which is an incredible statistic. Another wonderful statistic is that probably over 60-70% of the innovation in a modern day mechanical watch has come from Britain, including every major escapement design. The years from 1650 to 1750 saw incredible advances in horology in Britain, but these years were also a great time for scientific and geographical discovery across the rest of Europe and further afield. British clock making was at the centre of many technical advancements and in particular those relating to navigation across the world's oceans. When Captain James Cook was the first European to discover the east coast of Australia, Hawaii and circumnavigate New Zealand, he used a British chronometer to help him navigate. It was the Yorkshire born clock-maker (and carpenter!), John Harrison who in 1759, solved the conundrum that had eluded sea captains at sea for hundreds of years – how to determine longitude at sea. Whilst doing this he came up with a multitude of horological innovations - many of which are still used today. His greatest contribution to the world of horology was the marine chronometer that eventually earned him a prize of £20,000 (offered by Parliament). This clock was perfected after a decade of testing and proved to be incredibly accurate on two transatlantic voyages in the 1760’s. Interestingly enough, at this time, a well made marine chronometer would cost almost a third of the ship she sailed on. Such was their value, that these incredibly made pieces of British engineering were often shared amongst a group of ships. The 200,000 watches made in 1800 had fallen to roughly 100,000 a century later. So what happened? Whilst the

Bremont owns its ultra precise turn and mill machining facility in Silverstone

British watch makers were still very much engaged in making beautifully crafted watches in an artisan fashion, both Switzerland and the United States were looking into mass manufacture – taking the Henry Ford model of car manufacture and applying it to watch making. Great Britain also had a couple of world wars to occupy it during which much of the skill set used in watch manufacture was poached by the armaments industry, which didn’t help. There was a brief resurgence after World War II with British watch manufacturers like Smiths, who finally succumbed to the ‘Quartz Revolution’ in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. So where does that leave the industry now in the UK? Until relatively recently and his passing in 2011, George Daniels was a British horologist who was considered to be the greatest watch maker of the 20th century. His watches, which took over 2,500 hours to make, sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds. He only made 37 watches during his lifetime. It was his creation of the co-axial movement for which he will be most remembered, and a design that was patented in 1980. This wonderful design removed the need to use lubricant because the mechanism operated with very low friction. The Swiss brand Omega have since bought the rights to this technology and use it in some of their watches. With his death Daniels passed his workshop equipment over to his apprentice, Roger Smith, who continues to run the workshop on the Isle of Man with a group of specialist watch makers and produces

Movement main plates and bridges being milled from brass to extraordinary levels of tolerance

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approximately 10 beautifully finished handmade watches per year. As a brand Bremont is immensely passionate about bringing ‘industrial scale’ watch making back to British shores and is under no illusions of how difficult and long a journey this will be. When I say ‘industrial scale’ I refer to the goal of manufacturing several thousand watches a year in the UK. Bremont started in 2002 with the first watches being launched in 2007, and since this time, there has been a progressive moving over of the necessary horological skill-set to Bremont’s two facilities in the UK. The first drive was to train-up and also hire competent watch makers and assemblers capable of developing, servicing and assembling mechanical watches. This can now be found at Bremont’s workshop in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. The second was the desire to start manufacturing its own watch parts. Bremont now manufactures its own cases and some movement parts at its facility in Silverstone, UK. It is an investment that the brand is immensely proud of in an industry so dependent on Switzerland. Bremont is currently the only watch brand in the UK manufacturing cases and selected watch parts in the UK on any scale (probably since Smith’s in the 1960’s). Whilst there is certainly much more to be achieved, it is a development and direction that can only be seen as a positive one for the future of watch making in the UK.

Bremont watches being assembled at our workshop in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire


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RETURN TO K2 ADVENTURE In 2016, British climber and Bremont Ambassador Jake Meyer embarked on a mission to reach the peak of K2, in an attempt to become one of the youngest Brits to climb the ‘Savage Mountain’. At 8,611m, K2 in Pakistan is the world’s second highest mountain and arguably one of the most difficult and dangerous, with a near 25% death to summit ratio. So far, there have only been roughly 350 successful ascents, whereas for Everest the figure is closer to 7000. Unfortunately, the ‘Savage Mountain’ lived up to its reputation as Jake failed to summit for a second time. In one of his final blog posts on day 45 of the expedition he posted: “The avalanche which destroyed C3 (7,300m) on the 22nd July has caused such ripple effects throughout all teams that unfortunately our position to continue our expedition has become untenable. A reported $200,000 worth of oxygen (mainly belonging to the 3 largest teams on the mountain) was lost in the avalanche, as well as much personal gear (mainly of the Sherpas), and fixing rope for the final summit push. As a result of this, the main teams (7 Summits, K&P and Madison) immediately decided to call off their expeditions and call porters in order to exit BC. A number of smaller teams who whilst they may not have lost kit, but were treating this current

summit window as their only chance, have also called it a day. Whilst as a team of experienced mountaineers, we are keen to head back up the mountain, in order to push as high as we possibly (and safely) can (even if the summit is unattainable), we are also conscious that to do so without any integral experience of the upper slopes of the mountain and the route, would invite unnecessary risk. Whilst mountaineering (and K2 especially) is a risky pursuit, we are conscious of our friends and family, who want to see us back home in one piece. No summit is worth even the tip of a little finger.” Bremont caught up with Jake in the Bremont Boutique upon his return from K2. Head to BREMONT.COM/LOGBOOK to watch the video and hear how his gripping challenge panned out.

Jake with his Bremont MBII White

TWO ADVENTURERS A N D A K AYA K ADVENTURE This summer, British explorers Olly Hicks and George Bullard completed the world’s first documented crossing from Greenland to Scotland by kayak. The expedition came in at over 1,200 miles in around 6 weeks, including 12 nights at sea.

Wearing dry suits and Bremont Supermarine S500s, Hicks and Bullard set out in June for Iceland from Greenland in a slightly modified Inuk Duo 7.4m sea kayak. The kayak, made of carbon fibre reinforced with Kevlar for ice protection, was equipped with a special cockpit design that can be sealed allowing the paddlers to squeeze inside to safely rest and sleep while at sea.

To find out more about all of Bremont's Ambassadors and follow their adventures visit BR EMO N T.CO M/A MBA SSA D O R S

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BREMONT TECHNOLOGY T H E M E C H A N I C A L WAT C H Bremont is built on precise timekeeping. Only the highest quality components are used in our movements. Every watch bearing the Bremont name is chronometer-tested, then further subjected to a rigorous quality control programme. The results are all documented in detailed records securely stored at our headquarters. The only exceptions are some of our limited edition pieces, for which a stringent testing programme is well inside the C.O.S.C parameters. It goes without saying that their movements contain chronometer specification parts.

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Bremont Roto-Click® Many Bremont watches have been designed from a clean sheet of paper. New bezel technology designed and built in-house is now integrated into a number of models such as the MB. The bezel rotates while gliding on a series of four ball bearings. These bearings knit into the gearing of the bezel to produce a most satisfying click for every minute rotated.

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Bremont Anti-Shock Designed by Bremont initially for the MB range of watches, our unique rubberised movement mount encloses the inner workings. A flexible ring then connects the mount to the outer case, absorbing shocks and allowing the inner case and movement to float.

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Anti-Magnetic Faraday Cage A number of Bremont models are designed to withstand the detrimental effects of magnetism on a watch’s movement. With a limited amount of space available, this is achieved by encasing the movement in a soft-iron Faraday cage. Any potentially harmful magnetic fields are then routed around the movement.

Every watch in our core collection is accompanied by a performance certificate issued by the ‘Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres’ (C.O.S.C). The certificate confirms that the mechanical movement has passed each of the rigorous precision tests necessary for the chronometer designation. Watches are the most precise mechanical devices on the planet. Bremont aims to keep it that way. Our watches are subjected to rigorous testing procedures. For example, chronometer certifications take 15 days to complete over several different temperature ranges and watch positions. The average daily variation rate must be between -4 and +6 seconds. With 86,400 seconds in a single day, it means every single Bremont watch is 99.998% accurate. Our ethos is brought to life in the design, specification and quality of the materials we insist upon. For example, we only use the finest Glucydur balance wheels as opposed to the ‘elaborate’ nickel equivalent found in many high-end luxury watches. Nine layers of anti-reflective treatment are applied to both sides of the sapphire crystals. The B-EBE2000 hardening technology also makes Bremont watch cases an average of seven times harder and more scratch-resistant than its competitors. The result is a distinctive range of elegant watches. This uncompromising quality is reflected in the 3 year guarantee.

These features apply to some models only.

B R E M O N T ’ S T R I P -T I C K® C A S E C O N T R U C T I O N All Bremont watch cases use Bremont Trip-Tick® construction consisting of three parts:

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1 The hardened steel bezel element, containing the

sapphire crystal. 2 The central body section, consisting of a titanium

or DLC treated middle barrel. 3 The steel and crystal case back.

The separate middle section offers flexibility in both durability and design. It allows us to manufacture cases from different metals, such as titanium, to alter the watch’s weight. DLC, meanwhile, adds to the variety by using contrasting colours to distinguish between models.

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BREMONT TESTING Testing. It’s something of an obsession. Our first five years were devoted to it, both in the workshop and in the field. Watch parts are continually tested for tolerances, strength, hardness and finish. In fact, every single component undergoes the most rigorous quality controls and it doesn’t stop there.

Bremont B-EBE2000 Watch Case Treatment All Bremont watches are treated for hardness with B-EBE2000 technology. During this special stage in the case production the metal is heat-treated and defused with carbon, then bombarded with electrons. The process dramatically increases the hardness and scratch resistance of the stainless steel. On the Vickers scale of hardness, for example, B-EBE2000 produces a watch case with a value of 2000Hv - approximately seven times that of the normal stainless steel used for watch cases.

Each movement in our core range is independently chronometer-tested over 15 days. Once assembled in their hardened cases, the movements are then checked and tested again before being regulated by the watch makers. The watches then enter a further testing programme involving mechanical and visual inspections. Finally, chronometers are assessed

for accuracy, functionality, automatic winding and water resistance. So yes, testing is an obsession. But one that results in every timepiece leaving our workshop with a 3-year warranty. Our intention from the outset was always to design and manufacture a mechanical watch in the UK. The watch would be designed around the principles of engineering and not fashion. It would look as visually arresting in decades to come as on the day it left the workshop. And it would be equally at home in the boardroom as above the clouds or below the sea. Bremont watches have been tested beyond endurance by explorers, adventurers, extreme divers and the military. Now, it’s your turn.

Automatic Movements Bremont focuses purely on beautifully made mechanical movements. Each one is finished to the highest levels of craftsmanship, whether in a clear-backed case or not and all are guaranteed to within -4 and +6 seconds per day. For this reason Bremont is one of the few watch makers to offer a 3 year warranty on every timepiece. Bremont produces some of the finest quality watches in its price point. Super-LumiNova® Bremont carefully applies as many as 15 to 20 coats of Super-LumiNova® paint to a range of dials in our collection. It ensures optimal visibility in the poorest of lighting conditions.

Helium Escape Valve The Bremont Supermarine range features a helium escape valve. This spring-loaded single-direction valve is activated when the differential between the inner and outer pressure reaches a critical level. This results in the release of the gases trapped in the watch case. Watches with helium escape valves are pressure tested at our workshop.

Our watches all undergo a stringent testing programme to meet the highest standards before they are released with a 3 year warranty.

Proprietary Movement The BWC/01 has been part-developed and designed in Britain with our Swiss partners. A number of the key constituent movement parts are also manufactured at the company’s workshops in the UK, which is the first step for Bremont towards manufacturing movements in their entirety on these shores. Pictured here within the Bremont Jaguar MKI.

B R E M O N T. C O M / T E C H N O L O G Y

Bremont Sapphire Watch Crystals Our convex sapphire crystals come with a Mohs hardness rating of 9. That’s also the equivalent to 2000Hv on the Vickers scale. Untreated crystals can allow light to reflect back, significantly affecting the legibility of the dial. So anti-reflective coatings are vapour-deposited to both sides of the glass in a vacuum environment, reducing reflections to less than 0.5% for optimum legibility.


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BremontMilitary

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MILITARY & SPECIAL PROJECTS

Bremont do a tremendous amount of work with the US Navy and Marines. Pictured is the VMFA(AW)-225 Military Edition during refueling operations with Boeing F/A-18Ds and a KC-10 Tanker

The Bremont MBII White on top of the world in a Hawk piloted by BAE test pilot

Bremont has built very close working relationships with military organisations around the world. As a result, we develop exclusive bespoke mechanical chronometers that pay tribute to individual units and their unique missions. It allows us to do something unlike any other luxury watch company: create mechanical watches that not only reflect our values, but also incorporate the 'DNA' of our military customers’ professions, aircraft and equipment. If sensibly maintained, a mechanical watch should last forever - unlike quartz or battery alternatives. So a quality watch is more than simply a timepiece. It is an heirloom to be passed down through the generations. Bremont’s passion for crafting beautifully engineered chronometers is shared by many of our military clients. We go to extraordinary levels to produce unique timepieces for air force, navy and army units around the world, far surpassing any other brand.

VMFA(AW)-242

@ B R E M O N T WAT C H E S Share your best Bremont wrist shots with us

#MYBREMONT

B R E M O N T. C O M / M I L I TA RY

F-15 Eagle Driver

18 (B) Squadron


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BREMONT HERITAGE MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDERS We would like to say a personal thank you for your interest in the Bremont collection, developed to meet the expectations of those who demand more from a mechanical watch. Time began for Bremont in 2002, when we embarked on a journey to make beautifully crafted watches of exceptional quality. Inspired by a love of flying historic aircraft, of watches and of all things mechanical, our timepieces had to be tested beyond the normal call of duty - and not just in the workshop. Immensely precise, reliable and durable, Bremont watches are hand built in limited numbers; we’re proud that all are now assembled in the UK. Each is designed to appeal to those who share our passion for and appreciation of the innovation and mastery behind a beautiful mechanical wristwatch. We hope you enjoy the same satisfaction when you wear a Bremont watch as we do in creating one.

Nick & Giles English, Co-Founders

OUR PILLARS

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BRITISH ENGINEERING

Great Britain has a wonderful history when it comes to watch making and has probably been the home to more advances in horology than any other nation. Bremont is determined to play a pivotal role in the reinvigoration of this industry on British shores. Bremont builds many of its own watch components at its state-of-the-art parts manufacturing facility in Silverstone. As a company we verge on the obsessive in the desire to produce watches that are over-engineered for the task in hand. This passion becomes very evident when you hold a Bremont watch.

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AVIATION AND MILITARY

The love and passion for aviation has coursed through the founders' veins from very early in their childhoods. There has always been a very close association between time and aviation since the first brave adventurers took to the skies over 100 years ago. The love of aviation and its uncompromising demands are both inherent in every Bremont watch. Hand-in-hand with Bremont's love of aviation is the company's appreciation of military. Bremont has worked closely with the military for a number of years.

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ADVENTURE

A key design requisite for the timepieces from the outset was the desire to make beautifully robust and durable watches that were at home both in the workplace, and of course in rather more physical environments. The watches continue to be tested to the limits, both in the workshop but also by Bremont’s ambassadors and partners.


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A BRITISH WAT C H C O M PA N Y 1

It may surprise you to know that watch making is a very British trade. Every major escapement design and around three quarters of related innovations came from these shores. Much is owed to Thomas Tompion (1639-1713), the ‘Father of English Clock-Making’ and the remarkable Thomas Mudge (1715-1794), who invented the lever escapement still used in most watches today. John Harrison (1693-1776), meanwhile, solved the problem of accurately telling the time at sea and by doing so, in calculating longitude as well. They were followed by other illustrious names including John Arnold and more recently, George Daniels.

British Innovations in Watch Making 1

1664 - Robert Hooke

1690 - Daniel Quare

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1755 - Thomas Mudge

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1765 - John Whitehurst Centre Seconds

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Minute Hand 3

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Balance Spring 2

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1807 - Thomas Young Chronograph

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Lever Escapement

1924 - John Harwood Automatic Winding

T R A D E O R G A N I S AT I O N S BHI (British Horological Institute) Established in 1858 to promote horology, the British Horological Institute provides education and training in the sector. Bremont is a keen supporter.

The British School of Watch Making The School aims to produce graduates that can be counted amongst the world’s finest young watch-makers, securing the future of the UK market. Bremont is a proud partner and supporter.

All Bremont watches are manufactured and assembled at our workshops in Henley-on-Thames and Silverstone in the UK.

BRITISH MADE Bremont is excited to be at the heart of a British revival in watch making. Our goal has always been to bring back as much of the process to the UK as possible and our watches are all designed, manufactured and assembled in England. That includes most of the bespoke parts used in our limited editions, as well as our hand-made leather packaging.

AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre) The AMRC with Boeing is a world-class centre of advanced machining and materials research for the aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors. Bremont is a partner and regularly uses the Centre’s world-leading facilities.

Walpole Bremont is a member of Walpole, a notfor-profit organisation that furthers the interests of the British luxury industry by harnessing and sharing the collective knowledge, experience and resources.

We are also proud to work in partnership with some British manufacturing greats, including Norton, Jaguar and Martin-Baker. Bremont continues to build and promote this heritage, with a British HQ and the successful opening of two London boutiques.

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B R E M O N T H E A D Q U A RT E R S Our British watch making facility is located in Henley-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire. A beautiful oak-framed building in the heart of the Chiltern Valley, it has been custom built for watch manufacture. Our long-term staged investment programme is aimed at developing watch making expertise in the UK. All of our key movement and case components are assembled and finished in Henley.

S I LV E R STO N E , U K Bremont is making considerable investment in its UK watch making and manufacturing and in 2014 launched a new facility in Silverstone to produce case and movement components. Building on a significant in-house watch making knowledge, together with experience from the F1 industry, the facility is located at Silverstone to capitalise on local transferable skills in the CNC and machining space. This is part of a long staged investment programme and has seen Bremont invest in some state-of-the-art CNC mill-turning, metal cutting and finishing machinery, some of which are the first of their kind in this country. This investment will enable Bremont to manufacture significant quantities of beautifully engineered and finished watch parts on British shores. Alongside Bremont’s Henley based watch assembly facility, Bremont’s Silverstone facility offers the best foundation for growth.

Assembly of the Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition.

Our award-winning, custom-built headquarters in Henley-on-Thames.

Polished cases being finished by hand at Bremont’s facility in Silverstone.

One-of-a-kind on British shores. This case and part finishing centre allows a choice of finishes to micro millimeter accuracy.

BUYING BREMONT You can purchase your watch through one of our many high-end luxury retailers that sell our watches or our own boutiques. In 2012 Bremont opened its very first flagship store in the heart of Mayfair, London’s luxury quarter. It was awarded ‘Store Design of the Year’ at the prestigious UK Retail Jewellery Awards. Since then Bremont has opened three additional boutiques with the most recent being the New York Boutique. Mayfair Boutique 29 South Audley St, London W1K 2PE Tel: +44 (0) 207 493 5150 Email: southaudley@bremont.com City of London Boutique 12 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LQ Tel: +44 (0) 207 220 7134 Email: royalexchange@bremont.com New York Boutique 501 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10022 Tel: +1 212 321 0012 Email: madison501@bremont.com Hong Kong Boutique 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong Tel: 852 2395 0628 Email: hongkong@bremont.com

DISCLAIMER: All information and images are correct at time of printing and are subject to change

B R E M O N T. C O M / E X P L O R E

To find your nearest Bremont Authorised Dealer visit BREMONT.COM/NE AREST-STORES


I N 1 934, B R I TAN N I A D I D N ’ T J U ST R U L E TH E WAVES On October 22nd 1934, two exhausted airman landed on a racecourse in Melbourne, surrounded by cheering crowds. Flying a specially-built De Havilland Comet DH-88, Charles Scott and Tom Campbell Black set a new record, flying the 11,000 miles from England in just 71 hours. The Bremont DH-88 commemorates their aircraft and their achievement. Containing actual material from the record-breaking plane, the Bremont DH-88 is available now in a strictly limited edition. But it won’t be available for long.

BREMO NT.CO M/ DH -88


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