Great Explorations

The English have a long tradition of exploration. If you look back to the sixteenth century, Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world, Sir Walter Raleigh was discovering Guyana and Sir John Hawkins voyaged to West Africa and South America. Later the great Cook would sail the Southern seas and Australian coast.

Maps in my father’s era were coloured with large areas denoting the British Empire.

Living on an island may be the impetus for exploration and the predilection for travel shared by my compatriots. An Englishman has always had a yearning to survey new lands and embrace new cultures.

Bremont, the quintessential English brand, headed by the intrepid leaders, Giles and Nick English, has perfectly demonstrated that pioneering spirit with their recent horological masterpiece, the Victory.

Another model which was also launched this year is the Bremont World Timer ALT1- WT. There is a danger that the feverish demand for the aforementioned Victory could cause the public to overlook the World Timer ALT1-WT and that would be a shame. This is a very handsome timepiece which requires closer inspection.

The dial

The dial is available in three choices of colour; white, black or blue. The white has the wonderful purity of a virgin bride and appeals to my appreciation of the innocent.

Three subdials are depicted on the dial. At noon there is a black 30 minute chrono counter, at the southerly position of the dial is a black coloured 12 hour chrono counter and at 9 o’clock is a white coloured 60 second chrono counter.

One aspect I particularly like is the contrast afforded by the chrono counter for the seconds. It has a white centre and red arrow shaped hand and provides a departure from the adjacent sub dials, yet somehow works in accord.

A red tipped second hand concisely indicates the passing seconds. The UTC hand is outlined in red but with a white luminous centre.

A date aperture features at 3 o’clock in a trapezoidal form, a small detail but congruent with the character of this watch. No design details are perfunctory. Everything has been beautifully considered, with august results.

The hour and minute hands are nickel plated and lined with luminescent material. This choice of finish is repeated on the hour batons.

The perimeter which circumnavigates the globe motif at the hub of the dial shows 24 locations from around the globe, each representing a different time zone.This is a user- friendly complication which will prove invaluable to any venturesome pioneer.

This watch was based on a military issue Bremont watch, C-17 Globemaster. A model which featured global time zones using the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) airfield identifiers. This meritorious feature would be of little use to a civilian like me but there is still something which makes me want one. It is probably the bragging rights it would confer when sat around the dining table.

In reality the civilian watch, the World Timer ALT1-WT, is a far more practical proposition for me. I seldom venture near a cockpit and invariably find myself whilst on a plane with a folding table on my lap, holding plastic cutlery in my hands trying to eat the plastic fusion the airline passes off as food.

The case

The case diameter is 43 mm and it has a height of 16 mm. This is no shrinking violet, but on the other hand it is no bulky behemoth which will require checking into the hold when you choose to fly overseas.

Giles English is an engineer by trade and his frustration at seeing superficial scratches on watches made him seek a solution. The case of this watch is hardened to 2000 Vickers by a company who ordinarily works on the turbine blades of aeroplane engines. The case repels scratches wonderfully.

The winding crown is located at the customary 3 o’clock and features the brands logo, a static propellor.

Chronograph pushers are located at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock. They have highly polished centres which capture the light and impart a luxury feel to this practical timepiece. The contrast with the brushed finish of adjacent surfaces is perfectly judged.

At 8 o’clock a knurled crown operates the internal bezel of the city disc. The disc features the brands much acclaimed Roto-Click bezel. This uses a series of ball-bearings to provide a smile inducing click, as the bezel is turned.

The case is made of three parts, top, case band and back. Bremont refers to this as Trip Tick Construction. It is a more involved method of making a case, but the results are worth the effort. I particularly like the PVD treatment to the caseband. Everything works in concert.

The reverse of the watch features a sapphire crystal back affording a view of the BE-54AE movement. I applaud Bremont for indulging my need to see the heart of the mechanical watch and I wish all manufacturers followed suit. The majesty of a mechanical watch should always be celebrated and never hidden from view.

The watch is available on a bracelet or strap. I always favour straps as they offer warmth, however, true explorers may appreciate the tolerance to moisture offered by the bracelet when amphibious missions beckon.

The movement

The movement is Swiss in origin but has been breathed upon by Bremont. The watch has COSC certification.

This watch packs much punch, despite its relatively low price point. It harnesses a chronograph, date, and worldtime function which would normally be the preserve of watches with an altitudinal ante.

The finishing of the watch is excellent. The rotor is skletonised and decorated. The screws are blued and the plate features circular graining. What’s not to like? Absolutely nothing.

Conclusion

Bremont have created a fantastic timepiece for the price. I seldom mention price on ESCAPEMENT but at £3995 in the UK and $5695 in the US, the price should be championed.

My heart sinks when I meet people who tell me they have the finest watch and show me a “default brand” which has been selected merely on its brand awareness. Bremont offer a superb range of timepieces for the discerning buyer.

If you do your research, read watch journals and study websites, then you are probably already familiar with the charms of this English brand.

Bremont have recently announced that it is to make all of its watches in the UK. This is heart warming as the English have a history of horological excellence dating back to Tompian, Harrison et al.

This is the perfect accoutrement to worldwide exploration.

I look at this watch and think of the words by Rupert Brooke; “If I should die, think only this of me, that there’s some corner field that is for ever England.” Whilst wearing this watch in explorative endeavour, think only this, there’s a Bremont watch on your wrist that is for ever England.”

Technical specification

• Model: Bremont World Timer ALT1-WT

• Reference: ALT1-WT/WH

• Case: stainless steel; diameter 43.00 mm; height 16.00 mm; water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres); sapphire crystal to front.

• Functions: Hours; minutes; seconds; date; chronograph; 24-hour UTC hand.

• Movement: BE-54AE Calibre, self-winding; frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz); 25 jewels; power reserve 42 hours.

• Strap: Embossed leather (various colours); Kevlar and stainless steel with solid deployment buckle and engraved security clasp.