Join me as I delve into a manufacturer that could quite possibly be one of the best watch brands in the world.
If you could see the 17-year-old me and ask her what she’d be writing about in 20 years time, she wouldn’t say “watches”. In fact, I don’t think she ever imagined she’d be writing at all!
Back in the early-to-mid 2000s, I fixated on administering alternative therapies to those who were open to the idea. Reflexology, aromatherapy, herbal medicine — you name it, I studied it.
By the time I left university, I was already working in retail. But I always found it hard to sell something I didn’t really believe in. Then I discovered the world of luxury watches.
Sowing the Horological Seed
When I landed a job in a jewelry store, it completely changed my life. I wasn’t expecting it to.
At that point, I didn’t know anything about high-end luxury items. Why would people spend thousands of pounds on something a cheap Rotary watch could do?
Who even had that money anyway? But there was something about watches.
These intricately crafted time-measuring instruments intrigued me. They all served the same purpose yet looked so different. The more I researched their mysterious complexity, the more fascinated I became.
The watches seduced me.
They used to be all I thought about. I’d try them on at work and marvel at them through the display cabinets. I’d even polish and wind them in my sleep!
Every weekend, I’d choose another watch brand to research: Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex — all the big names.
Suddenly, I had an opinion on them. Opinions on which watch brands were good and which to avoid. Opinions on what the best watch brand was.
Moreover, I had an opinion about Bremont, one of my all-time favorites.
British Roots
You can only base a topic like “The Best Watch Brand” on one thing — an opinion. You and I may not share the same one, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll enjoy reading my take on the matter.
If you read The Slender Wrist regularly, you’ll already know that my favorite brand is German-born Nomos Glashutte. Does that make it the best watch brand of all time? Probably not. But how do you define what it takes to hold that title anyway? You can’t!
I love the fact that Nomos doesn’t fall into any particular category other than being German. It’s neither mainstream nor unheard of. It’s not the most high-end, nor the cheapest. It is, quite simply, Nomos. And that’s kind of the same for Bremont.
OK, so clearly, I have a penchant for non-Swiss watch manufacturers. It’s not that I have anything against Swiss watch brands. Moreover, I like the fact that French, German, and British Watch brands demonstrate that watchmaking is about much more than just origins.
Which Brand of Watches Is Best?
So, which brand of watches is best? No one can possibly shut this question down with one simple answer. But, to me, several things define a good watch brand.
A watchmaker should have a story that can resonate with fellow enthusiasts and a deep-rooted passion for watchmaking traditions.
It should select only the finest materials and retain a strong identity. It should have a DNA or formula that follows a strict code of excellence unique to that brand. Bremont ticks all of these boxes and more.
Bremont has always been steadfast in its approach to achieving its goal to kick-start the revival of true British Watchmaking. British makers possessed skills practically unmatched during the 18th century. That’s right, not even the Swiss surpassed them!
But by the 1970s, British watchmaking was struggling, as was the situation in Switzerland. Quartz watches were incredibly affordable and accurate. Everyone wanted one.
It was with great grit and determination that only a select few manufacturers survived this tough time.
Why Bremont Is the Best Watch Brand
As I mentioned, a topic like this can only ever be opinion-based. Here’s why I love what I love about Bremont.
The History of Bremont
Brothers Nick and Giles English launched Bremont in 2002. Both were passionate aviators who longed to unite the mechanical engineering of timekeeping with historical aircraft.
When I mentioned earlier that a brand needs to have a good story behind its designs, this is precisely where Bremont shines.
Nick and Giles named the brand after a farmer, Antoine Bremont. They used his field to make an emergency landing in their 1930s biplane. Bremont himself was a wartime pilot who shared kindness and hospitality.
The rest of the brothers’ inspiration came from their father and his love for all things mechanical. Whether it be boats, aircraft, clocks, or vehicles, the pilot would spend his days mending and dabbling.
After his tragic death in an aircraft show, the brothers formed the company in honor of his legacy.
Historic British aircraft inspire many of Bremont’s watches, each a highly emotive piece to collect.
One reason I love Bremont’s ethos is the vintage feel its watches capture. While many vintage-inspired watches lack depth and imagination, Bremont’s wristwatches are abundant with the stuff.
Perseverance was key to Bremont’s success. After committing itself to five years of research, the first collection arrived.
The experience gained from engineers and Swiss watchmakers was paramount to the brothers. (Rome was not built in a day, after all.) It is this level of commitment that has garnered such respect across the world.
The Novelties
Bremont has spent years forging relationships with military personnel and racking up partnerships that really count for something.
The company infuses its limited edition watches, such as the Codebreaker, the Jaguar, the Victory, and the Wright Flyer, with plenty of vintage charm.
What’s more, they incorporate real, tangible slices of history within them. Take, for example, the P-51, which features original parts of the 1944 Mustang WWII P-51K-10 inside its design. Also, the Codebreaker, which contains original artifacts from Bletchley Park.
The Wright Flyer is another example. It contains original material from the 1903 fuselage. Then, there are examples like the Hawking.
Dedicated to the legendary British scientist Stephen Hawking, these special timepieces incorporate wooden discs inlaid into their caseback. Amazingly, artisans sourced pieces of wood from the scientist’s desk, where he penned his groundbreaking theories!
These special timepieces illuminate artifacts, aircraft, and the sporting milestones of British history, making Bremont unique.
The Collections
If you love military wristwatches like me, you’re going to love Bremont’s offerings. You can choose from timepieces modeled on vintage aircraft to dive-ready tools for extreme underwater exploration.
When you get a chance, check out the Bremont Supermarine series. These timepieces pack a load of dive-ready features, making them capable devices for any aquatic adventure.
For lovers of classic vehicles, British car manufacturer Jaguar inspires the brand’s namesake series, the Jaguar. Meanwhile, the U2 collection is the place to find a military instrument.
However, if you prefer pilot watches, you may want to check out the ALT1 and Airco series.
All of these models (and many more) distill the essence of authenticity and ingenuity. Do you share the English brothers’ passion for all things mechanical and engine-based? If so, you’re not going to regret giving Bremont a try.
The Partnerships
As aforementioned, Bremont’s partnerships are integral to its reputation in the watchmaking industry. Working with icons in British engineering is, after all, key to the brand’s reputation. British Airways, Jaguar, and Martin Baker are just a few examples.
Bremont also enjoys a timekeeping role in the sports industry. It maintains a strong presence in sporting events like the America’s Cup, Isle of Man TT, and England Rugby.
Of course, the brand’s deep-rooted connections with the military are perhaps one of its most impressive contracts. Having worked with the Ministry of Defence puts the British watchmaker at a unique advantage.
It is the only brand allowed to bear the badges and signs of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and British Army.
The Technology
Now, don’t get me wrong, Bremont has made a couple of schoolboy errors in its time. If you’ve followed the brand previously, you may recall it getting its wrists slapped back in 2014. It wasn’t entirely transparent about the origins of its movements.
On the back of the Wright Flyer watch’s caliber was the engraved word “London”. La Joux-Perret actually makes the movement. Whether accidental or not, the lack of clarity certainly didn’t do the brand any favors.
I can’t say I’m surprised, as misleading the public in this way is never a good thing. You can check out my article on Shinola to see my views on that!
Nevertheless, Bremont has certainly learned from its mistakes. The Wing facilities are now the birthplace of many creations, some powered by the company’s very own ENG300 movement. Well, sort of.
For those who don’t know, this is a Swiss K1 movement that Bremont purchased the production rights of and re-engineered.
Today, Bremont combines movements like this with other technologies. The brand’s Shock-Proof mount, Roto-Click, and Trip-Tick case give you a lot for your money.
Although Bremont began as an assembly facility, the Henley-On-Thames brand has made big steps toward becoming more independent. The Wing’s two-story, 35,000-square-foot facility comprises a manufacturing quarter where Bremont’s innovations come to life.
A small air lock-type corridor, for example, protects the manufacturing atrium. Its purpose is to remove the risk of errant particles and dust entering the workshop. Here, artisans adhere to the strictest of watchmaking procedures.
The assembly and servicing areas are subject to strict standards of excellence.
Meanwhile, CNC machines are programmed to make specific parts using exclusive software. The Company also tests each watch beyond normal limits, including its chronometer-certified movements.
The Takeaway
In my opinion, Bremont has to be up there with some of the best brands of watches in the world. It may not boast Swiss origins. But when you consider what it takes to compete in this industry, its expertise and know-how are unquestionable.
Bremont has a reputation for bolstering British Watchmaking and connecting these values to mechanical engineering and aviation.
This ethos has become its identity. In doing so, it taps into a niche audience. At the same time, its quality materials, impeccable mechanics, and modest designs appeal to the masses.
Bremont is reinvigorating what we once considered a dying trade in Britain. With very few manufacturers making waves in the Industry, Bremont gaining popularity for all the right reasons.
Its growth, along with the opening of the doors to The Wing facilities back in 2021, certainly demonstrates this.
Above all, Bremont is unapologetically British. Somehow, its timepieces are less of a practical necessity (though they are that, too) and more of a gift. They are pure, undiluted, authentic pieces of craft that I hope we keep seeing more of.
Does Bremont make it to your top ten list of best watch brands? If not, who does? Drop your comments to us below!
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