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TheDude · 3 February 2010, 11:32 PM

I have been interested in Bremont for a while, but hadn't had the opportunity to see any in the flesh until just recently.

Very nice. There were two that really caught my eye when I put them on.

The cream dialed ALT1-C and the new MBII. The latter is uber rugged, with a rubber movement dampening system, a faraday cage to provide protection from magnetic fields. All Bremont cases are tegimented steel, hardened to 2000 vickers. Straps are bridle leather, and are quite thick and durable.

ALT1-C

General images (different colored dial)

http://www.equationoftime.com/forums...ad.php?p=88077

MBII

A link about the MB1/MBII

http://forum.atgvintagewatches.com/s...ead.php?t=1047

The one I tried on had the green barrel. There is orange, green, anthracite, and red. The red is reserved for the MB1, which is only sold to pilots who have ejected in an MB seat.

The brand seems to have just one downside, that prices are quite high relative to the current level of pedigree. Not that Bremont can't be a great marque, it simply hasn't established itself yet.

everose · 4 February 2010, 03:10 AM

The ALT1/C has a Valjoux 7750 mvt.

I love the simplicity of the cream dial.....beautiful clarity.

They make a ss bracelet for them,about $375 extra i think.

All there watches come with an extra fabric strap also.

I have been/am an admirer of Bremont....but after joining TRF you are exposed to many beautiful watches at that same price point(or less).

I just feel their pricing is a little over ambitious for a watch company,still in its early stages of life,ETA equipped.(admitted 7750 is sound)

In UK an ALT1/C with ss bracelet is pushing GBP 4,000(approaching US$6400!!).....there are ALOT of beautiful watches to choose from at this price!!!!!!!

I have not looked at an MBII in the flesh yet...but they look promising.

The MBI is only available to people who have ejected from a Martin Baker ejector seat!!!!!

The MBII is the version available to the public,(i think)

Bremont are definitely one to watch IMHO.

spuds · 10 February 2010, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by everose

The MBI is only available to people who have ejected from a Martin Baker ejector seat!!!!!

WTF?!

How mad is that?!

LOL......

Broussard · 10 February 2010, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spuds

WTF?!

How mad is that?!

LOL......

Yeah, but you can buy an MB2 (the civvy version) if you want!

Tough enough for me...

Thanks for the welcome, by the way. I don't actually own a Rolex, but have bought the other half a vintage Tudor Rose, which she seems to rather like...

M

JBat · 4 February 2010, 03:43 AM

Great looking watches, but I don't know much about the brand.

TheDude · 4 February 2010, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBat

Great looking watches, but I don't know much about the brand.

Two brothers in the UK started the company. So far they are getting a lot of buzz, between celebs wearing them (Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear, Orlando Bloom, etc...) and real adventurers like Bear Grylls.

Very tough and well made. An interesting point, the MB1 and MBII are the first watches to be made in London in a very very long time. Notice the "London" text near the bottom of the dial.

JBat · 4 February 2010, 06:59 AM

Yeah, I see that, but the cream colored one says Swiss Made. Interesting company, though. The popularity of mechanical watches continues to grow.

TheDude · 4 February 2010, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBat

Yeah, I see that, but the cream colored one says Swiss Made. Interesting company, though. The popularity of mechanical watches continues to grow.

Right - only the newest model is London built. The rest are Swiss.

poboxw · 5 February 2010, 03:40 AM

The cream ALT1-C is one classy chronograph, but i'm not too sure about the ejection seat ring on the second hand of the MBII. Offering one version only to pilots that have ejected does have that novel/prestigious feel, but doesn't it make the public model a bit second best?

There's a debate on tegimented steel as it appears to be a surface treatment in most cases (i'm not sure if it's even possible to have the whole of a watch case tegimented at all), versus say ice-hardened steel (both are German developed i think). tegimented steel allows the surface of the case to be very Very scratch resistant, but it is not immune to dents and flaking since the metal underneath the tegemented surface is softer. Given, if you don't drop your watch from a height or bang your writs hard, tegemented steel will do better than arguably all other treatments.

But man, only if the Bremonts didn't cost so much, to own a London made watch does have a certain feel to it :)

Broussard · 10 February 2010, 07:07 AM

...it's my watch, and the strap is from a guy in the UK called Rich / Toshi (toshi-straps.co.uk).

M

spuds · 10 February 2010, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broussard

...it's my watch, and the strap is from a guy in the UK called Rich / Toshi (toshi-straps.co.uk).

M

Excellent!!

Great watch mate!!

& by the way Welcome!!

Lol-x · 10 February 2010, 10:09 AM

That MB2 looks cool. But the point about the price is poignant.

The MB1 is the more aesthetically alluring model with the orange/red second hand.

I don't know why they would make the watch so restrictive as to be only capable of being acquired if one has 'ejected'.

Anyway what do I know.

But this kind of exclusivity must turn a lot of people away.

Broussard · 10 February 2010, 07:44 PM

Agreed. I have a special version of the MB2 that has the bright yellow / red-tipped seconds hand and yellow internal bezel markers from the MB1, but with the MB2 dial. You can't get the MB1 unless you have ejected - and for valid reasons!

The original idea of the watch was to be an addition to the Ejection Tie Club, the club that was originally founded by Sir James Martin for those members of the armed forces who have ejected using a Martin-Baker seat.

Unlike many co-brandings, the Bremont Martin-Baker watch is designed to be able to withstand the same tests that the Martin-Baker seats go through, e.g. corrosive fog testing (equivalent to 30 years on the deck of an aircraft carrier), vibration testing (30 years' wear and tear), temperature tests (-40 to 120 degrees F) and - of course - the live ejections themselves. The modifications made to the watch include the case, polymer movement holder, anti-shock rotor, anti-magnetic components and an additional anti-magnetic casing that also acts as a 'Farraday Cage'.

To quote Martin-Baker - "As the pioneer of the ejection seat and supplier to over 70% of the Western world‘s air forces, Martin-Baker represents the pinnacle of British engineering. The aim was to challenge conventional mechanical watch design, by applying standards that truly define ‘a matter of life and death’. "

Martin-Baker has an article about the watch, its testing and the case / movement modifications here

I guess it's a bit like the Comex divers. You couldn't get one of those unless you worked for Comex. You can't get an MB1 unless you've punched out of a jet! Doesn't stop me lusting after a Comex tho!

Much as I'd like an MB1 - I appreciate that these were specially designed for pilots / navigators who have a job that I can't even begin to understand, and whom I respect deeply. I'm happy with my MB - even at that price point!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lol-x

That MB2 looks cool. But the point about the price is poignant.

The MB1 is the more aesthetically alluring model with the orange/red second hand.

I don't know why they would make the watch so restrictive as to be only capable of being acquired if one has 'ejected'.

Anyway what do I know.

But this kind of exclusivity must turn a lot of people away.

everose · 11 February 2010, 01:06 AM

The whole MBI restriction deal is basically a marketing tool to sell MBII's.IMO

I think its actually pretty sharp marketing!!!...I think Bremont Marketing has been very innovative since launch!!!

As for all the survival tests ............i am pretty sure there are a whole bunch of other mech watches available,which could survive the same tests!!!

A small company with limited resources will not survive without developing a VERY STRONG brand identity.I think Bremont are absolutely on the right path,IMHO

Bremont launched in 2007..... look at all they have done in such a short time!!!!!

DYNAMIC

asadtiger · 11 February 2010, 02:10 AM

I am not enamored with the usual Bremonts but their new offerings are absolutely fantastic...the supermarine with sapphire bezel, 500m diver and this new MB series...the case side is the real innovative part in these models..I am trying to share some googled images for you all to savour...Broussard you sure have an amazing watch

..welcome to the forum...you dont necessarily need a Rolex to be here...you just need to enjoy watches

the last pic shows supermarine's side with an HEV...there are other color variants on the version too.

Broussard · 11 February 2010, 02:28 AM

...seems like I'm going to have to post some decent reviews of my ALT1-C, my Supermarine 500 (in blue) and Martin-Baker "Bang Seat" Bremont to keep you lot happy.

Hey ho.... I'll get posting then.

M

ETA - just notice you've nicked those pics from the Official Bremont Forum over on ATG!

TheDude · 11 February 2010, 11:18 AM

Looking forward to your posts. I'm strongly considering an MBII. If the one I tried hadn't been scratched, I might have nabbed it then. Gorgeous watch.

Psmith · 14 February 2010, 09:57 PM

The ALT1-Z SE is also somewhat exclusive..

"Unavailable for general purchase if you have not qualified as a pilot from the
US Naval Test Pilot School."

Guess that counts me out then...

Cheers

3 February 2010, 11:32 PM	#1
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,492	Tried on some Bremonts... I have been interested in Bremont for a while, but hadn't had the opportunity to see any in the flesh until just recently. Very nice. There were two that really caught my eye when I put them on. The cream dialed ALT1-C and the new MBII. The latter is uber rugged, with a rubber movement dampening system, a faraday cage to provide protection from magnetic fields. All Bremont cases are tegimented steel, hardened to 2000 vickers. Straps are bridle leather, and are quite thick and durable. ALT1-C General images (different colored dial) http://www.equationoftime.com/forums...ad.php?p=88077 MBII A link about the MB1/MBII http://forum.atgvintagewatches.com/s...ead.php?t=1047 The one I tried on had the green barrel. There is orange, green, anthracite, and red. The red is reserved for the MB1, which is only sold to pilots who have ejected in an MB seat. The brand seems to have just one downside, that prices are quite high relative to the current level of pedigree. Not that Bremont can't be a great marque, it simply hasn't established itself yet.

4 February 2010, 03:10 AM	#2
everose Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: World Citizen Posts: 593	The ALT1/C has a Valjoux 7750 mvt. I love the simplicity of the cream dial.....beautiful clarity. They make a ss bracelet for them,about $375 extra i think. All there watches come with an extra fabric strap also. I have been/am an admirer of Bremont....but after joining TRF you are exposed to many beautiful watches at that same price point(or less). I just feel their pricing is a little over ambitious for a watch company,still in its early stages of life,ETA equipped.(admitted 7750 is sound) In UK an ALT1/C with ss bracelet is pushing GBP 4,000(approaching US$6400!!).....there are ALOT of beautiful watches to choose from at this price!!!!!!! I have not looked at an MBII in the flesh yet...but they look promising. The MBI is only available to people who have ejected from a Martin Baker ejector seat!!!!! The MBII is the version available to the public,(i think) Bremont are definitely one to watch IMHO. Last edited by everose; 4 February 2010 at 03:13 AM.. Reason: .

10 February 2010, 07:07 AM	#10
Broussard "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London Posts: 5	That strap's not a Bremont strap... ...it's my watch, and the strap is from a guy in the UK called Rich / Toshi (toshi-straps.co.uk). M

10 February 2010, 10:09 AM	#12
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,593	That MB2 looks cool. But the point about the price is poignant. The MB1 is the more aesthetically alluring model with the orange/red second hand. I don't know why they would make the watch so restrictive as to be only capable of being acquired if one has 'ejected'. Anyway what do I know. But this kind of exclusivity must turn a lot of people away. __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

11 February 2010, 02:10 AM	#15
asadtiger "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Asad A. Awan Location: kabul, Afghanista Watch: Tissot PRX Posts: 2,698	I am not enamored with the usual Bremonts but their new offerings are absolutely fantastic...the supermarine with sapphire bezel, 500m diver and this new MB series...the case side is the real innovative part in these models..I am trying to share some googled images for you all to savour...Broussard you sure have an amazing watch ..welcome to the forum...you dont necessarily need a Rolex to be here...you just need to enjoy watches the last pic shows supermarine's side with an HEV...there are other color variants on the version too. Attached Images

4 February 2010, 03:43 AM	#5
JBat "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: John Location: Washington Watch: 16710, 16610, DJ Posts: 7,329	Great looking watches, but I don't know much about the brand.

4 February 2010, 06:59 AM	#7
JBat "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: John Location: Washington Watch: 16710, 16610, DJ Posts: 7,329	Yeah, I see that, but the cream colored one says Swiss Made. Interesting company, though. The popularity of mechanical watches continues to grow.

5 February 2010, 03:40 AM	#9
poboxw Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Patrick Location: Canada Watch: Damasko DA37 Posts: 28	The cream ALT1-C is one classy chronograph, but i'm not too sure about the ejection seat ring on the second hand of the MBII. Offering one version only to pilots that have ejected does have that novel/prestigious feel, but doesn't it make the public model a bit second best? There's a debate on tegimented steel as it appears to be a surface treatment in most cases (i'm not sure if it's even possible to have the whole of a watch case tegimented at all), versus say ice-hardened steel (both are German developed i think). tegimented steel allows the surface of the case to be very Very scratch resistant, but it is not immune to dents and flaking since the metal underneath the tegemented surface is softer. Given, if you don't drop your watch from a height or bang your writs hard, tegemented steel will do better than arguably all other treatments. But man, only if the Bremonts didn't cost so much, to own a London made watch does have a certain feel to it :)

11 February 2010, 01:06 AM	#14
everose Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: World Citizen Posts: 593	The whole MBI restriction deal is basically a marketing tool to sell MBII's.IMO I think its actually pretty sharp marketing!!!...I think Bremont Marketing has been very innovative since launch!!! As for all the survival tests ............i am pretty sure there are a whole bunch of other mech watches available,which could survive the same tests!!! A small company with limited resources will not survive without developing a VERY STRONG brand identity.I think Bremont are absolutely on the right path,IMHO Bremont launched in 2007..... look at all they have done in such a short time!!!!! DYNAMIC

11 February 2010, 02:28 AM	#16
Broussard "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London Posts: 5	Oh dear... ...seems like I'm going to have to post some decent reviews of my ALT1-C, my Supermarine 500 (in blue) and Martin-Baker "Bang Seat" Bremont to keep you lot happy. Hey ho.... I'll get posting then. M ETA - just notice you've nicked those pics from the Official Bremont Forum over on ATG! Last edited by Broussard; 11 February 2010 at 02:31 AM.. Reason: See ETA

11 February 2010, 11:18 AM	#17
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,492	Looking forward to your posts. I'm strongly considering an MBII. If the one I tried hadn't been scratched, I might have nabbed it then. Gorgeous watch.

14 February 2010, 09:57 PM	#18
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	The ALT1-Z SE is also somewhat exclusive.. "Unavailable for general purchase if you have not qualified as a pilot from the US Naval Test Pilot School." Guess that counts me out then... Cheers __________________

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