Join me to explore a manufacturer that might just become one of the best watch brands in the world.
If you had asked 17-year-old me what I would be writing about in 20 years, she certainly wouldn't have said "watches." In fact, I don't think she even imagined she would be writing at all!
In the early to mid-2000s, I was engaged in alternative treatments for those open to the idea. Reflexology, aromatherapy, herbal medicine - you name it, I explored it all.
By the time I graduated from university, I was already working in retail. But I always found it hard to sell something I didn't particularly believe in. Then I discovered the world of luxury watches.
Sowing the Seeds of Watch Art
When I landed a job in a jewelry store, it completely changed my life. I didn't expect that.
At that time, I knew nothing about high-end luxury items. Why would people spend thousands of pounds on something that cheap Rotary watches could do?
Who even had that kind of money? But there was something about watches.
Bremont Argonaut Bronze
These intricately made time-measuring devices intrigued me. They all served one purpose but looked so different. The more I studied their mysterious complexity, the more I was captivated.
Watches seduced me.
Previously, they were all I thought about. I tried them on at work and admired them in shop windows. I even polished and wound them in my dreams!
Every weekend, I chose another watch brand to study: Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex - all big names.
Suddenly, I had an opinion about them. An opinion on which watch brands were good and which to avoid. An opinion on which watch brand was the best.
Moreover, I developed an opinion about Bremont, one of my favorite brands.
British Roots
The foundation of a topic like "The Best Watch Brand" can only be opinion. You and I may not share it, but if you're like me, you'll be interested in reading my perspective on this matter.
If you regularly read WatchTested, you already know that my favorite brand is the German-origin Nomos Glashutte. Does this make it the best watch brand of all time? Probably not. But how do you determine what it takes to hold this title? You can't!
I like that Nomos doesn't fit into any specific category except German. It's neither mainstream nor too unusual. It's not the most expensive nor the cheapest watch. It's just Nomos. The same can be said for Bremont.
So, it's clear that I have a penchant for non-Swiss watchmakers. Not that I have anything against Swiss watch brands. Moreover, I like that French, German, and British watch brands demonstrate that watchmaking isn't just about origin.
Which Watch Brand is the Best?
So which watch brand is the best? No one can answer this question definitively. But in my opinion, a few things define a good watch brand.
A watch brand should have a history that resonates with enthusiasts and a deep passion for watchmaking traditions.
It should choose only the best materials and maintain a strong individuality. It should have a DNA or formula that follows a strict code of excellence unique to that brand. Bremont meets all these criteria and more.
Bremont has always steadfastly pursued its goal of reviving true British watchmaking. In the 18th century, British manufacturers possessed craftsmanship that was almost unmatched. Yes, even the Swiss didn't surpass them!
By the 1970s, British watchmaking, like Swiss, was experiencing tough times. Quartz watches were incredibly affordable and accurate. Everyone wanted such watches.
Only a few manufacturers with immense perseverance and determination survived this difficult period.
Why Bremont is the Best Watch Brand
As I mentioned, such a topic can only be based on opinions. That's why I love what I love about Bremont.
History of Bremont
Brothers Nick and Giles English founded Bremont in 2002. Both were passionate aviators and aimed to combine the engineering mechanics of timekeeping with historic aircraft.
When I previously mentioned that a brand should have a good story behind its design, Bremont shines in this regard.
Nick and Giles named the brand after farmer Antoine Bremont. They used his field to make an emergency landing with their 1930s biplane. Bremont himself was a wartime pilot known for his kindness and hospitality.
Their father and his love for all things mechanical inspired the brothers. Whether boats, planes, watches, or cars, the pilot spent his days repairing and mastering.
After his tragic death at an airshow, the brothers founded the company in honor of his legacy.
Historic British aircraft served as inspiration for many Bremont watches.
One reason I like Bremont's ethos is the vintage feel their watches convey. While many vintage-style watches lack depth and imagination, Bremont wristwatches abound with it.
Perseverance became the key to Bremont's success. After five years of research, the first collection emerged.
The experience gained from engineers and Swiss watchmakers was paramount for the brothers. (After all, Rome wasn't built in a day.) It's this level of commitment that has earned them such worldwide respect.
New Releases
Over the years, Bremont has built relationships with the military and achieved partnerships that truly matter.
The company gives its limited edition watches, such as the Codebreaker, Jaguar, Victory, and Wright Flyer, a special vintage charm.
Moreover, they incorporate real, tangible pieces of history. Take, for example, the P-51, whose design uses original parts from the 1944 P-51K-10 Mustang WWII aircraft. And the Codebreaker, containing original artifacts from Bletchley Park.
Another example is the Wright Flyer. It contains original materials from the fuselage of the 1903 aircraft. There are also examples like the Hawking.
Dedicated to the legendary British scientist Stephen Hawking, these special watches include wooden discs inlaid in the case back. Amazingly, the craftsmen used pieces of wood from the scientist's desk, where he wrote his groundbreaking theories!
These special watches highlight artifacts, aircraft, and sports milestones in British history, making Bremont unique.
Collections
If you, like me, love military wristwatches, you'll definitely enjoy Bremont's offerings. You can choose from watches modeled after vintage aircraft or devices for extreme underwater exploration.
When you get the chance, check out the Bremont Supermarine series. These watches come equipped with a multitude of features needed for diving, making them capable devices for any water adventure.
British car manufacturer Jaguar inspires the creation of the eponymous Jaguar series for classic car enthusiasts. And in the U2 collection, you can find military instruments.
If you prefer pilot watches, check out the ALT1 and Airco series.
All these models (and many more) reflect the essence of authenticity and inventiveness. Do you share the English brothers' passion for all things mechanical and motorized? If so, you won't regret trying Bremont.
Partnerships
As mentioned above, Bremont's partnerships are an integral part of its reputation in the watch industry. Collaborating with icons of British engineering is, after all, key to the brand's reputation. British Airways, Jaguar, and Martin Baker are just a few examples.
Bremont also plays a significant role in the sports industry. It is actively involved in sporting events such as the America's Cup, the Isle of Man TT, and rugby in England.
Of course, the brand's deep ties with the military are perhaps its most impressive contracts. Collaboration with the Ministry of Defence puts the British watch company in a unique position.
It's the only brand allowed to carry the badges and insignias of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and British Army.
Technology
Don't get me wrong, Bremont has made a couple of rookie mistakes in its time. If you've followed the brand before, you might remember when it got a slap on the wrist in 2014. It wasn't entirely transparent about the origin of its movements.
The back of the Wright Flyer movement was engraved with the word "London." In reality, the movement is produced by La Joux-Perret. Whether intentional or not, the lack of clarity certainly didn't do the brand any favors.
I can't say that I'm surprised, as misleading the public in this way isn't the best move.
Nonetheless, Bremont certainly learns from its mistakes. Currently, many creations are born at the Wing factory, some of which are powered by the in-house ENG300 movement. Well, sort of.
For those who don't know, this is a Swiss K1 movement, the rights to which Bremont acquired and reworked.
Today, Bremont combines such movements with other technologies. Shock-resistant mounting, Roto-Click, and the Trip-Tick case all allow you to get a lot for your money.
While Bremont started as an assembly operation, the brand from Henley-on-Thames has made great strides toward becoming more independent. The two-story 35,000 square foot Wing building is a manufacturing district where Bremont's innovations come to life.
For example, a small airlock corridor protects the production atrium. Its goal is to eliminate the risk of stray particles and dust entering the workshop. Here, craftsmen adhere to the strictest watchmaking procedures.
In the assembly and service areas, strict quality standards are maintained.
CNC machines are programmed to manufacture specific parts using exclusive software. Furthermore, the company conducts over-the-norm testing of each watch, including chronometer-certified movements.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Bremont stands alongside some of the world's best watch brands. It may not boast Swiss origins. But when you think about what it takes to compete in this industry, its expertise and know-how are undeniable.
Bremont has a reputation as a British watchmaker and connects these values with engineering and aviation.
This principle has become its hallmark. Thus, the company carves out its niche. At the same time, quality materials, impeccable mechanics, and modest design appeal to the masses.
Bremont is reviving what was once considered a dying profession in Britain. While only a few manufacturers succeed in this industry, Bremont is gaining popularity for all the right reasons.
Its growth, along with the opening of The Wing in 2021, certainly attests to this.
Above all, Bremont is an unapologetically British brand. Its watches are not so much a practical necessity (although they are) as they are a gift. They are pure, unadulterated, genuine works of art that I hope will appear more and more.
Does Bremont make it into your top ten watch brands? If not, who does? Leave your comments on our Telegram channel!