B.R.M. watches are not new to the market, yet the French brand remains relatively unknown, despite its bold and expressive racing track-inspired design.
The company B.R.M. (Bernard Richard Manufacture) was founded long before 2007, when WatchTested launched, and since then, the signature style of most models has hardly changed. Over this time, the brand has introduced many new models and an astonishing variety of variations among similarly designed watches. For example, the model in question is available in several color options. It belongs to the BRM MK-44 family with Macrolon cases. Similar models with other case materials are also featured in the collection. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the BRM MK-44 Polished White Dial Light Blue from the 'Racing' series.
Case Materials: Macrolon and Titanium
The main feature of this model is the case material. Most of the case is made from transparent Macrolon - a high-quality polycarbonate plastic used in specialized high-performance fields. In 2014, a similar material was used in the MB&F HM5 CarbonMacrolon watches. In the model under consideration, sapphire glass is used only to protect the dial, not the entire case. Sapphire cases are scratch-resistant but can shatter upon impact. Macrolon, on the other hand, is cheaper and has several practical advantages: it is extremely impact-resistant and does not crack when dropped, making it an excellent choice for a transparent case. Meanwhile, Macrolon is more damage-resistant than many modern materials used in premium watches.
Other elements of the 44 mm case are made from carefully crafted titanium, creating a skeletonization effect and ensuring lightness and strength. This concept resonates with the philosophy of racing cars that inspired the brand, where lightness and reliability are crucial. Macrolon is also used in the automotive industry, for example, in headlight housings. The material combines the transparency of glass with the high strength of plastic.
The combination of titanium and Macrolon is a successful solution that combines aesthetic appeal and functionality. The total weight of the MK-44 watch is only 48.8 grams, significantly easing wear.
Water Resistance and Wearing Comfort
The 44 mm case provides water resistance up to 100 meters. The case back, lugs, crown, and chronograph pushers are made of titanium. Despite the large size, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist. Today, 44 mm is no longer considered an ultra-trendy size as it was 20 years ago, but such large and bright models remain relevant and in demand, especially when paired with short sleeves.
Special attention should be paid to the brand's signature hand design, used on most of the brand's models. In this version, the hands are painted in light blue - a rare solution among manufacturers, creating an attractive visual effect. The smaller hands on the sub-dials are reduced copies of the main ones, giving the design harmony. The color scheme of the dial and hands additionally matches the color of the strap.
Dial Design and Legibility
At first glance, the BRM dial seems quite busy. Partial skeletonization complicates perception, but the design retains functional elegance: all necessary elements for reading time and operating the chronograph are intuitively located. The dial contains almost no luminescent elements - only small SuperLumiNova patches on the tips of the hands. This emphasizes the daytime character of the watch - an ideal option for wearing in bright lighting.
The hour markers at 12, 4, and 8 are done in a larger font and are bold - another signature feature of BRM, present on most models.
Movement and Technical Specifications
Inside the model is a Swiss automatic chronograph ETA Valjoux 7753, which was widely used in various watches but is now rarer due to ETA's sales restrictions to brands outside the Swatch Group. The movement runs at a frequency of 4 Hz and has a power reserve of about two days.
In this model, the movement is skeletonized to enhance visual perception. The date correction system is removed from the movement, simplifying operation and enhancing the aesthetic purity of the dial. The Valjoux 7753 provides time display with an additional seconds hand and a 12-hour chronograph. The movement is mounted on shock-absorbing mounts for protection against vibrations and shocks, increasing durability and stability.
Color Options and Strap
The model name 'Polished White Dial Light Blue' reflects the color of the main dial (polished white) and the light blue hands. Similar MK-88 models are offered with different color options for hands and dials, while the price remains comparable.
BRM traditionally equips watches with leather straps perforated in a racing 'eyelet' style, harmoniously matching the hand design and emphasizing the sporty character of the collection. This strap style remains relevant and recognizable for the brand.
Conclusion
The BRM MK-44 Polished White Dial Light Blue is a combination of innovative materials, technical reliability, and expressive racing design. The lightweight and durable titanium and Macrolon case, unique color scheme of hands and dial, and proven Swiss mechanism make this model attractive to enthusiasts of sports watches with a focus on quality and style.
The price of the B.R.M. Racing MK-44 Polished White Dial Light Blue model is about 12,501 USD.
Key features of the BRM MK-44:
- Case made of titanium and transparent Macrolon
- 44 mm case diameter, 100 m water resistance
- Automatic chronograph ETA Valjoux 7753 with 12-hour counter
- Lightweight - only 48.8 grams
- Light blue hands and polished white dial
- Perforated leather strap in racing style
- Impact-resistant and scratch-resistant case
This model is perfect for those looking for unique and functional sports watches with a focus on innovative materials and traditional Swiss quality.