Bremont Terra Nova Bronze

Bremont, a name synonymous with robust, British-engineered timepieces, has ventured into new territory, enriching its Terra Nova collection with the warmth and character of bronze. But this isn't just any bronze. Bremont has chosen a Cupro-Aluminum alloy, delivering a trio of field watches that blend classic military aesthetics with a material that evolves uniquely with its wearer. Let's delve into what makes these new Terra Nova Bronze pieces tick.

The Terra Nova collection itself draws inspiration from the sturdy, reliable pocket watches issued to military personnel in the early 20th century. Those timepieces were built for a purpose: to withstand harsh conditions and provide clear, accurate timekeeping. Bremont has channeled that spirit, creating watches that feel both robust and refined. The cushion-shaped case, a hallmark of the Terra Nova line, is a nod to those vintage designs, but with a modern twist. The relatively short lugs and streamlined profile ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist, despite the watch's tool-watch DNA.



Bremont's choice of Cupro-Aluminum bronze is a fascinating one. While bronze is traditionally associated with maritime instruments, thanks to its corrosion resistance in saltwater, this particular alloy has plenty to offer on dry land. Cupro-Aluminum is known for its strength and durability. It's not as soft as some other bronze alloys, meaning it's less prone to dings and scratches – a crucial factor for a watch designed to be worn in the field. This strength also allows Bremont to machine the intricate, two-piece case with its precise lines and angles.

Another major advantage of Cupro-Aluminum is its hypoallergenic nature. Some people react to the copper content in traditional bronze alloys, experiencing skin irritation. The aluminum and silicon in this alloy minimize that risk, making the watch more comfortable for a wider range of wearers. A subtle, but important, detail. This means the watch can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone, with no concerns or complaints.

The visual appeal of Cupro-Aluminum is also distinct. It has a warm, reddish-gold hue that's different from the yellowish tones often seen in other bronze watches. And then there's the patina. All bronze develops a patina over time, a natural oxidation process that changes the surface of the metal. But Cupro-Aluminum does it differently. Instead of the sometimes-uneven green or black discoloration that can occur with traditional bronze, this alloy develops a more gradual, even patina. It's a subtle shift, a gentle aging process that gives the watch a unique character without looking overly distressed. It's like a well-worn leather jacket – it tells a story, but it doesn't look like it's been dragged through a swamp.

The dial of the Terra Nova Date Bronze is a captivating deep green, fading to a darker shade at the edges. This gradient effect adds depth and visual interest, catching the light in a way that a flat, uniform dial simply can't. The numerals, applied in a generous block of vintage-colored Super-LumiNova, are prominent and highly legible, even in dim lighting. The hands, plated in rose gold, provide a warm contrast to the green dial and are also filled with Super-LumiNova. A small date window sits neatly at the 3 o'clock position.



The 40.5mm Terra Nova Date Bronze is powered by the modified Calibre 11 1/2''' BE-36AE automatic movement. This workhorse movement, with its 26 jewels, Glucydur balance, and Anachron balance spring, is known for its reliability and accuracy. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a power reserve of 38 hours. While not a groundbreaking movement, it's a solid and dependable choice for a watch in this category.

The case back, while not visible during wear, is made of PVD bronze-colored stainless steel. This choice likely contributes to the watch's hypoallergenic properties, as stainless steel is less likely to cause skin reactions than bronze. The domed sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating, protects the dial and offers excellent scratch resistance. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, making it more than capable of handling everyday splashes and even a swim.

The Terra Nova 40.5mm Date Bronze provides options in how it is worn. Bremont presents the option of their first ever Cupro-Aluminium bronze bracelet, designed to fit the watch at its most articulated. With an included butterfly clasp, this is an option for those looking for continuity throughout the watch. Other options are provided, including a Green Nubuck Leather strap with a creamy box stitch. This provides a more simple look that is still complimentary of the colorway of the dial. Bremont also offers a Nato strap for the watch.

Now, let's examine the limited edition, the Terra Nova 40.5mm Power Reserve Bronze. This model, restricted to just 100 pieces, shares many of the same features as the Date version, but with a few key distinctions. Most notably, it adds a power reserve indicator at the 6 o'clock position and a running seconds subdial at 9 o'clock. These complications not only add visual interest to the dial but also provide useful information to the wearer. The power reserve indicator, as the name suggests, shows how much of the movement's 38-hour power reserve remains, while the running seconds subdial confirms that the watch is functioning.



The dial color is also different. Instead of the green gradient of the Date model, the Power Reserve version features a warm caramel gradient, meant to evoke the vastness of a desert landscape. The hands are still rose gold plated and filled with vintage-colored Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility. The bi-directional rotating bezel, a feature not found on the Date model, is engraved with a compass rose, further emphasizing the watch's adventurous spirit. It's a functional detail that could be genuinely useful in the field, allowing the wearer to Orient themselves using the sun.

The Power Reserve model is powered by a different movement, the modified Calibre 11 1/2''' BE-79AL. This movement, with 31 jewels, shares the same basic architecture as the BE-36AE but incorporates the additional complications of the power reserve indicator and running seconds. It also features a Glucydur balance, Anachron balance spring, and Nivaflex mainspring, and beats at the same 28,800 bph.

Like the Date model, the Power Reserve Bronze is available on Bremont's new Cupro-Aluminum bronze bracelet, offering a seamless and integrated look. The highly articulated links and butterfly clasp ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Finally, we have the Terra Nova 42.5mm Chronograph Bronze, the most complex of the three. This model adds a chronograph function, allowing the wearer to measure elapsed time. The chronograph complication includes a central sweep seconds hand, a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, and a small seconds counter at 9 o'clock. The date window moves to the 6 o'clock position to accommodate the chronograph subdials.



The dial, like the Date model, is a deep green gradient, providing a rich backdrop for the rose gold-plated hands and chronograph counters. The full-block Super-LumiNova numerals ensure excellent visibility in all lighting conditions. The bi-directional rotating bezel, similar to the Power Reserve model, features a compass rose, but with a black ceramic insert for added durability and scratch resistance.

The Chronograph is powered by the modified Calibre 13 1/4''' BE-50AV, a more sophisticated movement than the ones found in the other two models. This movement, with 27 jewels, features a Glucydur balance wheel, Anachron balance spring, and Nivaflex mainspring. It beats at 28,800 bph and boasts an impressive 56-hour power reserve, significantly longer than the other two models. This extended power reserve is particularly useful for a chronograph, as running the chronograph function can consume more energy.

The 42.5mm case size of the Chronograph, slightly larger than the other two models, reflects the added complexity of the movement and the need to accommodate the chronograph subdials. Despite the increased size, the watch maintains a comfortable wrist presence thanks to the well-designed case and short lugs. The Terra Nova 42.5 Chronograph Bronze comes on options. A bracelet, and two straps. The bracelet is Bremont’s first ever Cupro-Aluminium bronze bracelet. The bracelet is highly articulated and secure, fastening with a butterfly clasp. The strap options are a green nubuck leather with a creamy box stitch. A classic, subdued look to accompany the dial of the watch. The last option is a Nato Strap, for a more rugged style.

The choice of Cupro-Aluminum bronze for the Terra Nova collection is a testament to Bremont's commitment to using materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior. It's a material that will age gracefully, developing a unique patina that reflects the wearer's individual experiences. It's a subtle, personal touch that makes each watch truly one-of-a-kind. It elevates it.

The design of these watches is a successful blend of vintage inspiration and modern execution. The cushion-shaped case, the bold numerals, and the railroad minute track all harken back to the military watches of the past. But the clean lines, the sophisticated dial finishing, and the use of modern materials give these watches a contemporary feel. They're not mere replicas of vintage pieces; they're modern interpretations that respect the past while embracing the present.



The three different models offer something for everyone. The Date model is a simple, elegant time-only watch, perfect for everyday wear. The Power Reserve model adds a touch of complexity and functionality, while remaining relatively understated. And the Chronograph is the most tool-oriented of the bunch, with its added timing capabilities and robust construction. All three share the same core DNA, the same commitment to durability and legibility, but they offer different levels of complexity and functionality to suit different needs and preferences.

The Bremont Terra Nova Bronze watches are set at a price point that reflects their quality, materials, and craftsmanship. The Terra Nova 40.5mm Date Bronze is priced at $4,150 on the bracelet, $3,750 on the Green Nubuck Leather with Cream Box Stitch, and $3,750 on the Nato Strap. The Terra Nova 40.5mm Turning Bezel Power Reserve Bronze is priced at $5,100 on the bracelet. Finally, the Terra Nova 42.5mm Chronograph Bronze is priced at $6,550 on the bracelet, $6,150 on the Green Nubuck Leather with Cream Box Stitch, and $6,150 on the Nato Strap. These watches are available for purchase through authorized Bremont retailers and directly from Bremont's website.

Terra Nova 40.5 Date Bronze

Case: 40.5mm Diameter, 47mm Length, 11.11mm Depth, 22mm Lug Width. Satin and polished two-piece Cupro-Aluminium bronze case. Push-in crown. PVD bronze-colored stainless steel case back. 10 ATM, 100 meters Water Resistance. Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.

Movement: Modified Calibre 11 1/2’’’ BE-36AE. 26 Jewels. Glucydur balance, Anachron balance spring, Nivaflex mainspring. 28,800 bph (4Hz). 38-hour power reserve. Central hour/minute/seconds. Date window at 3 o'clock.

Dial: Gradient green metal dial. 3D vintage Super-LumiNova® (Green emission) blocks. Polished Rose Gold plated hour and minute hands with vintage Super-LumiNova® (Green emission). Rose Gold plated second hand.

Strap: Options include a Cupro-Aluminium bronze bracelet with highly articulated links and a butterfly clasp, a Green Nubuck Leather with Cream Box Stitch, or a Nato Strap.

Price: Bracelet: $4,150, Green Nubuck Leather: $3,750, Nato Strap: $3,750

Notes: Features Bremont's first-ever Cupro-Aluminium bronze bracelet. The Cupro-Aluminum bronze offers superior scratch resistance and a unique patina development.



Terra Nova 40.5 Power Reserve Bronze

Case: 40.5mm Diameter, 47mm Length, 11.91mm Depth, 22mm Lug Width. Satin and polished two-piece Cupro-Aluminium bronze case. Bi-directional Cupro-Aluminium bronze bezel engraved with the compass rose. Push-in crown. PVD bronze-colored stainless steel case back. 10 ATM, 100 meters Water Resistance. Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.

Movement: Modified Calibre 11 1/2’’’ BE-79AL. 31 Jewels. Glucydur balance, Anachron balance spring, Nivaflex mainspring. 28,800 bph (4Hz). 38-hour power reserve. Central hour/minute function. Date window at 3 o'clock. Power reserve at 6 o'clock. Running second hand at 9 o'clock.

Dial: Gradient caramel metal dial. 3D vintage Super-LumiNova® (Green emission) blocks. Polished Rose Gold plated hour and minute hands with vintage Super-LumiNova® (Green emission). Polished Rose Gold plated power reserve and sub-second hands.

Strap: Options include a Cupro-Aluminium bronze bracelet with highly articulated links and a butterfly clasp.

Price: Bracelet: $5,100

Notes: Limited to 100 pieces. Features a power reserve indicator and a compass bezel. Also features Bremont's first-ever Cupro-Aluminium bronze bracelet.



Terra Nova 42.5 Chronograph Bronze

Case: 42.5mm Diameter, 48.8mm Length, 14.8mm Depth, 22mm Lug Width. Satin and polished two-piece Cupro-Aluminium bronze case. Bi-directional Cupro-Aluminium bronze bezel with a ceramic insert. Push-in crown. PVD bronze-coloured stainless steel case back. 10 ATM, 100 meters Water Resistance. Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.

Movement: Modified Calibre 13 1/4’’' BE-50AV. 27 Jewels. Glucydur balance wheel, Anachron balance spring, Nivaflex mainspring. 28,800bph (4Hz). 56-hour power reserve. Central hour/minute. Chronograph centre sweep second hand. Chronograph 30 minutes counter at 3 o'clock. Date at 6 o'clock. Small seconds counter at 9 o'clock.

Dial: Gradient green metal dial. 3D vintage Super-LumiNova® (Green emission) blocks. Polished Rose Gold plated hour and minute hands with vintage Super-LumiNova® (Green emission). Rose Gold plated chrono hand and counter hands.

Strap: Options include a Cupro-Aluminium bronze bracelet with highly articulated links and a butterfly clasp, Green Nubuck Leather with Cream Box Stitch, and a Nato Strap.

Price: Bracelet: $6,550, Green Nubuck Leather with Cream Box Stitch: $6,150, Nato Strap: $6,150

Notes: Features a chronograph function and a 56-hour power reserve. Also features Bremont's first ever Cupro-Aluminium bronze bracelet.