Bremont watches are known for their aviation heritage, but with the Terra Nova collection, the British watchmaker takes inspiration from a different kind of history: that of military pocket watches from the early 20th century. The result is a watch that is both stylish and functional, perfect for the modern adventurer.
Bremont was founded in 2002 by brothers Nick and Giles English. The company is named after their father, who was a commercial pilot who tragically died in a plane crash in 1995. The English brothers decided to honor their father's memory by creating a brand of high-quality, aviation-inspired watches.
Courtesy of Bremont
Bremont quickly gained a reputation for its well-made and innovative timepieces. The company's watches are known for their use of high-tech materials, such as titanium and carbon fiber, as well as their chronometer-certified movements.
Bremont watches have been worn by a number of celebrities, including actors Tom Hardy and Ewan McGregor, and racing driver Lewis Hamilton.
The Terra Nova collection is a new departure for Bremont. While the company's watches have always been known for their durability and functionality, the Terra Nova collection is even more rugged and utilitarian. The watches are designed to be worn in the most challenging conditions, and they feature a number of features that make them ideal for outdoor use.
One of the most striking features of the Terra Nova Chronograph is its case. The case is made from 904L stainless steel, which is a type of steel that is known for its exceptional corrosion resistance. The case is also satin-finished and polished, which gives it a sophisticated look.
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The watch's dial is black and features oversized numerals that are coated with Super-LumiNova® for excellent legibility in low-light conditions. The hands are also coated with Super-LumiNova®, and the watch has a railroad minute track for quick reference.
The Terra Nova Chronograph is a two-register chronograph, which means that it has two subdials for measuring elapsed time. The subdials are located at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, and they are surrounded by a black ceramic bezel with a compass scale. The bezel is bidirectional, which means that it can be rotated in either direction. This makes it easy to use the compass scale to navigate.
The Terra Nova Chronograph is water-resistant to 100 meters, which means that it can be worn while swimming or showering. The watch also comes with a variety of strap options, including a brown leather strap, a stainless steel bracelet, and a NATO strap.
The Bremont Terra Nova Chronograph is a watch that is built for adventure. It is a tough, reliable timepiece that can handle anything you throw at it. With its stylish design and functional features, the Terra Nova Chronograph is the perfect watch for the modern explorer.
Courtesy of Bremont
At the core of the Terra Nova Chronograph lies a workhorse – the modified Calibre 13 ''' BE-50AV automatic movement. This beautifully finished chronometer packs 27 jewels, assuring smooth operation and longevity. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring precise timekeeping, and guarantees an impressive power reserve of 56 hours. So, if you find yourself off the grid for a couple of days, your Terra Nova will still be ticking strong.
That movement is subtly showcased through the Terra Nova's closed case back. Instead of an exhibition window, Bremont has opted for a beautifully etched design. It features a stylized world map and prominently inscribes the words "Terra Nova" – a reminder of the watch's inspiration and spirit of exploration.
Let's return to the dial, the watch's 'face'. Aside from those eye-catching, oversized Super-LumiNova®-laden numerals, the Terra Nova Chronograph sports a suite of features that emphasize practical functionality.
The two subdials, referred to as 'registers' in horology circles, are where the chronograph complication comes to life. The subdial at 9 o'clock acts as a small seconds counter, reassuring you that the movement is humming along. The register at 3 o'clock is your 30-minute chronograph counter. This subdial measures the elapsed time when you engage the chronograph feature, perfect for timing hikes, cooking, or a quick workout session.
Courtesy of Bremont
Rounding out the dial features, we have a date display. Neatly positioned at the 6 o'clock mark, it adds a subtle yet welcome practicality to the watch.
Now, let's focus on how you interact with your Terra Nova. The oversized crown is a standout feature. It's not just big, it's beautifully crafted and embellished with Bremont's new logo, "The Wayfinder." This logo symbolizes the brand's relentless drive for adventure. More importantly, that larger crown ensures a satisfying and secure grip, even with gloved fingers.
The two chronograph pushers sit flanking the crown. They provide smooth, tactile feedback when it's time to start, stop, or reset the chronograph function.
Earlier, we mentioned the use of 904L stainless steel for the Terra Nova's case. It's worth emphasizing that this is not your average watch-grade steel. 904L is renowned for its toughness and corrosion resistance – it's the kind of steel found in high-end surgical instruments and marine-grade hardware. You can trust that the Terra Nova is a watch designed to endure.
The dial itself sits beneath a domed sapphire crystal. Sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness, making it incredibly scratch-resistant. This crystal is also treated with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring optimal legibility at all angles, even in harsh sunlight.
Courtesy of Bremont
The Bremont Terra Nova Chronograph arrives on a supple brown leather strap with a pin buckle closure. It exudes classic field watch vibes. However, Bremont is all about versatility, so you can easily change the character of the Terra Nova. It comes equipped with quick-release spring bars. This empowers you to swap the strap for other options with just a snap. For a sportier look, a NATO strap is a fantastic way to switch it up. If you want that 'tool watch' feel, Bremont is offering a matching stainless steel bracelet that fits seamlessly with the watch itself.
The Bremont Terra Nova Chronograph is an impressive offering. Its design harkens back to a time when watches were purpose-built tools, yet its modern execution gives it a broad appeal. It's a field watch at its core, ready for everyday wear or far-flung escapades. Whether timing your morning brew, hitting the trails, or simply appreciating fine micro-engineering, the Terra Nova is a worthy companion on your wrist.