• Bremont U-2 Argylle Jet Limited Edition Precision Meets Cinematic Style
  • Bremont U-2 Argylle Jet Limited Edition

    Precision Meets Cinematic Style

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    January 25, 2024
  • In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of luxury timepieces, the thrill of innovation and the pursuit of precision craftsmanship collide to create more than just instruments of time; they forge narratives, embodying the spirit of their inspiration. Such is the case with the Bremont U-2 Argylle Jet Limited Edition watch, an embodiment of espionage intrigue crafted into a timekeeper.

    The tale of Bremont, the British luxury watchmaker, is as compelling as the meticulously engineered chronometers that emerge from its ateliers. Founded in 2002 by brothers Nick and Giles English, Bremont has carved out a niche for itself in the world of aviation watches, drawing upon the aeronautical heritage that runs deep in the brothers' lineage. Their father, an ex-RAF pilot with a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering, instilled in them not only a passion for flying but an appreciation for the intricate mechanics of flight instruments.

    Courtesy of Bremont
    Courtesy of Bremont


    Bremont's pilot watches are not merely accessories; they are survival tools that have been tested to extremes. In the lineage of such creations comes the U-2 Argylle Jet, a timepiece limited to a mere 75 pieces, making it as exclusive as the covert operations it symbolically represents. The connection between Bremont's watches and aviation is not just thematic but practical, with many of their watches being developed in conjunction with military squadrons.

    The Argylle Jet, a piece that speaks volumes of its military inspiration, invites the wearer into a world where precision and resilience are not just desired but required. Its 43mm DLC treated stainless steel Trip-Tick case asserts a bold presence on the wrist, while the jet-black barrel evokes the stealth and mystery of a night operation. The watch is not just a nod to the military but an extension of it, a testament to the successful collaboration between Bremont and the forces that protect from the shadows.

    The black Argylle patterned dial is an homage to the upcoming spy thriller 'Argylle', and it resonates with the clandestine feel of the genre. A closer look reveals a network of diamond patterns, each intersecting line a potential storyline, a secret mission, a piece of a larger puzzle. The blue hands, filled with vintage Super-LumiNova, shine like beacons in the dark, ensuring clarity and readability in the most compromising of situations. The yellow-tipped seconds hand is a subtle but vibrant touch, a reminder of the colorful world of espionage that the film is set to portray.

    Courtesy of Bremont
    Courtesy of Bremont


    A watch collector beholding the U-2 Argylle Jet is immediately taken in by the contrasting textures and colors. The matte finish of the DLC treated case against the supple black leather strap, the patterned dial against the simplicity of the date function at 3 o’clock, each element is carefully thought out to maintain balance between functionality and design. The robustness of the watch, however, does not overshadow its sophisticated appearance, making it as suitable for a gala as for a high-stakes undercover mission.

    This watch is not just for telling time but for telling a story. Each Argylle Jet carries with it the DNA of Bremont’s commitment to endurance, precision, and the adventurous spirit of the cinematic world it pays tribute to. A watch collector understands that owning a Bremont is not just about having a timepiece; it's about holding a fragment of history, a piece of art that carries the essence of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

    The movement, a modified Calibre 11 1/2’ BE-36AE.00, is the heart that powers this limited edition piece. With 26 jewels and a custom decorated rotor, it is the caliber of choice for those who value the reliability of their timepiece as much as they value its aesthetics. The technical specifications speak of a watch built to endure, with increased shock resistance and an anti-magnetic Faraday ring ensuring the watch remains unaffected by the myriad of electronic devices that dominate our modern landscapes.

    The Bremont U-2 Argylle Jet is more than just a timepiece; it's a statement. It encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a part of the clandestine world of spies, where every second counts, and every detail matters. It pays homage to the daring and the bold, to those who live lives less ordinary.

    In anticipation of the film 'Argylle', the Bremont U-2 Argylle Jet serves not only as a functional piece but as a wearable piece of promotion, a talking point that will spark curiosity and interest. For the discerning watch enthusiast, this piece is a blend of storytelling and horological mastery, a limited edition watch that offers exclusivity not just in numbers but in experience.

    Courtesy of Bremont
    Courtesy of Bremont


    Let’s start with the movement, the core of the U-2 Argylle Jet. It boasts a modified Calibre 11 1/2’ BE-36AE.00, which is essentially the engine room of the timepiece. With 26 jewels acting as bearings, this movement reduces friction, allowing the gears to move smoothly, thereby enhancing the watch's longevity. The Glucydur balance and Anachron balance spring are materials chosen for their ability to resist deformation, thus ensuring the movement's accuracy over time. The Nivaflex mainspring is known for its high elasticity and excellent rate of performance, which translates to the reliability of the watch's 38-hour power reserve.

    The beating heart of this watch oscillates at 28,800 beats per hour (bph), a frequency that strikes a balance between the necessity for precision and the demand for mechanical longevity. At 4Hz, this ticking tempo allows the second hand to glide around the dial in a smooth eight ticks per second, creating a visual flow that is both delightful to the eye and indicative of the watch’s mechanical prowess.

    But it’s not just the movement that impresses; the U-2 Argylle Jet’s casing is a fortress built to safeguard its precious core. The stainless steel, DLC treated Bremont Trip-Tick case construction features a jet-black barrel that is as robust as it is aesthetically striking. DLC, or diamond-like carbon, is not just about achieving a deeper shade of black; it’s a statement of durability. This coating is known for its scratch resistance and is often used in tools and components that demand the highest level of resilience.

    The patented anti-shock movement mount and inner soft iron anti-magnetic Faraday cage encapsulate the movement, creating a bulwark against the everyday magnetic fields that could otherwise spell doom for precision timing. Furthermore, the patented inner bi-directional Roto-Click bezel, manipulated by the crown at 4 o’clock, is an innovation that allows the wearer to track a second time zone or countdown with a tactile and satisfying click for every minute turned.

    Courtesy of Bremont
    Courtesy of Bremont


    Craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of the U-2 Argylle Jet. The case back, for instance, is not a mere cover but a window to the watch’s soul. It’s a DLC treated stainless steel portal adorned with integrated black tinted sapphire crystal and secured by six stainless steel DLC screws. Through this window, the custom decorated rotor invites admiration, its oscillations a visible rhythm of the watch’s life force.

    The face of the U-2 Argylle Jet, a black metal dial, is a canvas where functionality meets art. The diamond Argylle pattern is not merely decorative; it is a nod to the diamond’s characteristics of being hard, precise, and clear – much like the qualities of a spy. The hands of the watch are not just pointers of time but are filled with a purpose. The blue hue of the hour and minute hands, filled with vintage Super-LumiNova, ensures legibility in low-light conditions, glowing with a blue emission that is soft yet clear. The seconds hand, with its yellow diamond tip, stands out as a focal point of contrast and character, adding a dash of panache to the ensemble.

    Above this dial sits a domed anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a transparent shield that ensures the dial beneath remains unscathed from the rigors of a wearer’s day-to-day adventures. Sapphire, second only to diamond in hardness, is the material of choice for a watch that seeks to be more than just an accessory but a lifelong companion on the wrist.

    Water resistance in a watch is akin to a strong hull in a ship, and the U-2 Argylle Jet is well-armored, boasting a 10 ATM rating, which translates to a depth of 100 meters. This makes it suitable for swimming and snorkeling, not just splashes and rain. It’s a feature that might not be daily used by every wearer, but it’s reassuring to know the watch can withstand a dip into an unexpected scenario.

    Courtesy of Bremont
    Courtesy of Bremont


    Chronometer rated to ISO 3159 standard, the Argylle Jet is not just any timekeeper; it has been rigorously tested and certified for its precision. A chronometer certification is a seal of approval, a nod to the watch's ability to perform with supreme accuracy in various positions and temperatures, a guarantee that time will be kept with the utmost fidelity.

    Strapping this watch on, the leather band feels like a second skin, adjustable to fit wrists from 16.5cm to 22cm. And with water resistance up to 100 meters, it’s built for both the boardroom and the high seas. Every detail of the Bremont U-2 Argylle Jet is a testament to Bremont’s dedication to their craft, making this watch not just a keeper of time, but a keeper of stories, a faithful companion for those who tread the path less traveled.
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