In conjunction with the launch of their MB Viper, Bremont have released the all new Vulcan, adding to their Armed Forces Collection and one good looking pilots monopusher chronograph!
If you haven’t read about Bremont’s new MB Viper release, check it out here first before continuing on, will help with some context on their two new releases. You can also check out the interview with Giles English here which helps explain the philosophy behind Bremont and Giles and Nick English’s vision for the brand. Don’t worry, we’ll wait…
Ok you’re back, good.
Not quite as fun and out there as the MB Viper, The Vulcan is Bremont’s latest edition to their Armed Forces line, and is based on the current Arrow model, which is why if you are familiar with Bremont this watch will look familiar. Named after the Avro Vulcan, a jet powered, tail-less, delta-wing, high altitude strategic bomber, operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) from 1956 until 1984, it was heralded as a symbolic last defence against nuclear war, and is one of the most iconic aircraft in the RAF’s history.
“The Vulcan’s legacy as a symbol of British military power and technological innovation continues to be celebrated today, and it remains one of the most iconic aircraft of the Cold War era. As aviators ourselves, celebrating such remarkable aircraft and feats of engineering is truly inspirational and it’s fitting to incorporate these commemorative pieces within our Armed Forces Collection through Bremont’s partnership with the MoD.”
Giles English, co-founder, Bremont
The Vulcan oozes Bremont’s design codes, which is evident in the case design, crown, monopusher and dial design. The dial is typically military in style, with a matte black dial featuring a running seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock with a two-tone 3-D camouflage design. The elapsed minutes counter at 3 o’clock features a nuclear symbol indicating the arsenal carried onboard. A date function is situated at 6 o’clock helps with the symmetry of the dial.
The Vulcan’s case is made from Satin and polished two-piece MoD hardened stainless steel, and is 42mm in diameter. With a lug to lug of 51.5mm and thickness of just under 15mm, it’s a wearable watch, and fairly comfortable on the wrist, albeit for the short few minutes I had it on when I had the pleasure of trying it out back in early April.
The chronograph functionality is operated by a single pusher (monopusher) at 2 o’clock which starts, stops, and resets the stopwatch. If you’re more familiar with the much more common dual-pusher chronograph with both start/stop and reset pushers, a monopusher may seem weird to you at first, but you get used to it quickly. Push once to start, again to stop, and a third time to reset the chronograph movement.
Turning the watch over reveals a stainless steel enclosed case back, which hides the chronometer rated BE-51AE movement with a 56-hour power reserve. The case back is decorated with an engraving of the Avro B-1 Bomber and the heraldic badge of the Royal Air Force encircled with the inscription: ‘Approved by Her Majesty’s Armed Forces’ given that this timepiece was designed and approved by the Ministry Of Defence under Her Majesty’s Reign.
Final Thoughts
The Bremont Vulcan is one of the watches that you either fall in love with when you first hold it, or you don’t. For me, I loved this watch for several reasons. The case is sturdy and felt great on the wrist, the monopusher chronograph is just that little bit different and the design of the Vulcan to me just works.
The subtle design nods to it’s namesake are great and that lovely matte textured dial with the contrasting blue second hand and ‘1952’ on the dial give it more character. And with only 250 pieces available, you’re sure to have something a little unique on your wrist. Plus you get two straps to change the look and bonus Avro Vulcan cufflinks, which you have to be happy about that!
Specification
Reference: Vulcan – 250 Piece Limited Edition
- Case: 42mm, lug to lug 51.5mm
- Thickness: 14.9mm thick
- Case Material: Satin and polished two-piece MoD hardened stainless steel case
- Case back: Stainless Steel decorated with an Avro B-1 Bomber and the Royal Air Force Heraldic Badge.
- Dial: Black metal dial with white Super-LumiNova® (Blue emission) numerals. Skeleton hour and minute hands, painted with white Super-LumiNova® & RAF Blue Chronograph hand.
- Crystal: Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
- Water resistance:100m / 10bar
- Movement: Modified Calibre 13 1/4’’’ BE-51AE. 27 Jewels, 28,800 Vph (4Hz)
- Power reserve: 56 Hours
- Strap: ‘RAF Blue’ Sailcloth strap with additional Camo Sailcloth strap inspired by the Avro Vulcan. Stainless steel pin buckle.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $6,600
Availability: Available now through Hardy Brothers Boutiques, and online at Bremont.com
