Bremont didn’t hold back with their new Terra Nova collection, releasing four timepieces with various mechanical complications.
More recently, Bremont had a change of hands in the company’s leadership. Davide Cerrato has taken over the reins of the luxury British watchmaker, and as his first major action, he has overseen the development and unveiling of the brand’s new Terra Nova 40.5 collection.
This Terra Nova is a preexisting collection in Bremont’s catalogue. For this latest release, Davide Cerrato has taken the design of early 20th-century pocket watches and infused it with simple yet functional designs inspired by military field timepieces. One of the models in this new Terra Nova collection is the Turning Bezel Power Reserve. While the name isn’t exactly ingenious, will the timepiece be any better?
Bremont Terra Nova 40.5 Turning Bezel Power Reserve – Anthracite dial on steel bracelet 
Bremont Terra Nova 40.5 Turning Bezel Power Reserve -Blue dial on steel bracelet
The first thing that’s easily noticeable about this timepiece is the tonneau-shaped case. While it is a reference to the military field watch design, I personally don’t know if it’s the base case design for this model, considering the bracelet design and the military-style bezel with its compass markings. I can’t quite put my figure on it, but it could be that the smoother lines and curves of the case are juxtaposed by the shape and refined bezel and bracelet design.
The watch is offered in a 40.5mm x 11.91mm case design, which, with its slim measurements, will certainly appeal to the modern consumer, given that modern styling is leaning towards smaller case sizes. While the case length is 47mm, the angular lugs are shaped down to provide a more comfortable fit on the wrist.
Bremont’s bi-directional rotating compass bezel with its cardinal indications is fitting for this timepiece. The steel finish gives the bezel a more subtle look, matching the case nicely. However, I wonder if they could have gotten away with a black bezel, much like the one on the new Terra Nova 42.5 Chronograph model. Not only would it have made the bezel stand out beautifully, but it also would’ve added some colour variation to the timepiece as well.
Bremont Terra Nova 40.5 Turning Bezel Power Reserve – Anthracite dial showing 3D Superlumi-Nova Arabic hour indices 
Bremont Terra Nova 40.5 Turning Bezel Power Reserve – Blue dial showing 3D Superlumi-Nova Arabic hour indices
This new Terra Nova 40.5 Turning Bezel Power Reserve is presented with two new dial colours. Personally, I love both colour schemes, as they offer two completely different looks. The first is an anthracite dial with vintage-coloured 3D Superlumi-Nova Arabic numeral hour indices. These two colour choices give a military-style look, while the large hour numerals make dial readability clean and crisp. The hour and minute hands have also been coated with vintage Superlumi-Nova to match the rest of the dial’s aesthetics.
The second version feels like a more modern take with a beautiful gradient blue dial, with contrasting white indices and hands. The white against the blue is a great colour combination, one that expresses deep contrasts and easy readability, while also being visually aesthetic.
Both variants come in a power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, with a red indication for low power, and a constant seconds counter at 9 o’clock. Powering these features is the automatic calibre BE-79AL, a Sellita-based movement that operates at a high frequency of 28 800 VpH whilst giving out a decent power reserve of 41 hours. The case back of the timepiece is closed; however, it does feature an engraving of the globe with the words “TERRA NOVA” across it.
Bremont offers the Terra Nova 40.5 Turning Bezel Power Reserve in a range of strap options. The blue dial variant gets the standard steel 3-link bracelet, a brown leather strap with white stitching, and a black and grey nato strap. The anthracite dial gets the same options, however, instead of a brown leather strap, a black is offered to give more contrast to the dial.
Final Thoughts
Bremont’s new Terra Nova 40.5 Turning Bezel Power Reserve is the most recent addition to a preexisting collection. Under David Cerrato’s command, the collection has been given a fresh new look, much like the rest of the Terra Nova collection. For me, the new look has both positives and negatives.
The bezel, with its cardinal markings, can make the overall dial seem busy, although this is a tool watch designed with military inspiration. The dial layout itself is neatly done. The date window has replaced the 3 o’clock marker, which is a good move to make the dial less cluttered. The large Arabic hour indices provide for a clean, easy-to-read dial, and the colour themes for both watches provide either a choice of a vintage-inspired look or a more contemporary look. Personally, my favourite pick of the models would be the blue dial with brown leather strap. This is a great combination where the colours complement each other really well. The design changes to the collection showcase what is defined as “rugged elegance”. Luxury timepieces made for adventures.
Reference: Gradient Anthracite Dial Steel Bracelet, Leather Strap, Nato Strap.
Specification
- Case: 40.5 mm x 11.91 mm thickness
- Case Material: Satin and polished two-piece stainless steel case. Bi-directional steel bezel engraved with the compass rose. Push-in crown.
- Dial: Gradient anthracite and black metal dial with 3D vintage Super-LumiNova® (Green emission) block numerals.
- Crystal: Domed anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
- Water resistance: 300m (30 Bar)
- Movement: Modified Calibre 11 1/2’’’ BE-79AL 31 Jewels
- Movement Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Power reserve: Approx. 41 hours
- Bracelet: 904L stainless steel quick-release bracelet, black nubuck leather strap or black and anthracite fabric NATO strap, secured with an engraved steel buckle and self-gripping fastenings.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: $6,450 AUD (Steel Bracelet), $6,000 AUD (Leather Strap), or $6,000 AUD (NATO strap).
Availability: Non-Limited Edition model. Purchase through Bremont boutiques, authorised retailers or through bremont.com.au
Reference: Gradient Blue Dial Steel Bracelet, Leather Strap, Nato Strap.
Specification
- Case: 40.5 mm x 11.91 mm thickness
- Case Material: Satin and polished two-piece stainless steel case. Bi-directional steel bezel engraved with the compass rose. Push-in crown.
- Dial: Gradient blue metal dial with 3D vintage Super-LumiNova® (Green emission) block numerals.
- Crystal: Domed anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
- Water resistance: 300m (30 Bar)
- Movement: Modified Calibre 11 1/2’’’ BE-79AL 31 Jewels
- Movement Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Power reserve: Approx. 41 hours
- Bracelet: 904L stainless steel quick-release bracelet, brown leather strap or black and anthracite fabric NATO strap, secured with an engraved steel buckle and self-gripping fastenings.
