Bremont is an English based brand established in 2002, run by brothers Nick and Giles and has gained popularity and admirers in a relatively short time. Heavily entrenched with aviation roots, Bremont has been expanding their catalogue of late to entice new enthusiasts, teaming up with the likes of Jaguar and even releasing a diving range.
Earlier this year, however, a new, stripped-down line was introduced, and Bremont entered into a partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) honouring Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.
In an unusual departure for Bremont, all three pieces are available to both armed forces personnel and civilians. Each watch represents the three armed forces; Army- The Broadsword, Navy- a dive watch called Argonaut and the Air Force- The Arrow, a mono-pusher chronograph seen here.
CASE:
The armed forces line also introduces a new case design as opposed to Bremonts core “Trip-Tick” case which uses a three-piece design that stacks pieces of the case top & bottom with usually an aluminium centrepiece. This process allows the centre to be replaced with different materials and colours.
The Arrow uses a more traditional two-piece case design which also helps reduce the price point. The 42mm x 15mm thick and 51mm lug to lug, hardened steel case has satin and polished finishing. The case side features some additional detailing (which is standard on most Bremonts) and the slightly smaller case size is a welcome addition.
A unique mono-pusher found at the two position allows for something a little more unique. The single button is used to start, pause, and reset the chronograph. This allows the Arrow to be both more special than your usual chronograph, while also being easier to operate. Actuation of the pusher is crisp and clean, with the reset also being fast and accurate.
Beating inside and hidden behind a solid case back is the Bremont BE-51AE (a modified Sellita SW510 MP) movement. Offering 48-hours power reserve, the SW510 is also fitted with a Bremont moulded and decorated rotor along with COSC certification (ISO 3159) – as per most of Bremonts offerings. In my time with the Arrow, I found accuracy to be well within COSC and power reserve slightly longer than advertised.
Overall, a visually pleasing, robust case design that will not look outdated in years to come.
DIAL
Built not only for toughness, but legibility is also a core requirement, and The Arrow has it in spades. The beautiful semi-gloss black dial with printed white Arabic numerals and simple stick hands for the hour and minutes makes reading the time easy at a glance.
The red-tipped central chronograph seconds hand, and a two-register chronograph layout displays running seconds at 9 and a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3. The date window at 6 is non-obtrusive and maintains dial symmetry. All of this is tucked away behind a clear, domed, anti-reflective sapphire crystal along with 100 meters of water resistance.
The custom mint colour Super-LumiNova lume is a sight to behold and looks fantastic in all lighting conditions with more than adequate staying power. A neat, tough, reliable package that can take on anything.
WEARABILITY/ STRAPS
Despite its proportions on paper, The Arrow wears well on my 6.5” wrist. The end of the lugs curves down enough to keep the watch flat on the wrist and contains the overall thickness very well.
The only small issue is lug length, with shorter dimensions perhaps allowing increased wearability for smaller wrists.
The canvas style supplied strap wore in very quickly with excellent finishing on the buckle and only contributed to everyday comfort. A bracelet option is also available if so inclined for a more dressy look.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Arrow is an excellent example of a modern interpretation of military-inspired chronograph with a splash of sports watch DNA. It’s unique, has plenty of character without being too left of field. Its simplicity is beautifully executed and is a watch that can be worn in many scenarios.
Bremont has hit all the right markers with the Her Majestys line. With all bases covered (land, sea and air shall we say), there are certainly options for everyone.
It’s great to see a relatively new brand producing a wide variety of exciting and distinctive pieces with plenty of tech included.
If you are searching for something with its own personality, The Arrow has you covered. Backed by a brand with charm and individuality, Bremont is well and truly moving forward and upwards, and I like where they are heading.
