The pilot’s watch, once an essential piece of kit must above all be functional.  A clear dial, sturdy case, guaranteed accuracy – no frills just the basics.  The Bremont Watch Company was founded in 2002 by Nick and Giles English, two brothers with a heritage of historic aircraft and a love for all things mechanical which would put even James May in the shade.  Their watches are “conceived by pilots for pilots”.  Their aphorism is “tested beyond endurance”.  Their “Bremont People” include The Fighter Collection based at Duxford in the UK (take my advice, go early stay all day, camp in the carpark and go back the next day too).  In fact, if Bremont had been around during World War II then perhaps Longines wouldn’t have got that RAF contract after all……..

The Bremont P-51 uses original metal from a rather famous 1944 Mustang WWII aircraft the P-51K-10 in the construction of its dial and movement.  The dial reproduces features from the aircraft’s cockpit dials so as you’d expect it is clear-cut and highly legible.

The 43mm hardened steel case uses the brand’s registered Trip-Tick construction comprising three parts, the bezel containing the sapphire crystal, the central body and the sapphire crystal caseback.  Integrated into the case is Bremont’s new “Roto-Click” rotating inner bezel which uses four ball-bearings and is operated using the crown at 8 o’clock.  On the dial, the 30 minute counter at 12 o’clock is constructed using aluminium from the original aircraft.  Functions are hours, minutes and seconds with a  24 hour UTC hand and date window at 4 o’clock. The SuperLuminova is applied skillfully and patiently using many light applications building up to the required perfection.

Inside the movement is the Calibre BE-54AE with 42 hour power reserve and like all Bremont movements is C.O.S.C. certified.  The rotor is hand crafted from the original aircraft’s aluminium skin and is decorated with it’s motto “Fragile but Agile”.

The Bremont P-51 will be officially unveiled at BaselWorld 2011 and will be a limited edition of 251 pieces.

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