As I listened to your wonderful story, I got lost in the identity of the brand and found myself in complete admiration of the timepieces. Although I am not able to manage such an exquisite piece of functional art, for a brief moment, I was a proud owner, too.
As always, a good story, told properly. Enjoyed listening to it, as Bremont came on my radar, when they teamed up with Williams. Love that team, since under Sir Frank they made some waves a decade ago or so. After listening to your story will try to find more about Bremont and maybe get some of their watches. Cheers!
I was thinking yesterday that i was hoping for a new episode from you soon and voila! Really enjoyed seeing those rare Bremonts that I definitely wouldn't get to see anywhere else and also your in depth personal takes on the pices and always your personal collection philosophy which draws me in. Cheers WEL!
I completely agree. Some things are more alive than others. They move us in ways that others simply cant. I remember when I got my first Rolex. I was so exited to get the Day/Date. I bought it online from an estate where the collector had some rather superb pieces. After a while however it just faded into the collection and I wore it less and less. Then Rolex theft got out of hand and it got relegated to the safe for a few years. About a year ago I gave it to my brother and he loves it and wears it all the time. My point is that perhaps I got onto the hype train and although they are good watches they aren't great watches. That Bremont tells a story. The people who wear Bremont are individuals who inspire others. I feel like many people who wear Rolex wear them because that's what successful people do and its become the Toyota of the watch world.
Very compelling story! I am a Panerai collector myself, so I understand the allure of focusing on a particular brand. I was aware of Bremont prior to my purchase of one. I had heard mixed opinions online, a lot of it to do with price vs value. A smaller auction house here in Canada was holding a watch auction and they had a Solo PB in the lineup. Shopworn, so virtually new. Obviously the military inspired look appealed. I ended up the high bidder and my first Bremont was on its way to me. I knew if it didn't win me over, the price I paid would ensure a tidy little profit from a Chrono24 listing. Zero risk. That was over a year ago and the Bremont staked out its spot in amongst a couple of dozen other watches in the collection. It is actually on my wrist as I write this. Perhaps RU-vid is not just listening to our conversation, but scanning our wrists to serve up appropriate content (this video popped in my recommended). I put The Solo on a red strap some months back, so it was a natural choice for Christmas day watch. I've come to love it more and more. As to the often heard critique of some people, I think it is well worth the money. Sure, it doesn't have the brand cache (yet), but it is an exceptionally well made watch that does precisely what it claims to do. As a Panerai guy, it does take a couple of hours of wearing to adjust to the smaller size (relative to the PAM's). If I had to pick a one watch collection contender out of my current boxes, the Bremont would be in the top 3 for sure. It is as accurate as my SD43, hyper legible, and has a style that would work from t-shirt to suit. Its also less likely to attract the unwanted attention that a Rolex on the wrist now does in too many cities around the world.
Thank you for another piece in your life story & how watches have played an increasingly bigger part in that. When I was growing up in my teens in the 80s, the Rolex Datejust was the symbol of success that adorned nearly every successful man's wrist. For me, I always wanted to wear something different, I have always avoided following the crowd. When I turned 25 I decided to get myself a Cartier Santos, a watch that I have always viewed as the most beautiful, elegant & classy design that I had seen to that point. Sadly, in recent years the increase in size of the Santos has meant it's lost aq lot of it's charm. I did eventually buy a Rolex Oyster Perpetual some 28 years later but generally their watches do nothing for me. Bremont is not a brand I own but they have some very nice watches & I think I'll probably buy one at some point. At this time my energies are solely concentrated in accumulating the funds that will allow me to buy a Romain Gauthier. In the meantime I'll continue to get my kicks from seeing your Lange watches :)
Happily came upon Bremont and now wear one most every day. My single stock Bremont does not compare with your collection, but I wear it proudly. The appeal of Rolex was lost on me several decades ago, and time and increased knowledge about watches has not changed that. I am comfortable saying that I shall never wear or own a Rolex. I hope to visit Bremont the next time I am in the UK.
Haven't really had an actual look at Bremont watches. Thanks for the introduction. That retrograde seconds hand is such an interesting and pleasing to look at complication btw. Now I wish more watches had it ^^
Great video, tbh my thoughts on Rolex is that they're for second hand car salesmen and "influencers" dying to look wealthy. If everyone has one, then no one has one. Which is why I love Bremont, they have a story and aren't as well known which means more conversation. I will say, the Cartier is God tier. Your piece is stunning.
I guess Bremont is important for anyone feeling sympathy for Great-Britain, but honestly for others, Germany has so many more interesting tool-watch brands to offer.
I guess it depends on your definition of “interesting” I’m a big fan of Sinn and Damasko and have owned both of their watches but their case design and finishing, quality control and customer service is not as good from my own personal experience.
I have one Bremont in my collection and love to travel with that watch, it’s my rugged do anything watch, the Martin Baker MBIII with the Bronze barrel.
Always enjoy your uploads. This was a very personal story and I feel your genuine connection with the brand. So thank you for sharing. Bremont is a brand I've always had a love hate relationship with; I feel the English Brothers made too many mistakes taking the brand forward in the last 5 to 10 years by releasing too many watches in their catalogue. Not to mention the none in-house debacle, the innumerable releases of special/limited editions and their watches being too large considering the trend for smaller and dressier watches in recent years. However, I still admire rhem very much for bringing watchmaking back to Britain and they've somewhat achieved thay as Bremont are by far the largest watchmaker innthe UK now. I have high hopes for new CEO Davide Cerrato, considering his previous experience in reviving Tudor and heading HYT prior to their financial issues. And I think the changes are here already; with new smaller military releases and releasing an integrated sports watch at 40mm. They need to focus the brand more on their core models, I consider their Martin Baker series as their Reverso/Submariner/Carrera/Lange1/Speedmaster. They need to do more with that line and pivot back to what they did best at the beginning, and that was military and aviation watches.
As much as I would like to support another European watchbrand besides the Swiss and German ones, I still have not been able to find a Bremont that I actually like.
I had an Alt1 C which was an absolutely beautiful watch but I sold it because it just looked too large for my wrist as I started buying smaller watches. I'm definitely getting another Bremont though in a smaller size, maybe a 40mm Fury as I miss the quality of the brand and the craftsmanship.
Great video and I couldn't agree more with you regarding Bremont. Every point you made is on point and as a brand that are IMO one of the most exciting to enter the market in recent years. My first was an S-501 which I purchased to replace a Luminor Panerai 1950 ceramic I had grown bored with. That was about 5 years ago and my (not boring) journey with the brand continues...
What a thoroughly enjoyable story / mini-reviews of your current Bremont collection. This makes me want to find more time to update my own meager channel. I too own a number of Bremont watches and I don't know what it is about them that is so powerful; yes their watch events are stunning...but that isn't why I spend my cash. There is something about the brand itself and the people, plus the Bremont brothers (co-founders) are genuinely accessible and want to talk to you about their watches! The buying experience is also outstanding and in my experience can't be touched by Omega, Breitling, Tudor, or even Rolex.
@@watchenthusiastlondon it is linked to this RU-vid account. I save the videos under 'David's watches', if low production value and short attention span is your thing you'll love it... It is very out of date because I simply haven't had the time to update it.
I hope they gave you a free watch in return for this advert :) Regarding Bremont, the whole idea of watches containing a bit of this, a bit of that (a shard of bone from a dead WW2 fighter pilot etc) is a gimmicky turn-off. Also, the time when they lied by saying that certain of their watches used in-house movements when they didn't means that they are not people I could ever trust. And trust to me is important.
Yeah, they've made mistakes in the past: the none "in-house " issue, the oversaturated catalogue and over reliance on gimmicky special editions took a toll on the company in the last decade or so. However, I still admire Bremont's aim of bringing watchmaking back to Britain, and they have somewhat achieved that as Bremont are by far the largest mass produced watchmaker in the UK now. the English brothers are no longer the CEO and they've brought in former head of Tudor and HYT to helm the brand. I can already see them making changes with smaller watches and they've gone back to focusing more on military watches which were their trademark designs. So I'm still optimistic about the brand.
I agree they made a huge mistake when they were dishonest about the Wright flyer watch which is a shame because the watch and the movement are great. However a lack of transparency about where parts come from (including movements) is common especially among the big brands from the likes of Richemont and Swatch.
after following a lot of watchmakers, i learned that aside from the big R and swatch grp, many brands’ “in-house” were other movements just modded w/ decorations & customized rotor… wear what makes ONLY you smile every time you check the time.
It seems to be the standard thing for a company that has no history to borrow someone or something else’s. I don’t understand why any company isn’t honest about where the movement comes from, just pandering to snobbery.
Not sure if I understand completely but I think what you're saying is that you bought the Rolex thinking that everybody would notice it but then realized everybody had one. Once you noticed that the Bremont got more comments and attention you defided to go in that direction. Personally I bought my Rolex because I liked it and I really enjoy how it feels on my wrist and the quality is amazing in my opinion. And I prefer having the OG look that is so common nobody even notices.
I own a Bremont Supermarine S300 and am very fond of it. For some reason, I note that the brand takes a fair amount of stick for being "overpriced" from folks commenting on watch blogs, doubtless many of whom have never touched a Bremont.
Fabulous collection and lovely video as always. Would be interested to hear your take on the recent rebrand, with Nick + Giles’ contribution left as little more than nostalgic token at this point. I think it’s been ruined and I’d bet on another rebrand or reversal within 2-3 years and Davide out. It’s almost like Bremont lost it’s soul overnight.
My only dislike is the crown on some of the watches. But aside from that some of them are quite beautiful. Happy to see some other watch brands get recognition compated to rolex. Thanks for sharing.
Nice watch. I wore a Rolex for about 15 years that I got as a present. I had no desire to wear another watch. Then the obsession hit me. I have about 6 quality watches. I don’t know much about Bremont, but I will look into them. I like the idea it isn’t a Swiss watch.
I agree Rolex has one BIG problem.....they play it safe, and safe is Boring. I have more respect for companies that take risks, without going overboard.
This is a great story which shows that Rolex watches are not for everyone. Changing from Rolex to Bremont is like going from an Aston Martin DB9 to a Vauxhall Insignia. But at the end of the day a watch only shows the time and a car only takes you from point A to B. Well done.
It’s not as if I don’t love my GMT Master II any longer, just that I my eyes have been opened to other watches and I have a new(er) found appreciation for watches… Not sure car comparisons are particularly helpful, but if we’re to play that game, I would probably describe my switch being more akin to going from a nice 5 series BMW (I know it’s German - the Swiss aren’t known for their car manufacturing) to a modern Landrover Defender (let’s ignore the fact that Tata is the parent)… ie I don’t regard my switch as a step down in quality. However, my Lange watches do indeed represent a step up to more of a Mercedes McLaren…
Interesting to hear you name this brand. I’m somewhat amazed that their groundbreaking Monolithic Manufacture has received so little attention. That said, I haven’t liked any of their watches enough to buy one…
We did a squadron watch buy and elected to get a custom MBII. The company was a pleasure to worth with. The watch keeps excellent time. I will certainly be getting their new Supernova.
13.28 I didnt knew that George Russell the F1 driver was into watch making…! 😅 Ah, right after, Jost Capito and Alex Albon. So clearly a connection to the Williams F1 team.
My Bremont Kingsman’s are my absolute fave watches. I only wish I could have the rose gold version .. but sadly I don’t think that’ll ever happen. But I really love Bremont.
@watchenthusiastlondon more power to your RU-vid channel. Your anecdotes are always great to listen to, with your well articulated narratives and excellent cadance. Cheers, mate.
It was all going to plan - you were selling me on Bremont - until you broke out the Saxonia thin. Now I just want an ALS. Such a beautiful watch! That one would never leave my wrist. Forget Bremont.
Ah… Archie has already made such an intervention, at my request: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tWFTRIEsCj8.htmlsi=yBBV74_p8Xd2x-jK Enjoy!
I had been naturally drawn to Bremont from the first time i heard about them. I love the sound of the name of their brand and I love that it's British. Im not particularly a fan of their case design which seems to be somewhat of a signature for the brand and used in almost all of their watches. I don't own a Bremont. I don't think I will buy one anytime soon but I do like them. I like what they are doing and what they represent and from the details of your accounts with them, I've now grown more fond of them. I am also very fond of the presentation style of your videos. I've only just discovered your channel 12 hours ago, and I think I've already seen four of your videos. I do hope you continue making more. I really enjoy listening to your perspective and your experiences with the watches you own. I'm a huge fan and I must say thank you for taking the time to put everything together so well.
I am glad it works for you as a Brit but most other folks around the world may find that marketing a bit too Rule Britannia - rather antithetical to the British tradition of understatedness.
Bremont is a divisive brand but I like most of their designs and the watches themselves are very well made and tough. I visited their headquarters earlier this year (The Wing) and was really impressed with what they’re doing and how welcoming the staff are. There’s definitely fair criticism to be had of the brand in terms of the price and the size of a lot of their models. I think the new CEO and investment that they have received is a positive sign for the future though.
@@thetruthhurts7500 Which part is nonsense? I know that reply must of been hard to type out for you but I’m sure you can articulate a bit better than that. ;)
12:51 Im pretty sure i wouldn't have got into watches if not gifted one. Same here, i was perfectly happy with my one watch collection until my girlfriend bought me an omega smp for my birthday. Little did she know, that would trigger a 10yr addiction to watch buying and selling 😩. Ive finally broke free of it and im down to just 2 watches these days.
i got myself an mbiii for my 40th. aside from the weak lume it’s really grown on me. though i may have to send it in because i forgot to take it off while using a percussion massage gun.
A window into the thoughts of a Bremont enthusiast before April 2024. I wonder whether your thoughts in this video will continue to hold true after Bremont's change in direction.
Interesting. I've always avoided Bremont like the plague. I don't doubt their quality, but that's not really the problem. I normally have no idea who most watch brand ambassadors are. I'm too old to care (middle-aged). But Bremonts ambassador's are singularly off-putting. A shallow and illogical attitude, I know. They do however really seem to capture something about Bremont .... there's a sort of smug conceit somehow. (As we know, watches are so much more than the physical object itself). However, I might give them another look. Plus, it's always interesting to hear why someone else got hooked into the hobby. Good video. Subscribed 👍
You know, as I listened to your story and watched the watches on your wrist, the one which really suits you is that Cartier. It just suits you perfectly in terms of size and elegance, even more than the Pepsi, which although its one of the the world's coolest and most coveted watch, and is "OK" on your wrist, somehow does not suit you as well. The Bremonts look a bit bulky, and are too big for you, except the Solo which again fits. Its partly due to wrist size, partly due to skin tone: 37mm white, dial watches are your thing, especially the more refined ones. Ask your wife for a second opinion.
@@MrPleers i did a double take when he said the 37mm was 12mm thick. I immediately pulled out my calipers and measured the thickness of my 16570 which is also 12mm thick yet has no where near the visual thickness. as always measurements only tell part of the story.
yes, so patently amazing that the movement /which costs about 100 usd, is the one used by many fake watch companies. Bremont is a good looking watch, but it is an expensive Swatch, very expensive Swatch
Thank you for your comment. I do appreciate your interest and welcome differing opinions. I also understand that preferences in watches can generate strong opinions. And I appreciate that you’re, of course, joking… Regardless, for transparency, I'd like to clarify that Bremont did not sponsor this video, they didn’t nor do they pay me for my views, nor did they know that I was going to post this video. I believe that anyone watching & listening to this video will understand my experience and know that my decision to switch was based on my personal experiences. Thank you for taking the time to make a comment. 🙏
@@watchenthusiastlondon It’s understandable if friends bought you a watch and have a connection to the manufacturer that you would want to express something positive about the brand and show appreciation to your friends via this platform. The thing is, to say you ‘switched from Rolex to Bremont’ sounds a little like you have no idea about watches and you’re trying to present Bremont in the same category of watch or better than Rolex. And that sounds idiotic. Bremont is in the league of Longines at best. Aspirational watches for people in certain countries but not in the west. So please don’t take offence but Bremont is not today and never will be considered a luxury watch on the international market just as SAAB or Volvo are not considered luxury cars.
No offence taken… although you do appear to have taken offence. I’m not trying to categorise the two brands together, although equally I disagree with your view. It’s a fact: I did stop wearing my Rolex after 18 years and instead wore Bremonts for the next decade. I call that a switch. Moreover, I don’t pretend to be a watch expert; I’m not. I’m merely a watch enthusiast. I only know what I know. That’s what I’m sharing here. Setting all that aside, I also happen to own a Volvo XC90 T8 and IMHO, it absolutely is a luxury car. Seems that we will have to agree to disagree…
Bremont is going through a complete rebrand and repositioning, to the extent that as a long time fan, I am reassessing whether it’s a brand that I am still attuned to & relevant to me. I say transitioning… because the retention of the “air” watches which are still available for sale and which have not been rebranded nor redesigned. I regard that as a hedge and also a way back for the company, in case Davide Cerrato’s plan doesn’t result in dramatically more sales… It’s certainly changed its brand image, however whether it has been ruined hasn’t yet been established… ultimately, only time will tell. The question for me is: how patient are the company shareholders and when will they deem that this new direction has succeeded or failed ?
Well this Video has aged badly! After the terrible rebrand and the release of the new Suoer Marines and the Terra Nova line you be mad to buy into this brand.
The Bremont watches I own haven’t changed, nor has what urged me to acquire them. However, Bremont has changed tack and is sadly not the same brand nor company I bought in to.
Huh? Is this an ad for Bremont? The Pepsi GMT Master II is the only watch you'll ever need. A true design classic. And who buys their friend a luxury watch costing thousands? A microbrand watch at that.
@@johncm4420 Right, I'm gonna give Macca at the pub an earful, for not buying me that Daytona I always wanted for my birthday. I mean you only turn 47 once.
