The #watchnerd was honoured to receive a submission from fellow Twitterite, @valdarrant. In this, the first (but hopefully not last) guest post, Val introduces us to the concept of “buying the brand” – i.e. purchasing a watch (or two) that represents the brand in its entirety.
Bremont is known primarily for its over-engineered military and pilot-style watches. The Bremont case is built to protect the movement, while providing the style and appearance that enables you to wear the watch in both your personal and professional lives. If Bremont had only been around back when I was in the service, I would not have worn out a sentimental watch that is now in retirement.
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| Bremont MBII |
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| Bremont ALT1-C on Black Leather strap |
As I sorted through my thoughts my main focus was how did these two watches give me all the answers. Then it hit me!!! These two watches are the best representation and foundation of everything else! Whether it’s the Solo, U2 or Supermarine (which share lineage with the MB) or the entire “Classic” line of chronographs which find roots in the ALT1-C, both watches clearly demonstrate the over-engineering and construction that to me are part of the Bremont trademark. Just look – and I mean really look – at the three part Trip-Tick case. More specifically there is no tradeoff between form and function!
I am not sure I can say the same for any other watch brand and certainly not with any conviction but in closing how often can you buy an entire brand with two watches? If there “can be only one” buy them both!
What do you think? What other watch / watches entirely represent a brand? Please do leave a comment.
the #watchnerd
I’m afraid I went a little further than you, and bought the dive watch too, so now have the perfect trifecta from Bremont. However, I was thinking about your idea that there is a quintessential piece (or few pieces) from each brand… As a Zoologist, I’m thinking almost of the concept of “type specimen”, i.e. an example that serves to anchor or centralise the defining features of that particular watch brand.
For example, I recently got my hands on an Urwerk 103 Tarantula “Mexican Fireleg” – surely a piece that represents Urwerk entirely?
Val, I will agree with you on the subject of Bremont because, as you know, I am also a fan of the brand! Now, however, I would like to give an opinion on another “B” brand – Breitling.
In my opinion, the watch that represents Breitling is the Navitimer 806. It contained everything Breitling has stood for from the outset. Now, however, the modern Navitimer is, in my opinion, a far cry from the original 806. Sure, the new 01 movement is a gem and yes it looks good and is perfectly functional. But, with golden wings and an almost unusable E6B wheel, is it being marred by Breitling’s new “blingy” image? I think so.