Why don't we all have a Bremont?

[zen123]

Is this the Bremont you speak of?
It is my one and only Bremont and I will echo all the comments regarding build quality in particular the case hardening. It shows no sign of wear at all.
Surely we buy these pieces of jewellery because we like them no matter what the name on the dial? Or at least I feel that is what we should try and do!
Perhaps if they became unavailable or in short supply everyone would want one.


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Beauty. I tried one on, if only it was smaller. My puny wrist couldn't pull it off.

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[verv]

I don't think I'll ever own one. They just dont do anything for me although the supermarine is a nice looking watch.

The branding does put me off because it's so heavy on the military stuff which bears no relation to me whatsoever so its almost made bremont incongruent to civilians in a weird kind of way.

[oldoakknives]

I don't think I'll ever own one. They just dont do anything for me although the supermarine is a nice looking watch.

The branding does put me off because it's so heavy on the military stuff which bears no relation to me whatsoever so its almost made bremont incongruent to civilians in a weird kind of way.

It's the military connection that puts me off a bit as well. Rather like the Citizen Red Arrows watch for me I'm afraid. Unless of course you are actually in the Red Arrows! Although strangely enough I don't see it as a problem collecting ex military issue watches. I wonder why?

[CriticalMass]

The branding does put me off because it's so heavy on the military stuff which bears no relation to me whatsoever so its almost made bremont incongruent to civilians in a weird kind of way.

Yet lots of people wear a Submariner when they’ve never been in a submarine in their lives....and the watch has never been deeper than a jacuzzi.

[Saint-Just]

It really doesn’t matter if people have owned a Bremont, or not. They’ve still made a conscious decision not to, at least until now. It can be the style, lack of diversity across the range, marketing, price point...
Therefore their opinion is as valid as yours, despite the stock you have access to.

[100thmonkey]

It really doesn’t matter if people have owned a Bremont, or not. They’ve still made a conscious decision not to, at least until now. It can be the style, lack of diversity across the range, marketing, price point...
Therefore their opinion is as valid as yours, despite the stock you have access to.

Absolutely agree an opinion is an entitlement but be honest if someone said to you ‘This is rubbish’ and then proceeded to say ‘well Ive never actually had one or spent anytime with one’ vs someone saying ‘This is Rubbish I have owned it for years and tried many other brands and they don’t compare’ then whose opinion would you assume is more educated and balanced? Personally I listen to educated and experienced opinion then if it interests me I partake in order to experience and broaden my knowledge so that I can comfortably make My own decision. You want to hate or dislike a brand that’s fine but any opinion is going to be more pertinent to me if I know it has substance.

[Alansmithee]

Absolutely You want to hate or dislike a brand that’s fine but any opinion is going to be more pertinent to me if I know it has substance.

I do not understand what "substance" means in this context - OP wants to know why people do not own a Bremont - if the answer is "the marketing is naff and puts me off" or "I do not like the designs" that is an answer of substance in this context.

Your point is really an answer to a different question - "what do Bremont owners like about their watches?" (Which now exists in the forum in the form of "three favourite bremonts").

The two questions and groups of people are ships passing in the night - the experience of both groups irrelevant to the other.

[100thmonkey]

Who knows what makes one person like something and another dislike, I struggle when we have a British company making good quality watches and they get criticised for it, they interact with their client base, have designs that are as good in terms of fit, form, and function as most others in fact often less problematic than bigger brands.

Why don’t we all have a Bremont? Because we don’t live in North Korea so have a choice. My point is simple and its that if you want to know what its like to run a marathon then run a marathon, no point shouting from the sidelines and expecting a medal.

[Alansmithee]

I struggle when we have a British company

I think this is part of the gap - that it is British means less than nothing to me. It is not that it a factor that puts me off but in regards to making me buy a watch it is meaningless.

[peterdo]

Bremont may well make good quality watches but each time I've look at them I am underwhelmed. The fake history, fake claims of in-house movements and fairly uninspiring designs coupled with what I consider to be optimistic pricing is not tempting me to purchase anything from them.

How do you create fake history?


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[Griswold]

Bremont may well make good quality watches but each time I've look at them I am underwhelmed. The fake history, fake claims of in-house movements and fairly uninspiring designs coupled with what I consider to be optimistic pricing is not tempting me to purchase anything from them.

Hmmm, an interesting point regarding fakes. I've never seen a fake Bremont so far, but I've seen quite a few people selling/wearing fake Rolex, Omega and, (to a lesser extent), Breitling. Seems more people buy into fake watches than 'manipulated' history; and I know which I find more abhorrent.

[paw3001]

Bremont may well make good quality watches but each time I've look at them I am underwhelmed. The marketed history, the single claim of have made an in-house movement over 5 years ago and fairly uninspiring, IMHO, designs coupled with what I consider to be optimistic pricing is not tempting me to purchase anything from them.

Fixed that for you!

Your opinion is totally valid, your fake claims not so much!



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[sweets]

I have owned this for many years, it's serial number is less than 200, so is an early version of one of Bremont's first models.



For me it is a very nice watch, exceptionally well made to an impressive specification.
I personally like the design for being innovative and traditional at the same time.

I bought it used, not new. It keeps time superbly, the lume is very very good, and it can be used for anything that I use a watch for (the photo above was taken after 2 hrs surfing in N Devon, for instance). At about 10 years old it should have been serviced by now, but is showing no sign whatsoever of dipping performance, so I haven't bothered.

I do not buy into the marketing stuff, but understand that any watch company needs to have schtick of some type to get noticed.

Personally, I do not think the new military range is a winner, going away from the 3-piece case design is a move away from one of their USPs.

I do buy British by preference, not in some kind of xenophobic or jingoistic mood, but purely because I believe that if I spend money with my neighbours they might spend some of it with me or more neighbours, and we can all benefit.

Like some (but only a few) other brands, I think Bremont gets some special vitriol aimed at it, especially on this forum, which I have always found puzzling.

Maybe we should all own a Bremont, but it'll never happen.

D

[Yokel]

The history of apparent dishonesty and silly gimmicks dissuades me from Bremont.
If I wanted a British made watch, I'd probably go with a Garrick. They are honest about what is made where. They have a proprietary movement (designed by Andreas Strehler no less) if that's your desire (and budget). And, if you talk to the factory early enough, you can specify your watch pretty much any way you want.

[abraxas]

....

If I wanted a British made watch, I'd probably go with a Garrick. They are honest about what is made where. They have a proprietary movement (designed by Andreas Strehler no less) if that's your desire (and budget). And, if you talk to the factory early enough, you can specify your watch pretty much any way you want.

Thank you for bringing my attention to Garrick. Not particularly fond of the open heart models but the Norfolk is absolutely gorgeous.

[robert75]

The history of apparent dishonesty and silly gimmicks dissuades me from Bremont.
If I wanted a British made watch, I'd probably go with a Garrick. They are honest about what is made where. They have a proprietary movement (designed by Andreas Strehler no less) if that's your desire (and budget). And, if you talk to the factory early enough, you can specify your watch pretty much any way you want.

English? I will just stick to my Smiths







Joking aside, Garrick seem to make some lovely watches I would love to own one.

[Satori]

The history of apparent dishonesty and silly gimmicks dissuades me from Bremont.
If I wanted a British made watch, I'd probably go with a Garrick. They are honest about what is made where. They have a proprietary movement (designed by Andreas Strehler no less) if that's your desire (and budget). And, if you talk to the factory early enough, you can specify your watch pretty much any way you want.

Me too. I would (and in fact did) choose a Garrick, as much for the people as for the watch. They are a great bunch of passionate enthusiasts & craftsmen and as authentic as it comes in this business. Can’t recommend them highly enough.

Now if I could afford a Charles Frodsham, I would be all over it but sadly not to be.

[vulcangascompany]

The watches look ok, and at 'ok' means too expensive in my book - the military angle puts me off..Next!

[robert75]

This thread makes me want a Bremont, any good discounts out there to be had?

[Alansmithee]

This thread makes me want a Bremont, any good discounts out there to be had?

This came up on the xmas bargain thread:

https://www.francisandgaye.co.uk/bre...BIIBKOR-p13563

[Saint-Just]

You are absolutely right when you want an informed decision of course.
But that wasn’t the question
The choices we make are run by 3 things: head, heart and wallet (well, a fourth one lower down may take over sometimes )
When it comes to watches (or cars, motorcycles, etc.) the head may stop us from getting a lemon, but the 2 others will mostly dictate the choice. Your experience with this brand and with others speaks to the head. Hence why, although perfectly valid and informed, it isn’t that much more valued than other far less informed.

[MFB Scotland]

I have had quite a few and really liked them. Build quality is superb as well as customer service.


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[Saint-Just]

I couldn’t give a monkeys that they are British. Just like I don’t care that B&R is French and manufactures in Switzerland.
It’s just not a criteria that comes in the equation.

[dougair]

I couldn’t give a monkeys that they are British. Just like I don’t care that B&R is French and manufactures in Switzerland.
It’s just not a criteria that comes in the equation.

Shouldn’t supporting the local economy and reducing our carbon footprint be a factor though? Any business that champions skilled jobs should be supported I think.

[Alansmithee]

Shouldn’t supporting the local economy and reducing our carbon footprint be a factor though? Any business that champions skilled jobs should be supported I think.

I have no kids and have never owned a car so I'm covered on that front.

[dougair]

I have no kids and have never owned a car so I'm covered on that front.

Good for you, we can all do our part in small ways 👍🏻

[Saint-Just]

I agree with supporting local economy in general. But it has never had any bearing in my choice of watch.
Just like it has absolutely no influence on my choice of wine, and I’ve sampled a few local to me

[peterdo]

Honestly, such a childish position to take, ridiculous

Make a mistake, never to be allowed to move forward and make amends


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[Alansmithee]

I am not familar with this aspect ? What was the lie about the in-house movement?

[Dynam0humm]

I am not familar with this aspect ? What was the lie about the in-house movement?

They announced a new in-house movement designed and developed in the UK but it soon transpired that it was actually a modified La Joux-Perret calibre. Much backtracking, editing of press releases and wiping egg off face ensued.

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/real-st...atch-movement/

[earlofsodbury]

They announced a new in-house movement designed and developed in the UK but it soon transpired that it was actually a modified La Joux-Perret calibre. Much backtracking, editing of press releases and wiping egg off face ensued.

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/real-st...atch-movement/

OK, granted, that's a well-aimed shot at one's own foot - albeit one which seems to stem from a failure of communication between technical and marketing wonks.
Yet, how many of the Sacred Cows have long been using movements "adapted" from the designs of others, ancient and modern and representing them as All Their Own Work?
Watchmaking technology is evolutionary, not revolutionary, so there's nothing new under the Sun, and it is technically demanding - meaning certain components will always be better made by specialists than in-house. Such is the nature of contemporary manufacture.
Does anyone seriously consider, for example, that Land Rover's new Defender will be covered in Slovakian flags - its advertising bumf extolling its proud central-European heritage? Of course not - it'll be slathered in fake pomp & circumstance and Union Jacks in much the same way as BMW's absurd "Mini" (which admittedly is at least made here... For now.)
Time to forgive, forget and move-on, IMHO.

[RAJEN]

The fact that this simple question has generated so many responses makes one thing clear: there are some who really like them, some who really have strong feelings against it and some who are indifferent to them.
It is the middle group that really puzzles me.
Why do people get so worked up in their dislike for a brand or a model?
They may pretend to be indifferent but their behaviour belies them- repeated criticism on same grounds, sarcasm, putting down not just of a brand but those who like them etc.
It is not just Bremont. There are other brands which provoke similar discussions and behaviour.
For me there are two kind of watches- the ones I like and the ones I am indifferent to.
I rarely bother to comment on or ridicule the ones I am indifferent to unless someone is disingenuously trying to promote a brand or a model by putting down another.
Those who repeatedly and on every related thread come out to voice their same criticism or ridicule- am not sure if they are seeking attention or taking out their frustrations or trying to feel better about themselves.

[robert75]

The fact that this simple question has generated so many responses makes one thing clear: there are some who really like them, some who really have strong feelings against it and some who are indifferent to them.
It is the middle group that really puzzles me.
Why do people get so worked up in their dislike for a brand or a model?
They may pretend to be indifferent but their behaviour belies them- repeated criticism on same grounds, sarcasm, putting down not just of a brand but those who like them etc.
It is not just Bremont. There are other brands which provoke similar discussions and behaviour.
For me there are two kind of watches- the ones I like and the ones I am indifferent to.
I rarely bother to comment on or ridicule the ones I am indifferent to unless someone is disingenuously trying to promote a brand or a model by putting down another.
Those who repeatedly and on every related thread come out to voice their same criticism or ridicule- am not sure if they are seeking attention or taking out their frustrations or trying to feel better about themselves.

Or perhaps those indifferent middle group folk just like to discuss watches on a watch forum?

[RAJEN]

Or perhaps those indifferent middle group folk just like to discuss watches on a watch forum?

You seem to misunderstand the word ‘discussion’.
Discuss is not same as berating or ridiculing.
Repeating same opinion again and again and yet again is also not a discussion.

[helidoc]

Do we want our luxury watch choices to be limited to Rolex, Breitling, Swatch, Richemont and LVMH? I know I don’t.

Any new entrant to the market is going to have to use outsourced movements for a long time, and won’t have the economies of scale of the big manufactures, so that can make them look expensive. They can develop compelling products with a combination of:

Great design
Top quality with their cases components
Customer service
Brand values you identify with

I don’t like all their stuff by any means, their range is too big and the stuff with embedded fragments leaves me very cold, but some of their designs are truly great, such as the MB and ALT-ZT

There case work is excellent, and having compared their ALT chronographs against an IWC pilot chronograph, I would rate Bremont’s cases as far better, and much more interesting. Their early dials weren’t very good, but compare an early ALT1-Z, with the Supermarine or ZT, you can see the progress.

If they were capitalised by a rich parent such as Panerai with Richemont, they could produce anything. I like independents, and at their stage of development they are doing just what I expect.

It’s a brand that tells stories, but that’s to get your monkey brain, the one that likes stories, to over rule logical you and make you buy it. They are in the business of selling stuff, and you can’t blame them for that!

They add interest and diversity to the market, and they make two models I would like to own, although they are number three on my purchase list.

I’m fairly positive about them and their future.

Dave


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[abraxas]

....

It’s a brand that tells stories, but that’s to get your monkey brain, the one that likes stories, to over rule logical you and make you buy it. They are in the business of selling stuff, and you can’t blame them for that!

......

My monkey brain is still looking for Antoine Bremont's pea farm.

[dkpw]

My monkey brain is still looking for Antoine Bremont's pea farm.

Indeed. You'd think they'd mention where they had their emergency landing in their marketing spiel. Perhaps the name of the nearest village? Get some of M Bremont's relatives to sport the watches, donated as a gift for helping the boys out? Perhaps they could incorporate some of his tractor parts in a special edition?

[RobDad]

I think the military angle is what puts me off more than anything. I’ve never served, and don’t have any Walter Mitty pretensions so not really my thing. I do remember being in Selfridges watch room 15 years ago (?) just after they’d launched and trying on a couple - and being shocked that they were priced at the same level as a Rolex GMT Master at about £2300, and couldn’t get my head round it. I’m no longer interested in spending thousands on watches so in truth I can’t see me buying another Omega, Tudor, Rolex or Bremont. I am curious about their servicing etc though. One of the things I liked about Rolex was the ‘St James’ experience if there was an issue - as I live in the U.K., what are their turnaround times on a service etc? - much better than eg Omega or Rolex? - this can affect my buying decisions - eg I’ve flipped Sinn and Japanese Market Seikos in the past due to servicing woes, is Bremonts customer service very good?


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[peterdo]

I have bought from Chisholm Hunter previously, great service, have cracking deals in two of their better LEs, the Endurance is a peach and I like the Waterman also:

https://www.chisholmhunter.co.uk/sal...nufacturer=236

Rox is my normal AD for Bremont, they also have really good discount on the Alt1 and U2 with blue dials, really nice watches:

https://www.rox.co.uk/sale/watches


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[peterdo]

I have bought from Chisholm Hunter previously, great service, have cracking deals in two of their better LEs, the Endurance is a peach and I like the Waterman also:

https://www.chisholmhunter.co.uk/sal...nufacturer=236

Rox is my normal AD for Bremont, they also have really good discount on the Alt1 and U2 with blue dials, really nice watches:

https://www.rox.co.uk/sale/watches


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Rox also has a Boeing Model 1 with a white dial which is pretty nice as well


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[dougair]

Very much like Bell & Ross they are a better proposition during a sale period than a purchase at full price.

Not really if you don’t like B&R. The price is irrelevant if it’s not something you want. B&R does nothing for me.

[Saint-Just]

The first B&R were rebadged Sinn.

This one (mentioned above, stock photo) was honestly not bad at all



P.S.: I forgot Sinn (and probably more) in the list of watchmakers that did a special edition for AF.

[peterdo]

The first B&R were rebadged Sinn.

This one (mentioned above, stock photo) was honestly not bad at all



P.S.: I forgot Sinn (and probably more) in the list of watchmakers that did a special edition for AF.

I like a lot of the B&R with the circular dial, the square dial is marmite, I try hard to like it but it’s just not for me, although the bronze with the green dial on SC is trying to change my mind!


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[Saint-Just]

I like a lot of the B&R with the circular dial, the square dial is marmite, I try hard to like it but it’s just not for me, although the bronze with the green dial on SC is trying to change my mind!


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I use to vomit the square 'instrument' watch. But it made them instantly recognisable from a distance, which is great when you're trying to build a brand. And with time I must admit it has grown on me. I don't find them revulsive anymore. Not to the point I would buy one, though.

The Panerai Luminor has grown on me too, that 40 mm in SC would have tempted me if it wasn't at Christmas time when I am completely spent out.

[murkeywaters]

I really should own a certain Bremont as it sports my name but every time one comes up cheap I still cant drop the cash, one day!!

[helidoc]

Bremont, and some of the other brands discussed make much more sense at something like a 30% discount. It’s a good time of year to look for bargains!

D


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[jalebi]

Same thing that applies to a lot of brands, Bremont in particular: not a great value proposition. If there were priced at Christopher Ward levels (or even 2x CW levels) it'd be a different case entirely. But given that CW have true in house movements at watches in the early £1000s (on sale), it's hard to justify £3K on a Bremont. I like them, but at a third of the price.

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[peterdo]

Yeah will do, if that’s how you get your kicks, that really, really sad........


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[paw3001]

What is funny is that the people who are keeping this thread going are the Non-Bremont fans!


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[peterdo]

That post right there describes this thread to a tee.

I would never think of going into a Breitling post to ridicule people who buy Breitling, even though the vast majority of their models aren’t particularly appealing, outside of the Navitimer and the Professional models.

Really odd behaviours at times from a broader population than you would think is possible on a forum like this


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