If you’re looking for a watch brand that offers something a little different, British firm Bremont might be just the ticket. Put through its paces and wholeheartedly endorsed by professional mountain athlete, National Geographic photographer, and Academy Award-winning film director Jimmy Chin, Bremont is a watchmaker that’s been up and down more sheer rock faces than most. Having been subjected to all kinds of harsh treatment over the years, Bremont’s timepieces have evolved since the brand launched in 2002 to offer a hard-won and rugged elegance that feels both decidedly British and more authentic than many of its contemporaries.
Watches and Wonders 2024 saw Bremont set the foundation for what should be a critical next phase. From Chin joining Bremont CEO Davide Cerrato on stage at the brand’s keynote to the introduction of a new logo and branding—not to mention a whole host of finely crafted new watches—Bremont is certainly talking the talk. As such, I imagine we’ll be keeping a closer eye in the months and years ahead to see if the brand continues to walk the walk. For now, let’s take a closer look at the excellent new Terra Nova range from Bremont’s Watches and Wonders 2024 showing.
More: Best Watch Releases of Watches & Wonders 2024 – Part 4
Terra Nova
Bremont’s new field watches are precisely what I’m talking about when I say “rugged elegance”. It’s a stylish range, but considered and entirely practical. There’s also a surprising amount of subtle variety within each model and from one model to the next, which should make it easy for those looking for a robust field watch to find precisely what they’re looking for.
Terra Nova 38
- References:
- TN38-ND-SS-BK-L-S
- TN38-ND-SS-WH-L-S
- TN38-ND-SS-BK-B
- TN38-ND-SS-WH-B
- Movement: Modified Calibre 11 1/2’’’ BE-36AL 26 Jewels
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Material: Stainless steel
- Price: AUD$4,350 – AUD$4,800
This compact field watch option marks the first time Bremont has made a case with a 38 mm diameter and it’s such a strong effort it leaves you wondering what took them so long. This modern geometric cushion case packs a low profile and shortened lugs and it’s supremely comfortable (at least it felt that way for the few minutes I was able to admire it upon my wrist).
With your choice of a dilal in gradient anthracite and black metal or classic white and a brown leather strap or steel bracelet, the Terra Nova 38 keeps things understated and classic. Plus, those big yellow numerals offer great legibility and are cut from full-block Super-LumiNova, which is also applied across the indexes on the broken railroad minute track Bremont’s vintage-inspired hands. While all four models look great, I can’t go past the black face and steel bracelet combo.
More: Best Watch Releases of Watches & Wonders 2024 – Part 3
Terra Nova 40.5 Date
- References:
- TN40-DT-SS-BK-L-S
- TN40-DT-SS-BK-B
- TN40-DT-SS-BK-N-S
- TN40-DT-SS-GN-L-S
- TN40-DT-SS-GN-B
- TN40-DT-SS-GN-N-S
- Movement: Modified Calibre 11 1/2’’’ BE-36AL 26 Jewels
- Diameter: 40.5 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Material: Stainless steel
- Price: AUD$4,700 – AUD$5,150
A slightly larger field watch with the addition of a date window—it is what it says on the tin—the Terra Nova 40.5 Date is available in six different variations. First choose from either another handsome gradient anthracite and black metal number or a gradient green metal that’ll look sensational in the great outdoors. Then choose a brown leather strap, steel bracelet, or a fabric NATO option to finish it off — black and grey with the black dial and black and green for the green dial.
If you’re in the market for a field watch, a little larger of wrist, and the lack of a date window is a dealbreaker for you, Bremont’s Terra Nova 40.5 Date is definitely worthy of further investigation.
More: Best Watch Releases of Watches & Wonders 2024 – Part 2
Terra Nova 40.5 Turning Bezel Power Reserve
- References:
- TN40-PWR-SS-BK-L-S
- TN40-PWR-SS-BK-B
- TN40-PWR-SS-BK-N-S
- TN40-PWR-SS-BL-L-S
- TN40-PWR-SS-BL-B
- TN40-PWR-SS-BL-N-S
- Movement: Modified Calibre 11 1/2’’’ BE-79AL 31 Jewels
- Diameter: 40.5 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Material: Stainless steel
- Price: AUD$6,000 – AUD$6,450
Bremont kicks things up a notch here with a bi-directional compass bezel and a slight increase in power reserve from 38 hours to 41, which comes with a power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock. The watch also includes a small seconds sub dial, which Bremont claims has been included as a direct reference to the heritage of vintage field watches.
This heightened take on the field watch comes in six references. These consist of either the gradient anthracite and black metal dial or a very handsome gradient blue metal dial. From there you need to choose from a steel bracelet, black and grey NATO option, or a leather strap in either brown for the blue dial or black for the black.
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Terra Nova 40.5 Chronograph
- References:
- TN42-CHR-SS-BK-L-S
- TN42-CHR-SS-BK-B
- TN42-CHR-SS-BK-N-S
- Movement: Modified Calibre 13 1/4’’’ BE-50AV 27 Jewels
- Diameter: 42.5 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Power Reserve: 56 hours
- Material: Stainless steel
- Price: AUD$8,200 – AUD$8,600
Sitting at the top of the Terra Nova hierarchy, Bremont has released the Terra Nova 42.5mm Chronograph, a two counter chronograph featuring a polished ceramic bi-directional compass bezel. It’s by far the largest of the range and so you’ll want to think carefully if you have space on your wrist for the additional functionality.
Exclusively available with the gradient anthracite and black metal dial, you can choose to pair it with a black and grey NATO, brown leather strap, or steel bracelet. This is the most formidable watch in the Terra Nova range, so if you’re a serious outdoorsman give this one a look.
