Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
- rockmastermike
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Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Although not a LE, a squadron watch is a rare watch and exclusive to members of elite military squadrons around the world. The squadrons themselves determine who is eligible for one but I think it's usually pilots/aircrew making them even more exclusive within the squadron. The pilot's call sign is engraved on the back which adds to its mystique.
The B-52 is built from the ALT1-Z pilot platform and borrows a few styling cues from the vaunted P-51 LE. With that foundation and the built in scarcity this should be an amazing watch. It is. And more than amazing, it is extraordinary.
Right off the bat, it is a visually striking watch, with deep black dial, contrasting white markings on the subdials and the internal timing bezel. The lower left crown operates the "roto-click" bezel with crisp and reassuring clicks as it rotates. And a little red added on critical parts such as the second hand, 24hr hand, chrono hand and triangle on the internal bezel.
The combination of (just right) size and sharp grooves make the crowns easy to grip and use. The chrono pushers are smooth and operate confidently. Crowns and pushers are polished and provide a nice variation to the brushed finish of the upper case. Also the stitching in the strap perfectly matches the color of the numbers on the dial.
Moving in closer to the dial, you see the concentric rings within the sundials, although found on many other watches, I love it. There are still enough watches out there that don't do this that I really appreciate the ones that do. I know Bremont is excited to be able to have London on their dials due to changes in the last few years
Here are a couple of differentiators from the ALT1-Z. First note the 24hr ring is grey and muted...not the bright white of the timing bezel. (This is also a feature on the P-51) It is design detail that keeps the dial from being overpowering and from a functionality perspective, it's there when you need it and dissolves into the dial when you don't.
Another difference, with the same intent and result, is the treatment of the 24hr hand. It is not chrome on the B-52, it is black to match the dial...again, a great design detail meant to be available when need and fade away when not in use. A tasteful (not oversized) red arrow at the tip is the only visible part.
A borrow from the P-51 is the color of the numbers and hands....the B-52 is a vintage aircraft so it makes sense and is in beautiful harmony with the black dial. Also note the silver paint underneath the numbers. Pairs well with the polished hands on the dial and another detail that you notice when looking closer at the dial... subtle beauty.
The patina color and the polished hands are a perfect combination of vintage and modern working in concert.
All printing on the dial is extremely sharp and again, not overwhelming, everything has it's place and looks magnificent up close and simply brilliant on the wrist.
In the end I am fascinated with the squadron watch concept and absolutely love this B-52 version. I'm pretty sure I would do something regrettable should the opportunity arise to own another.
A quick video with text from the Bremont web site:
The B-52 is built from the ALT1-Z pilot platform and borrows a few styling cues from the vaunted P-51 LE. With that foundation and the built in scarcity this should be an amazing watch. It is. And more than amazing, it is extraordinary.
Right off the bat, it is a visually striking watch, with deep black dial, contrasting white markings on the subdials and the internal timing bezel. The lower left crown operates the "roto-click" bezel with crisp and reassuring clicks as it rotates. And a little red added on critical parts such as the second hand, 24hr hand, chrono hand and triangle on the internal bezel.
The combination of (just right) size and sharp grooves make the crowns easy to grip and use. The chrono pushers are smooth and operate confidently. Crowns and pushers are polished and provide a nice variation to the brushed finish of the upper case. Also the stitching in the strap perfectly matches the color of the numbers on the dial.
Moving in closer to the dial, you see the concentric rings within the sundials, although found on many other watches, I love it. There are still enough watches out there that don't do this that I really appreciate the ones that do. I know Bremont is excited to be able to have London on their dials due to changes in the last few years
Here are a couple of differentiators from the ALT1-Z. First note the 24hr ring is grey and muted...not the bright white of the timing bezel. (This is also a feature on the P-51) It is design detail that keeps the dial from being overpowering and from a functionality perspective, it's there when you need it and dissolves into the dial when you don't.
Another difference, with the same intent and result, is the treatment of the 24hr hand. It is not chrome on the B-52, it is black to match the dial...again, a great design detail meant to be available when need and fade away when not in use. A tasteful (not oversized) red arrow at the tip is the only visible part.
A borrow from the P-51 is the color of the numbers and hands....the B-52 is a vintage aircraft so it makes sense and is in beautiful harmony with the black dial. Also note the silver paint underneath the numbers. Pairs well with the polished hands on the dial and another detail that you notice when looking closer at the dial... subtle beauty.
The patina color and the polished hands are a perfect combination of vintage and modern working in concert.
All printing on the dial is extremely sharp and again, not overwhelming, everything has it's place and looks magnificent up close and simply brilliant on the wrist.
In the end I am fascinated with the squadron watch concept and absolutely love this B-52 version. I'm pretty sure I would do something regrettable should the opportunity arise to own another.
A quick video with text from the Bremont web site:
Last edited by rockmastermike on Fri Apr 18, 2014 8:08 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
i plotzed in my pants.....
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Outstanding review and pictures. Congratulations on seizing the opportunity to add this to your collection.
Regards
Barry
Barry
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Such an awesome piece, and that is a great review.
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Nice, Mike.
- rockmastermike
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Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Thanks, guys. I've owned many watches between Timex and JLC and all things considered this might be the nicest/coolest one.
Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention....I love the "wobble" it just fills me with joy it wobbles. I know, crazy, right!?!
Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention....I love the "wobble" it just fills me with joy it wobbles. I know, crazy, right!?!
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Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Great breakdown! Very special
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Excellent write-up Mike! Bremont really does it right in subtle ways, and you've highlighted that extremely well. Thanks!
Resistance is the indicator of progress.
- Clint Bruce USN (Retired)
Omega PO 8500 45.5, Gruppo Gamma Vanguard A-05, Karlskrona Midnattssol Blue Date, Seiko Save the Ocean Turtle, G-Shock Solar Atomic and GA-100, Movado ESQ
- Clint Bruce USN (Retired)
Omega PO 8500 45.5, Gruppo Gamma Vanguard A-05, Karlskrona Midnattssol Blue Date, Seiko Save the Ocean Turtle, G-Shock Solar Atomic and GA-100, Movado ESQ
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Awesome Mike! Just curious but what's the call sign on yours?
- rockmastermike
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Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Thanks again to everyone, this was/is a great watch to review and spend time with
@Alex - PM sent, sir
@Alex - PM sent, sir
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Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Glad it's in your hands!
Stan, don’t you know the first law of physics? Anything that’s fun costs at least eight dollars”
-- Eric Cartman
“To absent friends, lost loves, old gods, and the season of mists; and may each and every one of us always give the devil his due.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman
I bought a cheap watch from a crazy man
Floating down canal
It doesn't use numbers or moving hands
It always just says now
Now you may be thinking that I was had
But this watch is never wrong
And If I have trouble the warranty said
Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On
- Jimmy Buffett
-- Eric Cartman
“To absent friends, lost loves, old gods, and the season of mists; and may each and every one of us always give the devil his due.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman
I bought a cheap watch from a crazy man
Floating down canal
It doesn't use numbers or moving hands
It always just says now
Now you may be thinking that I was had
But this watch is never wrong
And If I have trouble the warranty said
Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On
- Jimmy Buffett
- rockmastermike
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Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Seems the background music I used on the video is causing it to be blocked.....I'll work on that
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
That one bombs 'em into the Stone Age!
"We'd better synchronize our watches."
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Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
nice review!
- rockmastermike
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Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
I removed the audio clip, hopefully that will unblock the video.
Thanks
Thanks
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Success - nicely done!rockmastermike wrote:I removed the audio clip, hopefully that will unblock the video.
Thanks
Resistance is the indicator of progress.
- Clint Bruce USN (Retired)
Omega PO 8500 45.5, Gruppo Gamma Vanguard A-05, Karlskrona Midnattssol Blue Date, Seiko Save the Ocean Turtle, G-Shock Solar Atomic and GA-100, Movado ESQ
- Clint Bruce USN (Retired)
Omega PO 8500 45.5, Gruppo Gamma Vanguard A-05, Karlskrona Midnattssol Blue Date, Seiko Save the Ocean Turtle, G-Shock Solar Atomic and GA-100, Movado ESQ
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Great pictures Mike.
"It's such a fine line between stupid, and clever."
David St. Hubbins
David St. Hubbins
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Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Awesome pics and great review Mike
Website: http://smallwhitestubbies.com/
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Awesome review! Damn you one-upped mine! Lol.
I truly love this watch. I was pm'ing Todd to try and snatch it but it didn't work out. You enjoy it buddy, it's a keeper.
I truly love this watch. I was pm'ing Todd to try and snatch it but it didn't work out. You enjoy it buddy, it's a keeper.
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Just reread this review and man RMM calls out details I never noticed in the days I've owned this. It's so hot its crazy. Great review RMM!!
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
You must need a new wardrobe now that you own this watch E.ericf4 wrote:i plotzed in my pants.....
You're right - outstanding write up.
Resistance is the indicator of progress.
- Clint Bruce USN (Retired)
Omega PO 8500 45.5, Gruppo Gamma Vanguard A-05, Karlskrona Midnattssol Blue Date, Seiko Save the Ocean Turtle, G-Shock Solar Atomic and GA-100, Movado ESQ
- Clint Bruce USN (Retired)
Omega PO 8500 45.5, Gruppo Gamma Vanguard A-05, Karlskrona Midnattssol Blue Date, Seiko Save the Ocean Turtle, G-Shock Solar Atomic and GA-100, Movado ESQ
- rockmastermike
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Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Thanks, guys - enjoy it!
Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Pat and I get to see the 52 on Wed, Mike. Can't wait!
Resistance is the indicator of progress.
- Clint Bruce USN (Retired)
Omega PO 8500 45.5, Gruppo Gamma Vanguard A-05, Karlskrona Midnattssol Blue Date, Seiko Save the Ocean Turtle, G-Shock Solar Atomic and GA-100, Movado ESQ
- Clint Bruce USN (Retired)
Omega PO 8500 45.5, Gruppo Gamma Vanguard A-05, Karlskrona Midnattssol Blue Date, Seiko Save the Ocean Turtle, G-Shock Solar Atomic and GA-100, Movado ESQ
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Re: Bremont B-52 Squadron Watch
Great review Mike! I totally missed this one.
Not a fan of Bremont yet, but this pulled me in that direction, that's for sure.
Not a fan of Bremont yet, but this pulled me in that direction, that's for sure.
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