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:
