London-based brand Bremont is known for their incredible one-off collaboration pieces, such as the P-51, HMS Victory and Codebreaker. But now, for the first time in their history, they’re kicking off a multi-year partnership that will cover an entire range of models — and in typical Bremont fashion, this first salvo is a doozy. Their partner is none other than aerospace behemoth Boeing, and they’ve opened the doors to their UK-based Advanced Manufacturing Research Center and let the Bremont boys run amok. The resulting Boeing Model 247 is the first watch to use Boeing’s proprietary Custom 465 stainless steel, a particularly corrosion- and scratch-resistant alloy.
From a design standpoint, the Model 247 hews closely to tried-and-true Bremont aesthetic with its trademark Trip-Tick three-piece case, contrasting center barrel and highly legible dial. Of course, this being Bremont, a myriad of subtle details permeates the piece, setting it apart from the scrum of ho-hum chronographs that populate the field. To wit, the knurled screw-down chronograph pushers evoke a jet turbine, as does the custom rotor, which is visible through a sapphire display back; the asymmetrical chronograph second hand is an homage to Boeing’s corporate logo. Regardless of whether one chooses the white dial or the black dial, “Boeing Blue” highlights on the sapphire timing bezel and strap stitching hint at the association. Inside, the COSC-rated BE-50AE movement (a modified Valjoux 7750) is protected by Bremont’s patented anti-shock mounts — yes, these are rendered in Boeing blue as well — and, as per usual, the whole shebang is decorated within an inch of its life with perlage and blued screws. Heck, even the strap is special; not content to offer leather or nylon, Bremont instead manufactured it out of a durable leather-polymer composite known as “Seattle Hybrid”.
At 43 millimeters in diameter, the Model 247 is a substantial watch on the wrist, so folks looking for a delicate dress piece to take to the opera need not apply. Guys looking for a solid tool watch that relays information at a glance, on the other hand… well, they’re in the right place. The bi-compax chronograph layout is an easy read, and the date window at 4:30 is unobtrusive. Additionally, in spite of its high-flying aspirations, the Model 247 is water-resistant to 100 meters, and thanks to the aforementioned shock absorbing system (tested on Martin-Baker ejection seats, no less), it’ll shrug off a hard landing with the best of them. (And should that landing take place at night, SuperLuminova-coated indexes and hands will light the way.) Yes, this is a watch that’s meant to be worn — not kept hidden away in a watch box or safe.