An Acclaimed Rugged Pilot’s Watch Just Got an Unexpected Makeover

Bremont introduces the most advanced iteration of its MB series, plus two more pilot watches in the new Altitude collection.

By Brad Lanphear

Published April 2, 2025

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Updated April 3, 2025

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Bremont’s MB pilot’s watch was developed in collaboration with Martin-Baker in 2009 to withstand being ejected from a fighter jet, leading to the brand’s signature Trip-Tick case design
The Altitude MB Meteor case, bezel and bracelet are made of titanium
The new Altitude 39 and Altitude Chronograph GMT expand the pilot’s collection while both utilizing the Trip-Tick case design

Bremont’s new Altitude collection introduces the third generation of its Trip-Tick case system, first developed in 2009 to withstand the extremes in G-force, pressure, temperature and impact caused by being ejected from a fighter jet.

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The collection consists of three pilot’s watches, headlined by the Altitude MB Meteor, the newest and most advanced version of Bremont’s toughest and most recognizable watch. The 42mm case is made of Grade 2 titanium and houses the La Joux-Perret Cal. LaBB114-AH automatic movement, which features a 68-hour power reserve.

Designed to be ejected

In 2007, Bremont teamed up with ejection seat manufacturer Martin-Baker to create a watch that could withstand the rigors of being ejected from a plane mid-flight. Extensive R&D led to the Trip-Tack case, a three-layer system that protects against extreme impact force, magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations.

Bremont’s brand-wide redesign last year abandoned the Trip-Tick case on all new models, like the new Supermarine dive watch, causing some controversy among certain corners of the enthusiast market. But now those corners have been quieted, as the Trip-Tick has returned better than ever before.

pilot ejecting from a small aircraft — The Altitude MB Meteor is named after the first British fighter jet, the Meteor (pictured above).

The original Bremont MB1 is still reserved for pilots who have ejected from failed airplanes, a group formerly known as the Ejection Tie Club.

The new Altitude MB Meteor is the third generation of the civilian variation. It has a slimmed-down 12mm-thick Trip-Tack case and a shorter lug-to-lug of 49mm.

The inner bi-directional Roto-Click bezel has been improved with a larger knurled crown and a smoother rotation with more clicks. It is framed by a new concave angled bezel design that holds a domed sapphire crystal. Basically, the new edition has increased its beauty while maintaining its toughness.

The new titanium case also includes an update to the previously aluminum barrel protection ring, which is now also in titanium. The watch is available with a new titanium quick-release bracelet based on the bracelet of the brand’s Terra Nova collection launched last year.

Finally, the new MB Meteor an updated dial with stenciled numeral hour markers and a dashed line framing the date window, both borrowed from fighter jet cockpit iconography. The distinct ejection seat pull counterbalance remains on the seconds hand, but the brand’s new Wayfinder logo sits at the top of the dial in place of the old propellor logo as a way to maintain consistency throughout the brand’s collection.

Expanding the Trip-Tick system

The MB has some company in the new Altitude collection, as Bremont has launched a series of new pilot’s watches using Trip-Tick cases. The Altitude 39 has a steel Trip-Tip case and the same MB14 movement as the MB, along with a similarly themed but cleaner dial.

a black pilots watch with a black leather strap — The Bremont Altitude 39 is a true pilot’s watch in every sense.

Rounding out the Altitude collection is the Chronograph GMT, featuring the most complex movement to join the MB series. This modern pilot’s watch has a central GMT hand with a corresponding track on the flange to go along with its chronograph complication and date at 6 o’clock.

a pilots watch — The new Chronograph GMT further expands Bremont’s new Altitude collection.

Keeping with the aviation theme, the running seconds subdial holds a three-hand airplane propeller. A 30-minute register is placed at 12 o’clock, and a 12-hour register is placed at six o’clock.

The Altitude collection returns Bremont to its roots as an aviation watchmaker. With mixed signals since the change in ownership and management, it is reassuring for fans to see a strong commitment to creating top-of-the-line pilot’s watches.

Availability and pricing

While the refreshed MB should retake the title of Bremont’s flagship, the other additions to the new Altitude line greatly expand the brand’s pilot’s watch offerings, giving customers a more affordable alternative to IWC, which appears to be who Bremont is gunning for here.