Bremont's newest addition to their collection, the 1918 limited edition, is being released in three versions to celebrate the British Royal Air Force's centennial year: 2018. The three versions are all based off the same design, but have different dial colors and case materials. The cheapest version, which has a stainless steel case and white dial (Ref. no. 1918/SS) carries a price tag of $11,495 USD and is limited to 275 pieces. The buyer, however, is not paying for the complexity of the watch (although it does not lack complications), but the rotor which is decorated by metal and wood veneer from 4 separate RAF planes that flew in WWI and WWII. The watch itself is fairly unique as well. The case, which is not unique to the 1918 Limited Edition, but is also found on other Bremont watches, is of three pieces. The "Trip-Tick®" construction (info), while it doesn't represent a huge technical advancement, is unique regardless. Each version is 43mm in diameter, a size that is generally well-received due to it being neither large or small. Not only does it broaden their potential market, but as cool as it is to own a limited edition watch, being able to wear it without looking like you have a clock on your wrist is always a bonus. The second version, a limited edition of 75 pieces, has a rose gold case and black dial, but despite the higher price tag ($21,495 USD), it's inner workings remain the same.
I was expecting (and indeed hoping) to see some gold bridges on this version or perhaps different rotors across the versions, but it seems as though every watch uses the exact same BE-16AE movement. Despite the price tag, this isn isn't an in-house movement, but a modified version of Valjoux's well-known 7750. The movement's feature list is extensive and, in addition to indicating the hours, minutes, and seconds, includes a 12-hour GMT, chronograph (30-minute subdial at 3 o'clock and center seconds hand), and an AM/PM indicator. On top of all that, it also has a date window between 4 and 5 o'clock. The third-and-final version is white gold with a blue dial and the most expensive. To acquire one, you will have to shell out a hefty $22,995 USD, a high asking price, though perhaps not for a watch containing metal and wood from actual WWI and WWII planes. Choosing to buy one is an easy choice for any serious aviation fan, though figuring out how to pay for it may not be as simple. bremont.com
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Jake Fogarty is the founder of It's All About Watches and writer for most of what you will read here. If you want to contact me you can visit the contact and advertising page.
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