Horologii

Bremont ionBird GMT Rolls Royce Watch Review

Alongside the announcement that Bremont will become the Official Timing Partner for Rolls Royce’s ground-breaking world record attempt, the British watch manufacturer launches the new Bremont ionBird GMT Rolls Royce watch. It’s stunning vintage aesthetics and unique connected concept bring past and present together and celebrate two British aviation icons collaborating for the first time to pioneer an all-electric, zero-emissions operation.

With the objective to surpass the current record of 213mph by reaching speeds of 300mph, Rolls Royce have engineered an incredible electric aircraft nicknamed the ‘Spirit of Innovation’. As part of the collaboration, Bremont have been involved in the design of the plane’s cockpit which will feature a Bremont stopwatch. They have also machined canopy release parts from their Henley-on-Thames manufacturing facility, and of course, launched the Bremont ionBird GMT Rolls Royce watch which will be worn by test pilots during the development of the aircraft and during the record-breaking flight.

Nick English, Co-Founder of Bremont, “The countless synergies in this project really do beggar belief. The passion for precision engineering, British manufacturing and aviation to name but a few. It is an extraordinary privilege to be working with the wonderful Rolls-Royce team on this project. As pilots ourselves, we (my brother Giles and I) have known Phill, the Rolls-Royce test pilot, for many years and Rolls-Royce owns the Spitfire that our father operated when he was alive. The electrification of the air is such an important milestone in these challenging climatic times, and to be playing a small part is very rewarding indeed.”

Measuring to 43mm in size, the case of the Bremont ionBird GMT Rolls Royce watch is beautifully engineered from lightweight custom 465 titanium using the brand’s famous Trip-Tick construction. The brushed and polished finish of the case contrasts handsomely against the sapphire bi-directional rotating bezel detailed with a 24 hour scale and Superluminova accents. Subtly blending into the curved lugs is an elegant crown guard whose continuous shape across the case reminds us of a spinning propeller blade.

The dial of the Bremont ionBird GMT Rolls Royce perfectly balances the line between vintage and contemporary. Its grainy matte black metal surface is detailed by a white seconds ring, a gold coloured rail road minutes track and clear Superluminova coated Arabic numerals. The central hands for hour and minutes are neatly finished in bronze to balance out the rest of the gilt detailing while the central GMT hand and seconds hand tip are decorated in vibrant red for a striking yet overall warm finish. The Bremont logo sits centre stage at 12 o’clock, a date window at 4:30H and the timepieces’ chronometer status is marked at 6H.

Domed scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective treatment is used to protect the dial as well as expose the automatic winding movement through the case back. The Bremont ionBird GMT Rolls Royce watch is powered by the BE-93-2AV calibre based on the classic ETA 2893-2. The mechanical movement is COSC chronometer certified and impresses with a healthy 42 hour power reserve. With 25 jewels and a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour, the automatic calibre puts on a show with stunning decoration across the plates and bridges topped by Bremont’s radial engineered inspired signed rotor.

The Bremont ionBird GMT Rolls Royce is currently available to order on a choice either a metal bracelet or brown nubuck leather strap. In the future, the brand has plans for an additional strap design to be released that has been specifically engineered for the needs of the test pilots undertaking Rolls Royce’s upcoming speed record attempt. Named the Alerting Strap, the band allows you to connect via Bluetooth to a new Bremont app which provides pilots with all the data they might require to fly such as checklists, reminders and timing information. According to Bremont, the strap will notify wearers with a “tap on the wrist” once timing limits have been reached. While this futuristic concept may not be for everybody, we can certainly see it developing into other app-connected Bremont watches in the future.

For those interested in the Bremont ionBird GMT Rolls Royce watch, head over to the Jura Watches website here or get in touch with the team on 01335 453453 or at help@jurawatches.co.uk.

Specifications: Bremont ionBird GMT Rolls Royce Watch

  • Case Size: 43mm
  • Case Material: Custom 465 titanium Trip-Tick construction
  • Bezel: Bidirectional
  • Glass: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
  • Case Back: Exhibition
  • Water Resistance: 100 metres
  • Movement: BE-93-2AV automatic winding
  • COSC: Yes
  • Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT, date
  • Power Reserve: 42
  • Jewels: 25
  • Frequency: 28,800vph
  • Dial: Black with Superluminova hands and numerals
  • Strap: Brown nubuck leather or titanium bracelet
  • RRP: £4,495 (Leather), £4,895 (Bracelet)
  • Release Date: Available now