Bremont Jaguar MK II Watch Review
Monday - 14 September 2015
by Angus Davies, www.escapementmagazine.com
In 2002, two charismatic brothers, Nick and Giles English, established the British watch company, Bremont. The company has earned a reputation for its chronometers and its close links to the world of aviation. However, this year the highly successful watch brand has kept its feet firmly on the ground choosing to associate with the quintessentially British automotive brand, Jaguar.
Bremont has enjoyed close ties with Jaguar for some time. Recently, Bremont collaborated with the luxury car marque to create six chronometers to accompany their six ‘continuation’ lightweight E-Type sports cars.
This year, at Baselworld, Bremont released two new timepieces. The Bremont Jaguar MKI, has a dial reminiscent of the rev counter found within a 1961 Jaguar E-Type and is equipped with hours, minutes, small seconds and date.
However, it is the Bremont Jaguar MKII which I am especially attracted to. This particular model is a chronograph. Its design codes, once again, share much in common with the instruments found in the aforementioned 1961 E-Type.
The Jaguar MKII features a bi-compax layout, with a 30-minute chronograph register at 3 o’clock and small seconds display opposite, proffering seemly symmetry. A date aperture resides at 6 o’clock and the slender central chronograph seconds hand features a spherical luminescent circlet along its form, enhancing legibility.
The beauty of the Jaguar E-Type can be partly attributed to its exquisite proportions and this has not escaped the creative team at Bremont. The hardened stainless steel case measures 43mm in diameter, a size which should appeal to the majority of male wearers. Its comfort is augmented with a perforated ‘racing’ strap, typical of the 1960s.
As most petrol-heads will attest, it’s always worth a look under the bonnet and the engine housed within this stylish horological ensemble does not disappoint. The self-winding Calibre 13 1/4” BE-50AE is beautifully presented, with an unusually formed oscillating mass resembling the steering wheel of the 1961 Jaguar E-Type.
The precision of the movement has been subject to the independent scrutiny of C.O.S.C and is certified as a ‘chronometer’. Indeed, the Bremont Jaguar MKII is a rather impressive performer and may well appeal to motoring enthusiasts who seek a touch of nostalgia, fused with modern-day watchmaking expertise.
