Often associated with aviation, Bremont is equally active in the worlds of extreme sport and adventure...
Their watches can be seen accompanying brand ambassadors such as polar explorer Ben Saunders as he treks across an ice shelf or strapped to the wrist of adventurer Aldo Kane as he scales the inner cliffs of a volcano. The brand also has strong connections to mountaineering and to celebrate a remarkable feat in this discipline they have released a 2020 limited-edition watch under the title of Bremont Project Possible.
Bremont Project Possible - Image Credit: Bremont
Honouring the achievements of another brand Ambassador, mountaineer Nirmal Purja MBE, known as “Nims”, they have created a highly modified GMT version of the Supermarine 500, limited to only 300 units. Built from titanium and bronze, the timepiece has been fitted with a dark blue dial, bronze bezel and ceramic blue insert, finished off with bronze hands.
Bremont Project Possible - Image Credit: Bremont
The reverse of the watch case is a crystal back through which the Bremont rotor can be seen which has been specially engraved to commemorate Nims’ challenge, to summit Earth’s 14 tallest mountains, all higher than 8,000m, in less than 7 months. The rotor details the heights of each of the 14 mountains in the order that Nims conquered them.
Bremont Project Possible - Image Credit: Bremont
In the words of Bremont Co-Founder Nick English, “We couldn’t be prouder of Nims in completing Bremont Project Possible. His focus, determination and unwavering self-belief has been utterly inspiring and having him test our watches in these extreme environments speaks to the core of what Bremont has always been about. It only felt appropriate to create a commemorative timepiece for him and for everyone who so closely followed his journey, one that he made look somewhat effortless!”
The use of bronze in the Project Impossible is a first for Bremont. As a material has been used for centuries to make military and seafaring equipment. Aside from the practical element it really enhances appearance as a bronze case or bezel will develop a vintage patina, which will be different from watch to watch making your chosen time piece even more special. Bronze is comprised from approximately 60% copper mixed with an alloy of copper and tin. It has outstanding anti-magnetic capabilities making it an ideal choice of material for the explorer who may need to use critical equipment close to the Earth’s magnetic poles.
Bremont Project Possible - Image Credit: Bremont
The special edition watch is supported by either a 22mm Khaki vintage leather strap or a stainless-steel bracelet.
Bremont Project Possible - Image Credit: Bremont
Movement: Modified calibre 11 ¼’’’ BE-93-2AV automatic chronometer, 21 jewels, Glucydur balance, Anachron balance spring, Nivaflex 1 mainspring, 28,800 bph, 42-hour power reserve, Bremont moulded and skeletonised decorated rotor.
Functions: Hour/minute/second, date at 3H. 24H GMT hand.
Case: Aviation-grade Ti 6-4 titanium case - Bronze uni-directional rotating bezel. Bremont Trip-Tick construction with scratch resistant DLC treated case barrel. Protective patented antishock movement mount. Automatic helium escape valve and crown protector. Case diameter 43mm, lug width 22mm.
Case back: Aviation-grade Ti 6-4 titanium with crystal open case back.
Dial and hands: Metal dial with Project Possible logo -gold plated applied indexes, Gold plated hands with Super-LumiNova® luminous coating.
Crystal: Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
Water resistance: 50 ATM, 500 metres
Strap: 22mmn Khaki Vintage side stitch or stainless-steel bracelet
Certification: Chronometer rated to ISO 3159 standard.
Limited number: 300.
Price: £4995 with leather strap, £5395 with stainless bracelet
A personal perspective:
Bremont Project Possible - Image Credit: Bremont
It is hard not to be impressed by Nirmal Purja. The physical and mental excellence required to complete Bremont’s Project Possible is incalculable. Equally a watch which could withstand such an adventure generates serious respect. But of course, this special edition was created after the event and was not the watch Nims wore on the challenge. For his multiple ascents he was issued with an equally striking Bremont Supermarine S300 White on a striped Bond style strap which retails at £2995. The stark white face and adventurous look of this watch really makes it a fine choice to check the time when you conquer the summit of K2. As a parting thought, whilst the Project Possible GMT Supermarine is undeniably a beautiful watch, one can’t help but wonder why Bremont did not make the special edition out of the watch Nims actually wore?
