The British watchmaking landscape continues to evolve with vigour, yet few names encapsulate the spirit of modern adventure so effectively as Bremont. This summer, Bremont unfurls a horological statement with the Supermarine Full Ceramic Polar White: a 43mm diver’s watch that takes the monochrome aesthetic to a new zenith while firmly staking its place at the confluence of technical sophistication and refined tool-watch philosophy. Worn and endorsed by world-renowned explorer Jimmy Chin, this new creation embodies both the extremes of endurance and the subtlety of modern design, a duality that resonates with its intended wearer, a connoisseur of both functional reliability and understated allure.
The Face of Adventure
The dial is, in a word, striking. Bremont has opted for a crisp Polar White, enriched with a three-dimensional wave pattern that gently catches the light, evoking the frothy expanse of polar seas. Applied trapezoidal indexes border the dial, filled with bright Super-LumiNova® that delivers a vivid blue emission for optimal legibility underwater or in reduced lighting. The design flows intuitively from the black ceramic bezel, with the navy-inspired crosshair carrying a sense of symmetry and visual momentum to the very centre, culminating in hands of black gold, likewise filled with Super-LumiNova®.
There is an understated but tangible sense of purpose here: the date window neatly placed at three o’clock, while the iconic ‘Wayfinder’ tip reaffirms Bremont’s continued romance with the notion of navigation and discovery. The result is both utilitarian and elegant, avoiding any hint of ostentation.
Mechanical Matters: The Calibre BB64AH
Within the ceramic case beats the BB64AH automatic calibre, a movement that quietly delivers when it comes to both performance and longevity. Operating at a brisk 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), this self-winding mechanism boasts a generous 56-hour power reserve, made possible by the integration of a Nivaflex mainspring. The technical assembly comprises 25 jewels, chosen to reduce friction and enhance the reliability of the gear trains over time.
In terms of finishing, Bremont has not resorted to display casebacks or overt decorative excess. Instead, they have opted for a solid, closed back engraved with a map of the world’s oceans, a decision that not only reinforces the Supermarine’s adventurous aspirations but also ensures structural integrity to protect the movement. The calibre features a Glucydur balance wheel for thermal stability and durability, paired with an Anachron balance spring, a combination which excels in maintaining stable timekeeping across varying environmental conditions, a crucial trait for any watch intended to face the elements.
Mono-block ceramic case construction
The case presents itself as a genuine feat of material science. Crafted entirely in mono-block ceramic, the process begins with a precisely shaped mould some 23% larger than the final product. The shrinking and densification occur during a high-pressure sintering at 1,450°C, a temperature at which many metals would simply yield. Once sintered, the result is a case displaying tactile robustness and an impeccable matt finish, achieved via sand-blasting to suppress reflections—an asset for those needing discretion in the wild or underwater.
Dimensionally, the watch stands at 43mm in diameter, 12.98mm in depth, with a case length of 50mm and a lug width of 22mm, offering a contemporary yet comfortable presence on the wrist. The ceramic bezel is uni-directional and houses a knurled PVD-treated titanium insert, ensuring precise handling. The inclusion of a helium escape valve and water resistance to 500 metres (50ATM) further cements its position as a diver’s companion par excellence. The domed sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating, caps off the durable chassis, providing clarity and protection above and below the waves.
Completing the package, the Supermarine Full Ceramic Polar White ships with a choice of woven fabric NATO or black rubber chevron straps, both fashioned for durability and quick changes, while a stainless steel bracelet rounds out the versatility for less rugged occasions.
A Watch Built to Explore
With the Supermarine Full Ceramic Polar White, Bremont advances its mission to supply watches engineered for resilience in the harshest environments, yet equally at home in the city or beneath the ocean. This limited edition of 150 pieces is more than a stylistic refresh; it is a strong affirmation of the brand’s devotion to building contemporary tool watches in the truest sense, for individuals who see life’s boundaries as an invitation.
Bremont maintains, through this reference, not just its ambition for technological accomplishment, but its unyielding commitment to the adventure that awaits those willing to take it further. The Supermarine Full Ceramic Polar White (priced at €7.605,95) embodies that proposition, a striking, reliable companion, built with a distinct English sensibility, primed for the next story worn on the wrist.
