For over two decades, Bremont has fostered a philosophy of watchmaking that champions an indomitable British spirit and an unwavering initiative to take things further. Nowhere is this more evident than the construction of ‘The Wing’, which was unveiled in 2021. Behind the walls of this magnificent building lie expansive watchmaking spaces, a museum of British watchmaking, military and special projects showcase, office spaces and a stylish boutique where the Bremont collection can be discovered by visitors.

When founders Nick and Giles English came up with the idea to broaden the horizons of Bremont’s headquarters, they recruited architectural visionaries Spratley & Partners to bring this project to fruition.

“Our brief was to create a home to essentially reintroduce the large-scale production of mechanical watches into Britain – previously lost for a number of generations,” says Veronica Sanchez, Associate Director at Spratley & Partners.

After three and half years of construction, the completed two-storey building is a visual feat in architectural innovation. Using VR software, Spratley & Partners embarked on a design which took the central brand principles of adventure, aviation and engineering to new heights.

“The external shape and scale of the building is in a balance, responding to its context. The aerofoil profile of the roof edge is both beautiful and functional, thinning the roof by lightening the construction as the roof scape concludes, and accentuating the mild sweep and creating continual visual movement as the eye traces each element. We wanted an element of exposed structure – we loved the visible components of the movements so beautifully encased by Bremont.”

Just as Bremont embodies a strong British heritage, The Wing is firmly grounded on British soil. The two-acre site is located on the scenic periphery of the Oxfordshire town Henley-on-Thames, facing onto the fields of a local polo club. Alongside the team at Bremont, Spratley & Partners built The Wing with strong eco-credentials which prioritise conservation and sustainability, including a living roof and a recycled air heating system.

“The aspirations for The Wing were of a highly sustainable architectural piece, that despite the scale of the programme and its uniqueness in form and character, needed to be harmonious with the surroundings as well as making a positive contribution to the community. The curated selection of noble materials, the constant linkage with the outdoors, the introduction of plenty of green features have both wellbeing and biophilic principles at the heart of the design process.”

Perhaps the most defining feature of The Wing is the ability to foster a space that informs and inspires personal relations. Visitors from across the world are welcome to marvel at the beautiful construction and explore the watchmaking spaces, museum and boutique showcasing Bremont collections and heritage, with tours available to book online.

“Bremont recognised the transformative benefits that this development and manufacture would bring both locally, with apprenticeships, and more widely with the connections to so many other successful British watchmakers of the highest quality products. That ambition drove us to ensure the facility would be as good or better than any atelier being used anywhere in the world.”