Incredibly, it was almost 120 years ago that man first took to the skies in powered aviation flight. In the years since, flying has become an integral part of our shared history and culture, from wartime flying aces to the age of the flying boat, supersonic Concorde flight and luxurious private jets.
It's equally incredible that the pilot’s watch is as old as the field of aviation itself. This masterpiece of timekeeping seems to have always existed and has become ingrained in horological culture and design. The distinctive silhouette of the chronograph, with its extra complications and pushers, looks as good today as it did strapped to the wrists of the early aviators.
The love and passion for aviation runs deep through the Bremont brand with Co-founders, Nick and Giles English, being pilots themselves. There has always been a very close association between time and aviation since the first brave adventurers took to the skies over 100 years ago and Bremont is proud to celebrate the mastery of the skies with its expertly engineered collection of pilot watches, relied on by military squadrons the world over.
THE ENDURING APPEAL OF THE CHRONOGRAPH
What is it about the chronograph watch that is so appealing and why is it such a valued tool within a pilot’s equipment? The answer to both questions is essentially the same; each time a pilot takes to the skies, they are backing their skills, ability and courage to take off, land and execute any manoeuvres in the safest possible way. The weight of responsibility for lives in the air and on the ground is not one to take lightly, which is why pilots are awarded such a degree of respect. It’s why they rely so completely on the efficacy and precision of their equipment – including their timepiece.
The Bremont ALT1-B Chronograph is based on a special project watch designed for the pilots of the B2 'Stealth Bomber' Aircrew project in 2012
WHAT MAKES THE CHRONOGRAPH DIFFERENT?
The chronograph has a stopwatch feature that works alongside the standard timekeeping function. The word ‘chronograph’ translates as ‘time writer’, as the original chronographs would use a pen or pencil to mark when time had elapsed. Adding the extra chronograph complication allows pilots to make speed and distance calculations without losing regular timekeeping functionality.
Although the very first prototype of the chronograph was invented as far back as the 17th century by Louis Moinet to track astronomical movements, it wasn’t until the early years of the 20th century that the modern chronograph was born. This coincided with the first fledgling steps of modern aviation after the Wright brothers' first flight on 17 December 1903 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Bremont ALT1-ZT ‘Zulu Timer’ Chronograph
WHY PILOTS NEED A WATCH THEY CAN TRUST
In the early days of aviation, pilots would quite literally be taking their own life in their hands each time they took off; such was the fledgling nature of the technology at their disposal. Relying on their instrumentation and timing was an essential survival skill. As the technology advanced and safety improved, the chronograph watch allowed pilots to test the limits of what was possible in the cockpit, executing daring speed and distance records that relied on precise timing.
Today, the equipment has advanced to such a degree that all flying features are accurately controlled and regulated. The pilot's job is less to do with grappling with the controls and testing the limits of possibility than with monitoring equipment and managing the flight deck. Yet, pilots still undergo years of dedicated training and countless thousands of hours in the air, building their skill set, reactions and crisis response to deal with any eventuality. At any moment, they may be called into action or required to use these skills in the air. They need to be able to rely on their judgement and mechanical equipment, such as the chronograph watch - just as they always have.
Bremont ambassador and record-breaking competition aerobatic pilot Rob Holland with the ALT1-P2/Jet Chronograph
HOW MODERN CHRONOGRAPHS WORK
Modern chronograph watches measure seconds, minutes and hours, with a start/stop button and reset button built into the case architecture. It works like a mechanical stopwatch, counting from the moment the start button is pressed, allowing you to keep the actual time and simultaneously use a timer function. The beauty of the chronograph watch is that it combines the rugged appeal of a functional watch with superior mechanics. Whilst adding interest and variety to any watch collection, the distinctive design and good looks are as at home with a relaxed pair of jeans and a t-shirt as they are with a formal suit – and, of course, when in the cockpit too.
AN INSPIRING CHRONOGRAPH COLLECTION
The relationship between aviation and time began many years ago, and although it has changed in a technical sense, it remains as strong as ever. The Bremont Altitude Collection was inspired by a love of powered flight in recognition of and respect for the bravery and courage of every man and woman that has ever stepped into the cockpit.
Explore the collection, including the highly engineered ALT1-P or ALT1-ZT, with the classic contrast of a leather strap and a dial which takes cues from the gauges and instruments within the cockpit. The Altitude Collection of pilot watches includes the first watch that Bremont ever released, the ALT1-C. These watches are the first and last word in British watch design for pilots, available in a stylish selection of case and strap arrangements to suit any style preferences.
