The #watchnerd was honoured to receive a submission from fellow Twitterite, @valdarrant. In this, the first (but hopefully not last) guest post, Val introduces us to the concept of "buying the brand" - i.e. purchasing a watch (or two) that represents the brand in its entirety.
Bremont is known primarily for its over-engineered military and pilot-style watches. The Bremont case is built to protect the movement, while providing the style and appearance that enables you to wear the watch in both your personal and professional lives. If Bremont had only been around back when I was in the service, I would not have worn out a sentimental watch that is now in retirement.
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| Bremont MBII |
Originally my only Bremont was my Martin Baker II (MBII). I loved it then and love it still. At the same time I felt as though something was missing. I also kept thinking how great it would be to have a white/cream faced watch. Something a shade dressier but still close to the robustness of the Martin Baker. I found myself drawn to the ALT1-C Cream. A friend later told me that is the “gentlemen’s color.” Not sure if that was a compliment or a concern as that is the model I seemed to keep circling. And circling. And circling. Then something important happened. The Great Russian from The North (GRTN) announced he was going to buy an ALT1-C. This was the impetus I used to convince myself of the opportunity to get one as well.
Let me just say I love it. I also love my ALT1C on a black strap. I think its what James Bond would wear in real life. While on a trip to LA I wore it almost exclusively whether at a wedding or Disneyland or the beach. Now I must say that I then and still now feel very complete in my watch ownership. I had what I needed and wanted with my contentment coming up on a year. Now to be direct I have interest in the new white Solo but there can only be two “Master and Apprentice.” So more than likely it’s a short-lived phase.
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| Bremont ALT1-C on Black Leather strap |
I am not sure I can say the same for any other watch brand and certainly not with any conviction but in closing how often can you buy an entire brand with two watches? If there “can be only one” buy them both!
What do you think? What other watch / watches entirely represent a brand? Please do leave a comment.
the #watchnerd
2 comments:
I'm afraid I went a little further than you, and bought the dive watch too, so now have the perfect trifecta from Bremont. However, I was thinking about your idea that there is a quintessential piece (or few pieces) from each brand... As a Zoologist, I'm thinking almost of the concept of "type specimen", i.e. an example that serves to anchor or centralise the defining features of that particular watch brand.
For example, I recently got my hands on an Urwerk 103 Tarantula “Mexican Fireleg” - surely a piece that represents Urwerk entirely?
Val, I will agree with you on the subject of Bremont because, as you know, I am also a fan of the brand! Now, however, I would like to give an opinion on another "B" brand - Breitling.
In my opinion, the watch that represents Breitling is the Navitimer 806. It contained everything Breitling has stood for from the outset. Now, however, the modern Navitimer is, in my opinion, a far cry from the original 806. Sure, the new 01 movement is a gem and yes it looks good and is perfectly functional. But, with golden wings and an almost unusable E6B wheel, is it being marred by Breitling's new "blingy" image? I think so.
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