From Earth's Atmosphere to the Lunar Surface: Bremont's Latest Horological Adventures
The Altitude Chronograph Pulsograph Valjoux 23: A Tribute to Classic Pilot's Watches
Bremont's Altitude Chronograph Pulsograph Valjoux 23 is a captivating limited-edition timepiece, limited to just 40 pieces worldwide. This pilot's watch boasts a lightweight titanium casing, meticulously crafted with the brand's signature three-part Trip-Tick construction. Measuring 42mm in diameter, with a lug-to-lug distance of 49.62mm and a slender thickness of 12.52mm, its brushed finish exudes functionality. The box-style sapphire crystal adds a neo-vintage touch, complementing its 100-meter water resistance, making it suitable for both airborne pursuits and aquatic excursions.
Vintage Aesthetics Meet Modern Craftsmanship on the Dial
The watch's dial showcases a vintage-inspired salmon hue, featuring a multi-textured surface. A vertically brushed center subtly contrasts with a finely grained outer ring, while applied numerals in black gold with luminous inlays ensure optimal readability. Two silver-toned sub-dials at 3 and 9 o'clock create a classic bi-compax layout. The sub-dial at 3 o'clock tracks 30-minute intervals, while the one at 9 o'clock, featuring a distinctive triple-tipped propeller hand, displays the running seconds. A pulsometer scale gracefully encircles the dial's periphery, subtly referencing historical medical chronographs and adding an unexpected yet intriguing element to this aviation-inspired timepiece.
The Heart of the Altitude: A Reimagined Valjoux 23 Movement
A peek through the exhibition case back reveals the exquisitely re-worked Valjoux 23 movement. Sourced as new-old-stock and meticulously enhanced in collaboration with Chronode, this hand-wound, column-wheel chronograph caliber operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The movement's updated finishing combines sandblasted surfaces with striking polished details, presenting a visually stunning blend of vintage charm and contemporary artistry. While the movement itself is a testament to fine watchmaking, the interplay between its refined appearance and the distinct contemporary elements of the dial design, such as the propeller hand and contrasting sub-dials, creates a dynamic and engaging aesthetic. The Altitude Chronograph Pulsograph Valjoux 23 is presented on a 22mm brown nubuck leather strap with quick-release spring bars, and is priced at US$33,967 / £24,950.
The Supernova Chronograph: A Journey to the Stars
Expanding its horological horizons, Bremont ventures into space with the Supernova Chronograph, a completely new collection of space-inspired timepieces. This 41mm integrated-bracelet sports watch, crafted from 904L stainless steel, is distinguished by its black ceramic bezel featuring a decahedral, multifaceted geometric design. The integrated steel bracelet seamlessly mirrors the case's angular forms, drawing inspiration from spacecraft architecture with its blend of brushed and polished surfaces. The space theme extends to the dial, a layered construction with a perforated black galvanic grid set over a full Super-LumiNova base. This innovative design not only offers an original aesthetic, reminiscent of spacecraft solar arrays, but also enhances depth and ensures high-contrast legibility in low-light conditions. The chronograph's dual-counter layout is thoughtfully complemented by a date display, ensuring that its wearer, even amidst space travel, can keep track of earthly time.
Cosmic Endurance: The Supernova's Movement and Lunar Mission
Defying conventional expectations for space watches, the Supernova Chronograph houses a chronometer-rated BC77 automatic movement. This 27-jewel caliber maintains a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts an impressive power reserve of approximately 62 hours. Visible through the exhibition case back, this choice of an automatic movement underscores the fact that the principles of momentum allow such mechanisms to function effectively even beyond Earth's gravitational pull. A truly remarkable aspect of the Supernova Chronograph is its impending mission to the Moon. One special Supernova timepiece will travel aboard Astrolab's FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) rover as the primary payload of Astrobotic's Griffin Mission One (Griffin-1). Scheduled for launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in 2026, the watch will be deployed to the Nobile region near the lunar south pole, an environment characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations. Integrated directly into the FLIP rover's chassis, the watch will endure the harsh conditions of the lunar surface indefinitely. Once the rover ceases movement, the watch, wound by its journey, will continue to tick for about 62 hours before falling silent forever, remaining a permanent relic on the Moon. The standard Supernova Chronograph is available on a rubber strap for US$8,849 / £6,950, and with the steel bracelet for US$9,802 / £7,200. Bremont challenges enthusiasts to consider whether the Supernova Chronograph has successfully achieved its "Mission accomplished" objective, inviting discussion on its groundbreaking lunar endeavor.