In early 2019 at the Bremont townhouse evet, Bremont released the Broadsword – a spiritual successor and contemporary take to the ‘Dirty Dozen’ series of watches, produced for the British Army during World War Two when Britain’s Ministry of Defence commissioned 12 companies to produce watches for them to MoD specifications. This was a proud moment for Bremont who formed an official partnership with the Ministry of Defence – to be recognised as the only luxury watchmaker allowed to use the signs symbols and Heraldic badges of all three services; the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

Now in 2020, Bremont is introducing the Broadsword Bronze timepieces adding to the original lineup of Bremont’s Armed Forces Collection.

The new bronze editions are available in three different coloured dial and strap variations. These are ‘slate’, ‘sotek’ (a military green/teal colour) and ‘tobacco’ with complementing straps. The new Broadsword case is made of CuSn8 bronze, a solid solution strengthened copper alloy with 8% tin. The high tin content adds to strength, wear and resistance to corrosion. The caseback is the same as the steel variant – namely a 316L steel caseback with embossed detailing of the three services – The Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air force. Inside, the watch is powered by the same ISO 3159 Certified Chronometer movement that powers its steel sister – the modified BE-95-2AV beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour.

Having spent some time with the new Broadsword Bronze over the last week prior to its launch along with the regular Broadsword, the difference that the material of the new Bronze case makes is remarkable. Where every intentional design line, crease and shape on the original steel case is sharp and crisp, here the case feels notably warmer and softer to the touch. Over time this will continue to patina and change as the Bronze case matures and is handled over the years granting each individual watch its own persona – wearing its life for all to see and admire.

A green dial isn’t something that I would have naturally chosen. Although i do like variety of styles and colours so that I have a watch for almost every occasion, I could be accused at times of ‘playing it safe’ with my choices so far being predominantly black or white dials. However this sotek teal dial is quite frankly a superb choice for complementing the warm tones of the Bronze case and the brown strap. In differing lights, the dial takes on a dark grey persona and in much brighter lighting the deep rich teal can easily be seen.

With an almost vintage feel but with modern specifications, the aesthetic and identity of this watch feel unique yet reassuringly familiar. Putting it on a NATO feels right at home as the watch is just 12.5mm thick allowing it to be worn on a good quality NATO without being overly high on the wrist.

The more time I spend with this watch the more time I want to spend with it. This might be seen as a bold move for Bremont as the Broadsword has been in high demand (something we predicted) since it launched early last year and although Bremont have ventured into precious metals (including platinum, gold and rose gold) – this is a tool watch through and through – one which just happens to suit bronze remarkably well!

All three dial choices pair beautifully with the new case and straps. but we can only speak from our experience of the teal dialed sotek which received a huge admiration from those that saw it. The Bronze case adds a charm and character that will continue to patina over time without detracting from the existing appeal of the Broadsword and its tool watch abilities. However we would thoroughly recommend a trip to Bremont to take a look in person at the three and make up your own mind. – Just be prepared to add one to your wish list!

Technical Details:
– 40mm wide Solid CuSn8 Bronze case with 20mm lug width & bronze screw down crown.
– Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal
– Metal Dial with white SuperLumiNova® numerals
– Hands in Bronze satin finish with white SuperLumiNova®
– 31 Jewel ISO 3159 Certified BE-95-2AV movement with

The Bremont Broadsword Bronze is available online at www.bremont.com and in their boutiques now at £2995.

Author

Entrepreneur, philanthropist, technologist and watch collector, Ben is the founder of Wristworthy.

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