The Bremont Terra Nova is no stranger to our blog, as we took our first detailed look at this watch only a month ago, but where such a special timepiece is concerned there’s always scope for a return visit. This time though, our very own Mr Bob Bredon – the manager here at Banks Lyon Jewellers – has also offered his considered opinions on this limited edition Bremont wristwatch, and as you’ll see there is a good deal more to add to our last overview of the Terra Nova.
If you read our previous blog, you’ll know that the Terra Nova is a limited edition wristwatch with only 300 examples in circulation, and you’ll doubtless also remember that this was the timepiece that accompanied Ben Saunders and Tarka L’Herpiniere on their epic walk to the South Pole. When you are battling through temperatures of -40° and navigating a hostile environment where mishaps and accidental impacts abound, it’s fair to say that you require a superbly engineered wristwatch, not to mention the accuracy of a chronometer, and that’s exactly what the Terra Nova brings.
Formed from high-tensile titanium that’s classified to aircraft grade, the complementary strength that is required to withstand such extreme temperatures and impacts is something that has certainly impressed the Banks Lyon team, but that’s not the only feature of note. In view of the fact that Saunders and his team were hauling supplies in excess of 200kg with them on their exploits, the Terra Nova was created to be as light and functional as possible, and as we’ve hinted it is also significantly reinforced. Much of this protection is situated around the screwed-down crown, and this single button is integral to the operation of this mechanical automatic timepiece.
All functions of the wristwatch are controlled by the crown, which is also delicately detailed to serve as an additional aesthetic embellishment. The timepiece can be wound by turning the crown, whilst each of the three hands – hour, minute and 24-hour GMT – will be altered in unison if it is fully extended. In the middling position, a clockwise rotation will adjust the GMT hand, whereas a date change will occur from an anti-clockwise movement, and when screwed down this utile device will be entirely waterproof. In fact, the Terra Nova is resistant in depths of up to 500 feet, and boasts a helium escape valve for when it’s fully submerged, so its protection in this respect is impressive.
As you might expect, this explorer’s wristwatch also offers plenty more premium utility as well. For example, the 360° rotating GMT outer bezel is serrated to ensure effortless movement, whilst the inner bezel gives readily legible 24-hour time. A compass feature is present on the outer bezel too, and anyone who has braved the wildernesses of the world will vouch for how important such a simple feature is. For the same reasons, the hands are all totally luminous, and painstaking care has even been taken to secure the interior of the sapphire crystal against unforeseen damages.
Tested to 50 atmospheres, the Terra Nova’s aptitude is virtually unparalleled, yet there has still been time for a variety of subtle inclusions for purely visual appeal. The aforementioned crown is one of these minutiae, as is the small emblem at the centre of the dial and the fully-finished buckle of the rubber strap. The caseback doesn’t conform to an exhibition pattern, but instead displays the limited edition number of each timepiece and a ‘There and Back’ diagram to mimic the nuances of Saunders’ route to the Pole, so Bremont have been assiduous with every conceivable area of this watch.
Available for £4,495, the Bremont Supermarine Terra Nova GMT watch is available now from Banks Lyon, and can be yours today on 0% finance for 36 monthly payments of £99.89 alongside a 20% deposit. As we’ve mentioned, this genuinely historic wristwatch is strictly limited to just 300 pieces, but we should still be able to source a select number of these superb timepieces if you require, so don’t hesitate to express your interest as soon as possible. If you’d like further information about any of our Bremont watches, then please get in touch with us today by calling 01524 38 48 58 or emailing [email protected]. We’ll always to our utmost to assist you.
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