Announced earlier this year at Baselworld 2014, the Bremont Terra Nova is a timepiece that many have been eagerly awaiting, so, in light of its recent summer release date, it’s high time that we set aside some time to look at this limited edition chronometer in a little more detail. The unveiling of the Terra Nova was teased some months before it was actually made public, due to a prototype Bremont Supermarine timepiece that was seen on the wrist of polar explorer Ben Saunders, so, when the Terra Nova finally came about, it came as no surprise to learn that this was a timepiece for use in genuinely frozen climates.
To put the aptitude of the Terra Nova into context, when Ben Saunders and his team mate Tarka L’Herpiniere undertook their record-breaking 1,795 mile Antarctic walk in 2013, a pair of Terra Nova chronometers accompanied them every step of the way. Because of this collaboration with Saunders, the Terra Nova is totally engineered to combat the cold, resulting in a very unique timepiece. At the behest of Saunders – who vigorously argued that a lightweight timepiece was essential for polar exploration – the Terra Nova has been crafted from aircraft-grade titanium, meaning that, whilst the brushed and polished finish perfectly mirrors the aesthetics of steel, the negligible weight of this chronometer is truly remarkable.
Given that Antarctic temperatures are far too severe for battery-operated wristwatches, the Terra Nova was always going to be a mechanical timepiece, and the especially oiled calibre 13 1/4” BE-93-2AE automatic movement is the result of that need. Protected from adverse magnetic interference by a Faraday cage (a feature that additionally serves as a thermal insulator), Bremont have also taken pains to equip the Terra Nova with a 500 metre water resistance, along with a diving-standard helium escape valve and a reinforced crown. Put simply, although this watch isn’t marketed as a diving timepiece, it ranks among the choicest offerings in terms of sheer functionality in that area.
As a result of the titanium, the Terra Nova wears far more easily than its 43mm diameter would suggest, and that is perhaps the key to its appeal; although it is a supremely engineered instrument of the utmost precision, it remains a fundamentally appealing and practical wristwatch for daily use. The numerals of the metal dial are sheathed in SuperLumiNova® to ensure night-time visibility, the domed sapphire crystal is anti-reflective and scratch-resistant, and – in accordance with modern preferences – the Terra Nova is also one of Bremont’s inaugural GMT chronometers. Forgoing the use of a traditional red GMT hand, a second time-zone is indicated on the Terra Nova using an extra-legible yellow hand; a subtle, yet perfectly-judged addition to this already formidable watch.
In accordance with its status as a Bremont Supermarine chronometer, the Terra Nova comes with an integrated rubber strap and a pin-buckle, but uniquely it also features a tiny and intricately embossed ‘globe’ motif at the centre of the dial. From a bezel that displays compass readings to a peripheral set of 24 hour indicators, the Terra Nova seemingly has every technological augmentation that you could wish for, and, despite all of this functionality, it remains absolutely wonderful in an aesthetic sense too. Limited to just 300 models, we’re pleased to say that this timepiece is now available at Banks Lyon Jewellers.
Retailing at £4,495, the Bremont Supermarine Terra Nova GMT watch is also available on 0% finance for 36 monthly payments of £99.89 along with a 20% deposit, with other flexible payment options on offer should you require them. If you’d like to register your interest in this chronometer, then we recommend that you move swiftly, as this incredibly prestigious watch is doubtless going to be an instant success. If you’d like to find out more about this watch, or wish to learn more about any of our other Bremont watches, then we welcome you to get in touch with us today by calling 01524 38 48 58 or emailing [email protected].
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