As soon as I saw the images of the Bremont White Solo at Basel 2012 I knew I had to have one. I’ve been a fan of the brand for a few years and have previously owned a U-2 but I was looking for a simply designed, classic watch as a treat for my 40th birthday. The Solo ticked all the boxes but I had to wait a long eight months for it to be available.
The Solo is the entry level watch in the Bremont line-up but it doesn’t feel like that. It’s a 43mm COSC certified chronometer and, without getting too technical, is based on a modified ETA 2836 movement (which Bremont call BE-36AE) and has a 38 hour power reserve. The movement can be viewed via a sapphire exhibition case back.
From a design perspective it uses Bremont’s distinctive Trip-Tick design which creates a three layered and visually interesting barrel – I particularly like the black PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition in case you were wondering!) middle section combined with the matt stainless steel finish. The lugs have a lovely curve to them which help the watch sit comfortably on the wrist and feels just the right size to me. The case has been treated using Bremont’s hardening process which makes it highly resistant to daily wear and tear – it’s seven times more scratch resistant than normal watch grade steel.
The dial is a stunning white colour which is more iridescent than pure white and glistens in daylight!  This is combined with applied polished numbers and markers which create a three dimensional look plus there’s subtle use of red at 12 and on the second hand. The dial is protected by a hardened sapphire crystal which is extremely legible to view in all lights and viewing angles. In low light conditions the dial comes to life with a vivid blue lume – charged up, the time can be read throughout the night.
The watch comes on a brown leather strap but I wear it on a Bremont black strap or a light brown nubuk depending on my mood or to dress it up and down. The Solo suits a variety of different strap styles and colours which totally transform it and keep it looking fresh. I’m after a NATO military green nylon strap so I can wear it whilst swimming and for general outdoor sporting activity – it’s water resistant up to 100 metres by the way.
To sum up, the Bremont White Solo has classic aviator styling combined with a high spec and build quality to create a stunning yet tough watch. It’s a watch that I am very happy to wear every day for work and for play. I love it for its simplistic yet classy design and it’s a great addition to the Bremont range. It was worth the wait!
Richard Embleton – April 2013
————————————————————————————
Currently, The Bremont BC-SOLO 43mm White Dial has a retail price of £2,750.00 and is available on our 0% finance at Banks Lyon Jewellers, an official stockist of Bremont Watches.
————————————