It’s been some time since Banks Lyon manager Bob Bredon added to his growing portfolio of video blogs, but rest assured that this latest study has been worth the wait. In this gap between Christmas and the New Year, a great question to mull over is ‘what has been the standout timepiece of 2014?’ That’s a bewildering conundrum that many sources have endeavoured to answer, and we’ve looked at some of these compilations here on our blog, but if we really had to commit to an answer of our own, we’d be hard-pressed to conjure up a more adequate response than the Bremont Wright Flyer.
Bob has reviewed many outstanding timepieces in past months, and even brought you an in-detail scrutiny of diamonds, yet when you hear him declare the Wright Flyer as ‘a little bit special’ (high praise indeed), you know to sit up and take notice! So, what places this wristwatch at the zenith of horology in 2014 for us? Simply looking at the solid wooden display cases with their push-button releases should suggest that something extraordinary lies within, and this fact is further reinforced by engraved plaques that relate the full history of the Wright Flyer. What a history it actually is.
Given the love that Bremont co-founder Nick and Giles English have for the aeronautic industry, a homage to the Wright Flyer is perhaps entirely expected, but obtaining fragments of fabric from the iconic 1903 flying machine itself, and then secreting them within every timepiece, is a historic feat indeed. In terms of limited edition Bremont watches, this is far from the first example, as previous success has also been garnered by the HMS Victory, the Codebreaker and several EP120 watches, but the Wright Flyer really is something else. Summing up a century of aviation heritage that has seen mankind truly conquer the skies, it’s a real privilege to be able to bring you this watch.
As Bob ably relates, there are numerous reasons to acclaim the Wright Flyer aside from the historical angle too. The 9 o’clock seconds dial (emblazoned with 1903) is an inspired move, and the aged Arabic numerals around the main dial are similarly judged to perfection. The crown of the Wright Flyer clearly draws substantially from pocket watches in its design, and given the popularity of such adornments around the time of the 1903 Flyer itself, this subtle nod is all the more welcome. When you reverse the inlaid case, though, you’re really in for a treat, and, despite the beauty of the main timepiece, we might even go so far as to say that the reverse of the model takes the crown.
Not long ago, exhibition casebacks obscured far too much of the refined movements within the casing of a wristwatch, but not so with the Wright Flyer. The expanded sapphire crystal caseback allows the innovative ‘propeller’ aesthetic to sit absolutely resplendent, and the historic muslin from the actual Wright Flyer aircraft is clearly visible at the lower extremity. Designed in conjunction with a Swiss partnership and boasting a 50-hour power reserve, the Flyer isn’t lacking in the engineering department either. Even the rose gold pin-buckle is treated with just as much care as is evident on the damasking of the main watch, as the tiny ‘Bremont’ emblem is present as a finishing touch.
When you look at the Wright Flyer, you can really see just how far Bremont – still a relatively young name in horology – have come in terms of sheer quality and collectability, and this breathtakingly beautiful wristwatch, perhaps our favourite release of all from the past 12 months, would make an investment par excellence. Available in steel, rose gold and prestigious white gold, we have a few select examples of this chronometer-certified watch on offer at Banks Lyon Jewellers. At the close of 2014, if you have an interest in this most celebrated of timepieces from 2014, or indeed any other of the Bremont watches in our collection, we’d love to hear from you. Call us now on 01524 38 48 58 or email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to assist with your enquiry.
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