We’ve already spoken at some length about the latest introduction to the distinguished pantheon of limited edition Bremont watches, but one topic of conversation has dominated the media since the release of the exciting new Wright Flyer timepiece; namely the origin of the muslin fabric that is housed within each of these chronometers.
It’s fair to say that muslin isn’t normally a staple material to be found in Swiss luxury timepieces, and when Bremont first announced that a fragment of muslin from the iconic Wright Flyer aircraft would be incorporated into their new limited editions, many people were tempted to doubt its authenticity.
The original Wright Flyer first took to the air in 1903, and made use of muslin wing coverings to reduce its weight and allow flexibility. Given the significance of the Wright Flyer, it surely couldn’t be the case that the original muslin is present in the new Bremont watches…could it?
Many people dismissed the inclusion as probably being fabric from one of the Wright Flyer’s many refurbishments, but I’m delighted to announce that I have now had the story clarified by Bremont themselves. Just as stated, the fabric is indeed from the original 1903 Wright Flyer.
The Journey from Wright Flyer Aircraft to Prestige Timepiece
Following the crash of the Wright Flyer, Wilber and Orville Wright moved the fallen flying machine to their shed, where the remnants of the muslin wings remained.
The crate which contained the 
Wright Flyer muslin languished intact through the death of Wilber, the 1913 Dayton flood and Orville’s relocation to Hawthorn Hill in 1914.
When the rebuilt Wright Flyer was displayed in London between 1928 and 1948, new muslin was procured for the wings, whilst the original material languished within its crate.
Orville Wright died in 1948, and, despite the loss of Hawthorn Hill, the Wright Flyer muslin stayed within the hands of the Wright family.
Many years later, in 2012, Nick and Giles English were given the opportunity to realise their longstanding dream of creating the ‘ultimate aviation watch’; a Wright Flyer connection was essential.
Following an introduction, they met with Orville and Wilber’s great, great niece, Amanda Wright Lane, later that same year, and procured 90 square centimetres of 1903 Wright Flyer muslin.
The fabric is only rarely released to support the Wright Brother’s Foundation, and the proceeds from Bremont’s purchase were used to help restore the newly re-acquired Hawthorn Hill.
Nick English personally picked up the precious muslin from its home in the USA, where it was eventually divided up for use in 450 limited edition timepieces.
Each and every Wright Flyer timepiece contains a sliver of 1903 Wright Flyer muslin. Housed between glass dividers and embedded into the tungsten rotor, the fragments are clearly visible through the exhibition caseback of each chronometer.
Bremont’s account has been confirmed by Amanda Wright Lane herself, so no doubt should remain about the legitimacy of the muslin; it really is the genuine, almost priceless article, and all of the history and heritage it exudes is now enclosed within each Bremont Wright Flyer. Here at Banks Lyon, we have access to all three variants of the Wright Flyer – the £30,950 Bremont Wright Flyer white gold watch, the £27,950 Bremont Wright Flyer rose gold watch, and the £17,950 Bremont Wright Flyer stainless steel watch – and we really aren’t exaggerating when we say that this is the most collectable assemblage of timepieces in the world.
If you’d like to place an enquiry about the availability of the Wright Flyer, or if you’d like more information about any of our other Bremont watches, please don’t hesitate to contact the customer focused team here at Banks Lyon Jewellers. Call 01524 38 48 58 or email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to assist you.
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