A Rich Story
The story of the union between one of the world’s leading aviation companies and a watchmaker is quite an interesting one. Martin-Baker first approached Bremont in the hopes of creating a definitive aviation watch in 2007, a task which was more than just adding a name to an existing model in the Bremont roster. The watch had to be able to withstand all of the same condition’s as Martin-Baker’s ejection seats; a monumental task.
However, after two years of hard work the MBI was born. This original model is an exclusive piece, which is only available to pilots who have ejected from an aircraft with the aid of Martin-Baker. Other models, such as the MBII and MBIII, are available whether you have achieved this feat or not.
For anyone with an interest in aviation, the name ‘Martin-Baker’ will not be unknown. Founded in the 1920s, this company has been manufacturing ejection seats for safer flights for almost a century. They are a well-known name in the aviation world and supply ejection seats for 93 air forces worldwide.
The MBII/WH is a partnership of this premier aviation company and the watchmaker Bremont – whose solo watches can be found here. The piece is reminiscent of and tested to the same standards of seat ejection. It is a great accompaniment whether you are facing ejecting yourself from a plane or simply a long commute to work.
Attention to Detail
The minute details of the Bremont MBII/WH is perhaps the most appealing aspect of the piece. This can be seen clearly in the yellow and black loop located at the end of the second’s hand, a direct reference to the ejection pull handle. The design of the crowns and the fact that the watch is available in orange – as well as blue, green, and anthracite – further alludes to this connection to Martin-Baker’s ejection system.
A fresh addition to the MBII/WH collection, yet the piece still manages to retain the classic components that make the MB series so alluring to collectors. Largely because it has undergone the same rigorous testing which the ejector seats themselves are subject to. This includes live ejection, intense vibration, temperature extremes on either side of the scale and salt fog. Conditions which, on your average day, you may never face, but at least you will be secure in the knowledge that your watch will survive them.
To view the MBII/WH still ticking away in a block of ice, check out this video from Bremont that showcases their intense temperature endurance testing:
Of course, words alone cannot do justice to this amazing piece. For a full 360° look at the MBII/WH in action, check out the video from our resident watch expert – Bob – who weighs in on the specifics of this piece below. With years of experience in our flagship Lancaster store, Bob is the heart of the business and an encyclopaedia of watch lore: