The Monochromatic Bremont Altitude MB Meteor Stealth Grey

With CEO Davide Cerrato at the helm, Bremont has undergone a sea change, and many feared that its rugged tool watches would be transformed beyond recognition. However, earlier this year, fans were pleased to discover the new Altitude MB Meteor, an incredibly resilient pilot’s watch based on the former MB1. Part of the refreshed Altitude collection, the Altitude MB Meteor features the original Trip-Tick case of its predecessor, specifically designed to withstand the extreme trials of Martin-Baker’s ejection seat programme. Alongside the black and silver dials, the latest monochromatic newcomer, the Altitude MB Meteor Stealth Grey, pays homage to the collection’s name and features a grey meteorite-textured dial matching the stealthy matte grey titanium case.

Founded by brothers Nick and Giles English in 2007, Bremont’s identity was forged upon aviation and military-inspired watches with a strong British accent. One of Bremont’s many partners includes Martin-Baker, the British engineering company responsible for 75% of the world’s aircraft ejection seat technology. Putting credence to the former tagline “tested beyond endurance”, the English brothers developed a pilot’s watch capable of resisting the extreme forces of Martin-Baker’s ejection seat programme: the MB1. The name of the model is derived from the Gloster Meteor, Britain’s very first jet fighter, and the aircraft used for Martin-Baker’s original live ejection test in 1946.

Shielded by the three-part Trip-Tick case, the MB1 was subjected to the same gruelling tests used to ascertain the quality and function of ejection seats. Passing the tests with flying colours, the MB1 was reserved exclusively for members of the Ejection Tie Club, an exclusive club for pilots who have ejected from a failed aircraft. Civilian models MBII and MBII followed with double crowns, a Trip-Tick case, a Roto-Click inner bezel and a seconds hand with a stripey looped counterweight inspired by the pull handle of an ejector seat.

The 42mm grade 2 titanium case of the new Altitude MB Meteor Stealth Grey, measuring 12.23mm in height, has a textured, ultra-matte, light-absorbing finish, reminiscent of a stealth aircraft. Lightweight yet robust, the Trip-Tick case is water-resistant to 100 metres. The signature knurling on the black PVD-coated central barrel matches that of the two oversized crowns on the right side of the case. While the top crown is used to set the time, the lower crown activates the concave bi-directional 60-minute Roto-Click inner bezel, which produces a satisfying click. The flat top of the bezel supports a glass box sapphire crystal.

The embossed meteorite texture of the grey dial was created by scanning a meteorite and stamping it onto a brass plate. Applied indices and the propeller-style hands, treated with white Super-LumiNova (blue emission), assist legibility. A nod to the original MB1 and features found in military aircraft, the yellow central seconds hand has a black and yellow looped counterweight and the inverted red triangle in the centre is like the danger sign that appears on all ejection seats.

The watch is powered by the Bremont automatic calibre BB14-AH, based on the La Joux-Perret G100, with a 68-hour power reserve. A soft iron ring and rubberised mount protect it from shocks and magnetism. The display back reveals a gunmetal-finished rotor with Geneva stripes.

The new Altitude MB Meteor Stealth Grey is a limited edition of 400 pieces. The watch is paired with a matte sandblasted titanium bracelet with a concealed clasp and quick-release functionality. It retails for EUR 6,900 (incl. tax). More information at bremont.com.