Saturday, July 2, 2011

Bremont ALT1-C Final Report

So after fifteen wonderful days, it is time to bid the ALT1-C adieu.



This is a classic bi-compax chronograph. The dial utilizes a cream main dial, with black arabic numbers and sub-dials. This is a very, very nice touch as it greatly improves legibility through the contrast. The 30 minute counter oriented on the right is neatly divided with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 clearly indicated.

The date at 6 o'clock is the perfect touch as it ensures a clear view without cluttering up the dial.
The case is an impressive 43 mm in diameter, made of hardened stainless steel and utilizing Bremont's Trip-Tick construction.  The middle case barrel sports scratch resistant PVD.

And this is another example of the attention to detail that Bremont's design team put into this watch.  The push pieces are big, but not too big.  In other words they are substantial enough to easily operate but not so large that they "run into" each other.  The finish is top class - smooth and clean, a real pleasure to use.  The crown is a small work of art all its own.  the spinning Bremont propeller logo in a glossy black sky.

The engine powering the ALT1-C is Bremont's BE5AE self-winding chronograph movement.  With a rate of 28,800 beats per minute, this movement is at once highly functional and beautifully presented.  The detail work put into the rotor is elegant, and well conceived.  The use of blued screws is another very nice touch. The movement is a COSC, and the daily run-rates bear this out.

The clasp is nice, simple and functional - and the engraving work on the outer piece is top-shelf!

Smooth, clean and functional.  The two push pieces work flawlessly, and the clasp holds securely.

The strap is the crowning touch - a beautiful hand-stitched leather that is perfectly balanced and matched to the clasp.

22 mm lug width is the perfect size.  Instead of following the herd with a gargantuan strap, Bremont has rightly understood that less is more.

In a world with ever expanding watches struggling to be seen with flashy dials, exotic straps and overwhelming sizes, Bremont has hit the nail right on the head with the ALT1-C - it is not really even a case of "less is more" because this is a good sized, substantially sized watch.

I will truly miss this watch - it has performed extremely well, and is extremely comfortable to wear.   Full marks to Bremont.

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