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Bremont has expanded its field watch line, the Terra Nova collection, with two new models that include the jumping hours complication, one in Cupro-Aluminium bronze, and one is steel.

Bremont’s latest release comes in the form of a new Terra Nove field watch, or rather, two field watches to be more accurate. This time, the British brand has gone in a slightly different direction by adding a Jumping Hours complication to the lineup. While field watches are not traditionally made this way, the Jumping Hours function in the À Guichet style seems to work – it gives the watches a more industrial and robust look, which for a field watch seems appropriate. And when you think about the first watch that incorporated this function, the Tank À Guichet from Cartier way back in 1928, “Tank” referencing the way the original watch from 1917 was designed to look like a Renault FT-17 Tank, then this seems even more so.

The collection comprises two models, one in Bremont’s new Cupro-Aluminium bronze and one in steel. Both of which have the choice of a leather strap for the more vintage vibe, or the bracelet for a more modern sports look. Each has the jumping hours displayed in a slightly different way, giving each watch its own identity.

“I’ve always loved the Jumping Hour complication. It’s quite rare and something of a connoisseur’s complication. It’s complex to realise but simple in its appearance. It also mixes digital and analogue references, which I love, and almost mirrors my own life’s journey. It’s mechanical at heart but digital in its display – born analogue but having to learn and grow with digital.”

Davide Cerrato, Bremont CEO

Cupro-Aluminium Bronze

What is Cupro-Aluminium Bronze, I hear you say? If you have read our article on the Terra Nova Bronze collection back in February, you’ll be somewhat familiar with the alloy. If not, here is a quick summary as best as I understand it, not being an alchemist and all…

Cupro-Aluminium is a form of bronze that, while looking similar to standard bronze, has a higher aluminium content as well as silicon, which makes it more scratch-resistant thanks to its higher strength rating, and it also tarnishes or patinas less, and in a more even manner. The blend of metals also gives this alloy a softer, more golden tone as well, which, for those who love the look of a gold watch but don’t want to spend the cash, offers a great alternative. The other benefit of Cupro-Aluminium is that it has a slight weight reduction when compared to standard bronze or steel, plus it is hypoallergenic thanks to the silicon content.

Caught up? Good. For the first model, limited to 100 pieces, Bremont has designed the Terra Nova Jumping Hour in this material with a dial layout that is vertical, with the Jumping Hours display at the top, the minutes at the bottom and in between is the Bremont Wayfinder logo with a running seconds hand, all done in the style of a compass. The vertical brushing on the dial accentuates the vertical layout as well with this piece and adds to the overall style of the watch.

Turning the watch over, the Bronze edition has a steel caseback coated in PVD Bronze with the Terra Nova relief. Bremont has also equipped this with the quick-change spring bars to swap out the leather or bracelet for either or. The one thing I will mention is that the water resistance on the watch is 30m, or 3ATM, which is a little low for a go anywhere field watch and compared to the existing Cupro-Aluminium Bronze Terra Nova models from earlier this year, all rated to 100m.

A Steel GADA?

The second model in the range is the 40.5mm model in 904L steel, which Bremont is now using across the Terra Nova range for greater durability and look. For this non-limited model, Bremont has chosen to give this piece more of an elegant look, including a black dial and seconds hand that allows this watch to transcend the field watch genre and move more into something of a GADA (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) watch.

With a gloss black dial and a sweeping seconds hand, this model has a more traditional feel to it, with the added Jumping Hour complication set at the 9 o’clock position. The 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock markers are lumed as is the large hour numerals. And to make it even easier to read at night, the seconds hand is made from a full piece of Super-LumiNova.

Inside, each watch is powered by a Sellita movement – Calibre BC634 beating at 28,800 VpH / 4Hz and with a 56-Hour power reserve. While this is not in-house, Bremont still tinker with the Calibre to get it up to standard, including the Glucydur balance wheel, Anachron balance spring, and Nivaflex mainspring.

Initial Thoughts

I spoke about Bremont last year a bit, especially when both Champs and I spoke to CEO, Davide Cerrato at length about the brand’s direction since he took the helm and how he saw the vision for the business unfolding over the next 12-18 months. And let’s not forget, watch brands are a business, they need to make money and survive, or there will be no hobby for us enthusiasts. Yes, Bremont and Davide did get a lot of flack for the unvieling of the new brand and watches at Watches & Wonders 2024, but since then, the heat has died down and looking back at things, and also details that have come to light since, it would seem a resurection was needed and fast.

Naysayers will still protest against it, but to them I say this – if the story, heritage , watches and everything Bremont stood for was working, then it wouldn’t have needed to pivot and make dramatic changes like it did. The Jumping Hours is just another step in this lengthy process of bringing a brand back and making it viable and it seems that Davide is willing to do things a little differently and make changes to the line up in order to do it.

The two models bring something unique to the Bremont line up, and a complication that many mainstream brands don’t really do. As he said in his quote, this blends mechanical and digital (albeit in appearance) together and will appeal to those who are more on the enthusaist and colletor side of the fence. I’ve not been a massive fan of the Jumping Hour look – there is something that is still foreign to my eyes but I certainly appreciate it’s application and vintage roots. But, this is where the steel model works well as it looks more like a watch with hands, but adds the fun factor of the Jumping Hours.

Field watches by nature have that vintage vibe people love, and the Jumping Hours aplifies this I feel, especially the Cupro-Aluminium Bronze Model that would not look out of place on the wrist of an army general 100 years ago. Thinking through this, perhaps this is exactly what this model specifically is meant to do, conjur up the images and sentiment of an era long gone, but still alive in the watches we wear.

References & Specifications

Bremont Terra Nova Jumping Hour Bronze – 100 Pieces

Australian Retail Price: A$8,550 on bracelet / A$7,900 on leather

Availability: (Sold Out)

Bremont Terra Nova Jumping Hour Steel

Australian Retail Price: A$6,550 on bracelet / A$6,100 on leather

Availability: Available now at the Bremont boutique in Melbourne, Hardy Brothers and online at au.bremont.com