Two British watch collaborations within one week is a rare event and symptomatic of the steady revival of the once-great British watch industry. Coinciding with the launch of the Fears-Garrick watch (featured here) comes a timepiece from Bremont and Bamford Watch Department - the Bremont Bamford S500 Special Edition.
The Bremont x Bamford WD S500 on my wrist at the launch |
Launched in a cloud of tongue in cheek secrecy with a nicely edited spy thriller-style video and graphics, the S500 is limited to 250 pieces. This (like the Fears-Garrick watch) is a collaboration arising from a long friendship between two British brands.
Rivalry has no place in British watchmaking and it's good to see brands combining creative skills to produce watches which, like the S500, benefit from the fusion of design ideas and brand characteristics. In this case the creative skills of Bamford Watch Department give a very contemporary edge to the Bremont tool watch robustness.
Bremont x Bamford Watch Department S500 watch |
The S500 sports bright blue indices which jump out against the dark black layered dial and the 43mm diver's watch case, making this a practical yet stylish timepiece. The movement is chronometer rated, with enhanced shock-proofing and the DLC-treated case is water resistant to 50ATM or 500m. On the wrist it's comfortable with not too much bulk. This is a watch that will be noticed and commented on favourably when you have one sitting on your wrist.
The watch is priced at £3995.