Post by timelessluxwatches on Feb 10, 2015 10:43:50 GMT -6
Bremont ALT1-C/PW
Today we look at a new and dressier incarnation of Bremont's popular ALT1-C chronograph line, the ALT1-C/PW. The ALT1-C has always been on the restrained side for a chronograph, but aside from a gold model, it isn't offered in a polished case--until today. Not only is it a highly polished, it's still hardened, so while it's more elegant, it's no less tough. There are actually a number of smaller refinements made throughout the watch as well to keep with the relatively dressy theme, and, more surprisingly, a much bigger window into the movement. Read on as we go in depth with the ALT1-C/PW and compare it to another Bremont chronograph, the ALT1-C/SI.
The Introduction
The new ALT1-C/PW is one of 7 production watches available in the ALT1-C line and just one of two models available with a polished case--the only one if you want hardened steel (the other, the ALT1-C/RG, is rose gold). So if you're looking for a dressy Bremont chronograph without losing their trademark toughness, this is pretty much your only option--but on the plus side, it's one more option than you had last year. Indeed, it's one of the only options for a dressy chronograph with hardened steel on the market today.
But don't think that Bremont just polished the case of an existing steel ALT1-C and called it a day--it has a host of other small changes as well that add up to make an altogether dressier watch. It's basically fair to say that it is the steel equivalent of the rose gold ALT1-C/RG, but they both separate themselves from the other chronographs by using a simpler, more understated dial. Namely, the subdials now match the rest of the dial, reducing the appearance of clutter, the hands are no longer lumed, but simply black, and the numerals aren't as bold either.
Interestingly, another change occurs on the back, and this one has nothing to do with dressiness. Bremont has substantially increased the size of the sapphire window which now allows the owner to appreciate the 7750 automatic in its entirety. When compared side by side with an original model, the difference is actually quite an improvement, but we'll get to that later.
The Face
The face of the new ALT1-C/PW is pretty much identical to the gold ALT1-C/RG, at least as far as I can tell. I'd say that it, along with perhaps the Solo, and Wright Flyer if you count limited editions, is probably the dressiest watch Bremont makes right now. Subtle changes from other ALT1-Cs have been made throughout to accomplish that feat.
Perhaps the most significant change is in the hands. Gone are the lumed stick hands and provocative red lumed tip on the seconds hand. In their place are solid black feuille hands, a very traditional choice for the watch giving it an early 20th century look. While I'll miss the lume, the contrast created by the black hands over the white dial is quite high--at least in lit areas, it's actually easier to read than the sportier models.
Another subtle difference between this and the other ALT1-Cs is in the subdials. All but arguably the ALT1-C/SI (which uses shiny silver subdials on a grey dial) use highly contrasting subdials, but the ALT1-C/PW simply adds a fine guilloche texture and keeps the same coloration. It actually reminds me a lot of a Nomos subdial. Like those Bauhaus classics, this helps reduce the perception of clutter on the dial, and ultimately, the PW (and matching RG) come off as the cleanest looking of all Bremont chronographs.
The Arabic numerals are a little more subtle as well. Combined with its new railroad-style minute markers it really gives the watch an American rail watch feel. This, along with the Wright Flyer, might mark a subtle shift into vintage American styling cues (which I actually quite like).
One of the last changes in the new PW is the date window. Like its siblings, it's a finely beveled port, but unlike them, it lacks a black printed line demarcating it. While I prefer date frames generally, if given the choice between a printed border and this approach, I'd take this one every day. Thankfully, the date ring matches the color of the dial well, which, strangely enough, seems to be an issue for many brands and models.
All of these tiny things really work on the whole. I wouldn't call the ALT1-C/PW a dress watch in the traditional sense, but it's certainly dressy enough to be worn every day. This may not sound like much, but it's worth remembering that this is all in Bremont's super tough case--it's a traditional, dressy looking watch that's ready for just about anything. There aren't many watches that fit that bill.
Continue reading the full review here: www.timelessluxwatches.com/reviews/bremont-alt1-cpw
Today we look at a new and dressier incarnation of Bremont's popular ALT1-C chronograph line, the ALT1-C/PW. The ALT1-C has always been on the restrained side for a chronograph, but aside from a gold model, it isn't offered in a polished case--until today. Not only is it a highly polished, it's still hardened, so while it's more elegant, it's no less tough. There are actually a number of smaller refinements made throughout the watch as well to keep with the relatively dressy theme, and, more surprisingly, a much bigger window into the movement. Read on as we go in depth with the ALT1-C/PW and compare it to another Bremont chronograph, the ALT1-C/SI.
The Introduction
The new ALT1-C/PW is one of 7 production watches available in the ALT1-C line and just one of two models available with a polished case--the only one if you want hardened steel (the other, the ALT1-C/RG, is rose gold). So if you're looking for a dressy Bremont chronograph without losing their trademark toughness, this is pretty much your only option--but on the plus side, it's one more option than you had last year. Indeed, it's one of the only options for a dressy chronograph with hardened steel on the market today.
But don't think that Bremont just polished the case of an existing steel ALT1-C and called it a day--it has a host of other small changes as well that add up to make an altogether dressier watch. It's basically fair to say that it is the steel equivalent of the rose gold ALT1-C/RG, but they both separate themselves from the other chronographs by using a simpler, more understated dial. Namely, the subdials now match the rest of the dial, reducing the appearance of clutter, the hands are no longer lumed, but simply black, and the numerals aren't as bold either.
Interestingly, another change occurs on the back, and this one has nothing to do with dressiness. Bremont has substantially increased the size of the sapphire window which now allows the owner to appreciate the 7750 automatic in its entirety. When compared side by side with an original model, the difference is actually quite an improvement, but we'll get to that later.
The Face
The face of the new ALT1-C/PW is pretty much identical to the gold ALT1-C/RG, at least as far as I can tell. I'd say that it, along with perhaps the Solo, and Wright Flyer if you count limited editions, is probably the dressiest watch Bremont makes right now. Subtle changes from other ALT1-Cs have been made throughout to accomplish that feat.
Perhaps the most significant change is in the hands. Gone are the lumed stick hands and provocative red lumed tip on the seconds hand. In their place are solid black feuille hands, a very traditional choice for the watch giving it an early 20th century look. While I'll miss the lume, the contrast created by the black hands over the white dial is quite high--at least in lit areas, it's actually easier to read than the sportier models.
Another subtle difference between this and the other ALT1-Cs is in the subdials. All but arguably the ALT1-C/SI (which uses shiny silver subdials on a grey dial) use highly contrasting subdials, but the ALT1-C/PW simply adds a fine guilloche texture and keeps the same coloration. It actually reminds me a lot of a Nomos subdial. Like those Bauhaus classics, this helps reduce the perception of clutter on the dial, and ultimately, the PW (and matching RG) come off as the cleanest looking of all Bremont chronographs.
The Arabic numerals are a little more subtle as well. Combined with its new railroad-style minute markers it really gives the watch an American rail watch feel. This, along with the Wright Flyer, might mark a subtle shift into vintage American styling cues (which I actually quite like).
One of the last changes in the new PW is the date window. Like its siblings, it's a finely beveled port, but unlike them, it lacks a black printed line demarcating it. While I prefer date frames generally, if given the choice between a printed border and this approach, I'd take this one every day. Thankfully, the date ring matches the color of the dial well, which, strangely enough, seems to be an issue for many brands and models.
All of these tiny things really work on the whole. I wouldn't call the ALT1-C/PW a dress watch in the traditional sense, but it's certainly dressy enough to be worn every day. This may not sound like much, but it's worth remembering that this is all in Bremont's super tough case--it's a traditional, dressy looking watch that's ready for just about anything. There aren't many watches that fit that bill.
Continue reading the full review here: www.timelessluxwatches.com/reviews/bremont-alt1-cpw