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Backdrop
The idea behind creating the Bremont Altitude collection was to commemorate the machines that enabled humans to explore the sky and beyond. Many watches inside the Altitude collection are named after famed aeroplanes such as the U-2. Commemorating their love for aviation, the Bremont Altitude collection depicts the lineage and tradition of the brand. Unlike many Pilot’s watches, the Altitude collection is not equipped with a rotating bezel but with a dial that reflects the finesse and Bremont’s love for aviation.
The Martin-Baker
For many watchmakers, it is either their association with crafting aviation-inclined timepieces or just paying a tribute to the aircraft manufacturers. Instead of taking the same route, Bremont decided to commemorate one name that has saved countless lives of the aviators. Martin-Baker is a British aviation company that supplies the world’s air force with 70% of its ejection seats. The first watch made in collaboration with Martin-Baker was launched in 2007 which was called the MBI. The limited-edition MBI was specifically for the pilots that ejected from a Martin-Baker ejection seat. However, the MBII and MBIII are available for everybody. The watches inside the series are made to go through rigorous tests such as aircraft carrier deck testing, extreme temperature endurance, and altitude testing. The MB series is also subjected to live ejection tests that make sure that these watches stand the test of the military.
The U-2
After being impressed by the performance of the MB series, the servicemen of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing stationed at Beale, California wanted something similar but customised to their own requirements. Apart from being subjected to similar tests as the MB, the U-2 was also tested at 80,000 feet in an unpressurised cockpit. This was particularly needed as the 9th Reconnaissance Wing is home to the U-2 Dragon Lady, a plane that operates at 80,000 feet. After intensive testing and in-depth research, Bremont launched the stealth-inspired U-2 series. Be it the anti-glare dial or the anti-shock rubberised movement mount, the stealthy U-2 series is crafted with precision.
The Altitude Diaspora
The Bremont Altitude collection is not just about the MB or the U-2, it is an amalgamation of Bremont’s aviation-inspired timepieces. For example, the AIRCO series is named after one of the world’s first aircraft manufacturers, the ‘Aircraft Manufacturing Company Limited’. The Altitude collection is also home to dedicated chronographs called the Pilot Chronographs series. For women, the Solo series is also equipped with timepieces that are equipped with materials such as the mother-of-pearl and diamonds.