In the future....

[Noodlefish]

Without wanting to get drawn into the "who carries out more modifications on their ETA movements" discussion, do remember that it took IWC the best part of two decades to move from simply buying in ETA movements to actually doing enough to them to be considered in-house. It took them 138 years to build their own chrono movement.

[bydandie]

Originally Posted by G-F

It was not meant to be harsh. Though it does sound like it. I'll try my best to express my view on this. Remember, I love Bremont and I'm not looking to take a shot at them in any way.

The movement is ETA. The "modifications" Bremont talks about are possibly made by ETA. You can pretty much order what you like with the level of finish you want right from them. So unless Bremont comes forward and tells us what they actually do to their movements themselves, I assume that every "modified ETA" is just based off the catalog options.

IWC on the other specify what they do to their movement. IIRC, some of their movements are seriously modified at IWC and not just ETA optioned.

I personnally don't care much. ETA make very solid movements. And when they are COSC made, are as good if not better than many in-house movements from more known companies. So basically where the final assembly takes place is no big deal for me and wether my watch sports a London or Swiss Made dial makes no difference in my buying decision. Though I highly appreciate Bremont only uses COSC certified ETA movement. Because not everyone realise this but, not all ETA are born equal.

However, I do understand it is a big deal for the English brothers to have a British watch and I admire the efforts they put into making this a 100% english watch brand. But until they have their own in-house, made in England movements, the London on the dial FOR ME (I say this before you guys flame me) is just a marketing strategy. I understand there is probably lots of work needed to have London on the dial. But let's get real, movements are from Switzerland. Where you draw the line (Country X or Swiss Made) is quite subjective and has been a debate on many watch forums for a very long time.

Bottom line, get what you like. Don't stress on the markings on the dial. And don't flame me because I don't care if my Bremont has London or Swiss made printed on the dial.

You're fully entitled to your opinion, but let's not forget that there are very few brands that actually assemble watches in the UK. Most 'Made in Germany' brands have their own watchmakers, premises and use base ETA movements still, albeit with some modifications at times.

Personally, Bremont should be applauded for going the route they are doing, and let's not forget that the current IWC movements based on the 2892 and 7750 are modified by ETA to IWC specs; there are exceptions, but that's deemed sufficient.

Having the manufacture of watches within the UK is a huge deal if you're British, many brands play on their British 'heritage' without actually looking to move production over here, at all ends of the spectrum. Therefore, to me it's no gimmick at all, especially given that the brothers are moving the entire case production over here, rather than merely the finishing at present and bring all production over here as well. Would you seriously be willing to pay the premium that IWC charge on their 'in-house' movements compared to the ones derived from the 2892 and 7750 if Bremont went down that route? What would it actually prove?

[piers(uk)]

I care about who might put my watch together; be it Stuart, Dave or any of the other guys at Bremont HQ that work very hard to get those watches out.... Then you have the service people, the marketing people ... events, sales, stock control, designers, they all have passion for the company, which I think enriches the brand and the designs of new watches.

What you get is a watch which is higher is quality ( parts and build ) than the majority of other 'luxury' brands I have seen ; added to that I like the fact the watches are not your average Breitling or sheep-clone Panerai guys you see in the city.

I'm personally not interested in in-house, most people know its a way of controlling service, parts etc... okay if you're developing a complication....fair enough...But an in-house MBIIfor 7k or ETA version for 3k... I know what I would choose.

When Bremont ( and I say 'when') go in-house, it'll be brilliant... but having only been going 5 years I'm happiest knowing Dave, Stuart & co are working tirelessly on building quality watches that are up there with the best, and lets face it they are the friendliest, most hard working watch company around at the mo.

[G-F]

I really like that the brothers are moving production assembly to England. I think it is fantastic.

But just like other brands based all over the world (but outside or Switzerland) like to have Swiss Made printed on their dial (even though the only Swiss part of the watch is because they use ETA movement) I think Bremont will be truly be London made when that very important piece, the movement, is also being made in London (or England).

I also assume that in order to have the London print they need to meet minimal requirements just like other brands using Swiss Made. So they certainly deserve to have it printed there that's not what I'm saying. It is kind of unique as many would probably prefer to have a Swiss Made watch then a London one. So I admire their desire to make it British (and unique).

But as I said, I don't care if my Bremont has either/or (Swiss or London). I just enjoy them for what they are. Awesome looking, well made, great value watches with probably the best aftersales service in the industry.

To answer the question, if Bremont modified themselves their ETA movements and would disclose the full extent of their in-house done in England modifications and that the improvements were noticeable (like IWC does) well then I (and many others I'm sure) would certainly acknowledge that they are up there with the best. For sure then I would't see the London as a marketing strategy. But I'd certainly like to see a Bremont watch made in London from A to Z, though I doubt I could afford it.

[ATG]

IWC switched case production to China many moons ago and saved more than 90% costs, that's where all of those new models came from and the dough to make the new movements... that's what I heard..?

Don't get me wrong, I like loads of IWC, in fact after Bremont they have more models I like than anyone else... but there is plenty of room for other companies....

[G-F]

Good point. The cost of making a watch entirely in England is certainly much higher.

In the guitar world the same guitar made in USA is many times higher! I hope for IWC that the move pays because many companies have had problems with manufacturing in China.

[TexZan]

The most valuable Bremont is, and will always be, the gray Globemaster with red hands, #021. Not that I'm biased or anything...