Fans of British watchmaker Bremont are not short of options if chronographs are their timekeeper of choice.
There are stopwatch counters on aviation-inspired Altitude watches, Supermarine divers and collaboration pieces with Jaguar, but none of these core collections had the classic racers’ aesthetic of a Rolex Daytona or Omega Speedmaster.
Until now.
The WR-22 — named after Bremont’s 2022 Formula 1 partner Williams Racing, has all the hallmarks of the watches used as timekeepers in the 1970s heyday of motor racing.
Bremont was not around in those times, but is unashamedly inspired by the era and its wristwear.
“The dial configuration is wonderfully reminiscent of some of the classical motoring chronographs of old. Equally evocative are the 1970s inspired chronograph hands which hark back to the heyday of racing,” Bremont describes.
Made in England at Bremont’s shiny new Manufacturing and Technology centre, The Wing, the 43mm chronograph has been constructed for life in the adrenaline-driven world of Formula One, and embodies the businesses mantra, Tested beyond Endurance, as the Williams team, including drivers Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi, will be putting the watch through its paces throughout the season.
It uses the colours of Williams on the dial: oxford blue, electric blue and white, framed by a black ceramic rotating tachymetre bezel.
Inside, Bremont is using a modified ETA 7753, which it calls the Calibre BE-53AE. The chronometer-rated movement has a Glucydur balance wheel, Anachron balance spring and Nivaflex mainspring with 42-hour power reserve.
It has a custom decorated tungsten rotor, inspired by a William’s F1 Racing car rim, presented through an exhibition case back.
The WR-22 can be bought on an Alacantara fibre strap or steel bracelet for £5,695 or £5,995.
“We’re very much looking forward to both Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi sporting the new Williams timepiece. Precision and timekeeping are everything in Formula 1 and the WR-22 represents the foundations on which our partnership with Williams Racing is based: British engineering, technical excellence and authenticity. We hope this timepiece resonates with both Williams and motor sport fans alike,” says Bremont co-founder Nick English.
Bremont and Williams have been developing a manufacturing partnership that brings together the precision machining of car and watch parts.
The two British businesses share engineering expertise and intellectual property as they develop parts that will be manufactured using machinery The Wing in Henley-on Thames.
Jost Capito, Williams CEO, says the team has found the perfect brand fit with Bremont. “The synergies between our two businesses in terms of British design and engineering are undeniable and complement each other beautifully. We’re excited to be launching the first Bremont Williams timepiece, a must have for any racing enthusiast,” he adds.