Watch of the Week: Bremont’s Broadsword Recon Limited Edition

Celebrated for its hardy products that are influenced by aviation, the military, and British engineering, Bremont creates timepieces for some of the world’s most-exclusive armed units, as well as for the everyday consumer looking for a sense of adventure on their wrist.

For its latest addition to its Armed Forces Collection – a range whose inspiration is taken from the renowned Dirty Dozen, the first non-civilian wristwatches used by British forces, with specifications including easy legibility at night and high water-resistance – the Henley-on-Thames brand has built a special-edition Broadsword Recon.

This durable, rugged new release – which is based on the already existing Broadsword design, and is limited to only 200 pieces – is a two-part build, with a 40mm stainless-steel case (1mm larger than the original Dirty Dozens), and the eye is immediately drawn to its classic NATO strap that’s been crafted from grey-and-stone canvas – a look that complements and bolsters the military spirit. (For those seeking a more neutral style, the Broadsword Recon also comes with a second strap option, either in a more vintage-style brown leather with contrasting white stitching, or a wear-with-anything black rubber.)

Yet, what is most notably new is the sandwich dial, a debut feature in the collection and one that is defined by a layered construction made of a ‘P51’ Super-LumiNova disc that is overlaid by a plate with apertures, such as the Arabic numerals, which expose the material underneath. The result is not only clear legibility, whether in daylight or the dark, but also a depth of aesthetics, with the lumed look contrasting sharply with the numbers’ glossy outline and the matte-black dial.

“The Recon harks back to the original Dirty Dozen watches synonymous with military and exploration heritage, yet feels incredibly modern on the wrist through the sandwich dial and a lovely saturated lume effect,” says Bremont co-founder Nick English. “We introduced a sandwich dial for the first time with our Bamford collaboration and absolutely loved the result, so are thrilled to be bringing it back with this model”.

The Broadsword Recon’s small seconds dial at 6 o’clock is a further reference to the original three-handed Dirty Dozen creations, and, inside, you’ll find a BE-95-2AV movement with a 38-hour power reserve.

Turning the watch over will present you with a caseback that’s been engraved with the badges of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force (Bremont, who has an official partnership with the Ministry of Defence, is the only luxury watch company allowed to use the signs, symbols and heraldic badges of all three services) along with the words ‘Approved by Her Majesty’s Armed Forces’, as the Broadsword Recon was conceived under the reign of the late queen. (All watches in the Armed Forces Collection will be updated once a new insignia is made.)

Practical, with military looks and a dial that makes a real statement without turning heads for the wrong reason, it’s one of our favourite pieces to have landed this year. However, with a limited run, you may need to do some extra reconnaissance in order to cop one yourself.

Want more watches? Check out the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Minute Repeater Supersonnerie…

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