In a couple of months, the British-based Bremont is going to present its limited-edition Mustang P-51 chronometer automatic chronograph.
Although Mustang P-51 was just one of many planes that ensured air superiority of the Allied forces in their fight against the Axis, for some reason, the long-range fighter enjoys a reputation of a legendary warbird.
In fact, the plane is so popular among the general public that the British-based brand even presented a limited-edition model that was made using original aluminum from one of the Mustangs that survived the war (for the record: just like it was the case with the Titanic watch, I consider this a sacrilegious act, like making a drinking cup out of a human skull.)
Mechanism
The Mustang P-51, the first in Bremont history that is wholly assembled in England, is powered by the BE-54A Swiss-made self-winding movement.
Unfortunately, Bremont only says that it is a “modified” version of a mass-produced caliber. However, judging by the pieces of layout that are visible through its sapphire case-back behind the propeller-shaped aluminum oscillating weight, I would vouch that this is possibly the good old ETA 7750 chronograph movement with a GMT module.
If that is indeed so (and there is a good possibility that it actually is,) the watch may be powered by one of the most reliable “work-horse” movements currently available to independent brands whose reliability has been actually improved thanks to careful inspection, modification, and re-assembly that the mechanisms are being subjected to before going into the mildly oversized body.
Dial
Besides being a COSC-certified chronometer, the movement also offers chronograph functionality and a second time zone (UTC,) which is displayed with an extra hour hand with gray Superluminova substance on its tip.
Like many watches styled after flight instruments of the past, the P-51 offers almost perfect legibility with all of its hands (save, perhaps, for the small seconds indicator that features a black finish with only a tiny dip of the luminous compound on one of its four tips) as well as dot-shaped hour markers featuring enough lume to lighten up a small room.
The only thing that undermines the P-51’s otherwise almost perfect readability is the GMT display that features small Arabic numerals that, adding insult to injury, are interrupted at 12 o’clock with a large 30-minute chronograph sub-dial. But, as far as I can see, it is the only problem with the P-51.
Case
As you can see from the photos, there are two crowns on the stainless steel case.
One, at 3 o’clock, is used for fast winding and operating the hands, and the other, at 8 o’clock, operates the Roto-Click internally rotating bezel that would allow you to use the timepiece as a rudimentary timer.
Frankly, I find this system not terribly convenient, especially when you need to measure multiple numbers of relatively short time intervals in quick succession. Yes, it is certainly not the best tool for those hooked on the Pomodoro technique. However, if all you need is to use it as a (very) expensive egg timer a couple of times per week, that will certainly do, although it won’t be the most efficient use for this gorgeous timekeeper.
Being 43 mm in diameter and 16 mm thick, the gadget will probably be rather bulky. Just what some military-obsessed guys want.
Bremont plans to limit the Mustang P-51 production to only 251 pieces. It will be sold at £7450 (just shy of $12,000 USD.)
See also: Fortis F-43 Flieger Chronograph Alarm GMT (703.20.92 LC05)
Photos: Bremont
Bremont Mustang P-51 specification
Price: £7450
Movement: Automatic, caliber BE-54A (modified, ETA-based,) 25 jewels, 29.44 in diameter, 28,800 vph, aluminum rotor, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date, UTC (second time-zone, aka GMT)
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case: Hardened steel
Shape: Round
Size: 43.00 mm
Lug width: 22.00 mm
Case height: 16.00 mm
Dial: Matt black
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Coated nickel hands
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Tanned embossed calf-skin leather strap with stainless steel solid deployant buckle and engraved security clasp
Crystal: Sapphire, domed
Back: Sapphire