A Closer Look at the Bremont Supermarine s500
A watch is more than a timepiece nowadays, and while some wear it to complement their fashion, others are interested in the other features that better their sporting activities. Watch manufacturers have taken the products’ designs a notch higher, and the competition is becoming stiffer with every launch of a new product. The Bremont Supermarine s500 is one watch to go for when you are into water sports, specifically diving hence the name “Supermarine.” Still, with a brand statement like “Tested Beyond Endurance,” it is clear that you have a lot to expect from this product to make sure it is not just a line to make you spend more than $5,000 to get it. So, let’s capture the details of this Supermarine watch and maybe you will be convinced to buy one.
Dial
At the center of the dial, the wristwatch has a tuxedo stripe pattern; on the upper hand, the logo and brand’s name are printed while the lower half, has the printing of the depth rating and model name. The dial’s outer part is flat and a rail track minute index goes around the center, and the entire dial. You can read the time in low lighting thanks to the hour markers filled with Super Luminova to increase legibility. The hour markers are mostly round except the 9 and 6 o’clock ones which are single stick markers, as well as the 12 o’clock one that is a double stick marker. A metal rim surrounds the day and night apertures which are at the 3 o’clock aperture position. The single stick marker at 6 o’clock has “Swiss made” printed on it, and while the minute and hour markers have super Luminova applied on them; the second-hand does not. The hands are long enough to improve legibility and accuracy by reaching the designated scale fully.
Case
The case is made from stainless steel and has a diameter of 43mm and lug width of 22mm. It is treated for hardness through a B-EBE2000 technology in which the metal is heat-treated, defused with carbon and bombarded with electrons to make the steel scratch-resistant and add to its hardness. When placed on a Vickers scale of hardness, the case has a value of 2000; 9 times more than that of the stainless steel used in watches. Unlike budget watches that use mineral glass, the Bremont Supermarine s500 has a complex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coatings on both sides of the glass. The coatings also undergo a special treatment to attain a hardness of almost 2000Hv before being vapor-deposited on the crystals, in a vacuum. The procedure is essential since the anti-reflective coating on the dial’s outer side is prone to scratches and wear.
The case is also a Bremont Trip-Tick Construction comprising a steel case back, treated steel middle barrel as the central body part and a hardened steel bezel. The unidirectional bezel has a notched edge for grip and performs well with dry or wet hands. Also, the bezel’s action is positive; therefore does not display any tendency to wobble between each click. Further, although hardened steel is quite challenging to finish, the watch has different finishings which are not only brushed but also polished.
Strap
You can choose between a rubber strap and stainless steel bracelet. Although the rubber strap has a striped pattern to complement the watch’s design, some can find it a bit too stiff. The stainless steel bracelet is light, and a solid-end link attaches it to the case. Besides, it is comfortable and closed with a folding clasp that has a safety fold-over.
Movement
While other watch designs that are in the same price bracket use a nickel balance, the Bremont Supermarine s500 uses a Glucydur balance which adds to its high quality. It comes with an ETA 2836 Swiss automatic movement for the inside tick and has a 36-hour power reserve. Each movement is chronometer-tested and has a performance certificate issued by COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres). All these Bremont watches also have a custom Bremont rotor. The Faraday cage in which the movement is placed in prevents it from any negative magnetic influences. A flexible ring connects the rubberized movement mount on which the movement is mounted to the outer case. The ring acts as a shock absorber and permits the movement and inner case to float.
Conclusion
Just like walking to an electronics shop and paying a large sum to buy leading brand names like Sony or LG regardless of the features, the Bremont watch might not top your list since it is still a young brand. However, it gives you value for your money, and every feature makes its asking price worth it.