To test Bremont’s manufactured movement series, the ENG300, the luxury British watchmaker, created a concept test instrument to put it through the most extreme testing environment, equaling that of fighter ejection seat technology. Enlisting the support of renowned British aviation company Martin-Baker it would have to be designed, developed, and built to endure anything a pilot might and more. The test instrument that was developed captured the imagination of both Bremont and Martin-Baker who have subsequently decided to launch it in its own right, and so was born the Limited-Edition MB Viper, a lightweight model crafted from titanium and anodized aluminum.
Pushing boundaries to understand the true performance potential of Bremont’s ENG300 movement, the ultimate challenge had to involve putting it through the rigorous schedule of environment testing conditions. that Martin-Baker deploys across its suite of fighter ejection seats. This included Live Ejection Testing, Zoom Temperature Climb Testing, Extreme Temperature Endurance, High Altitude Testing and Salt Fog Testing. To this end, Bremont initially developed a functional and minimal casing housing a shock isolating mount that could be fixed to the cockpit ‘dashboard’ of a Martin-Baker live ejection ‘simulator’. The test instrument was then developed further with the addition of forged carbon fiber lugs so that it could be affixed to an ejection manikin. Most importantly, the movement, protected by Bremont’s patented Anti-Shock movement mount, passed with flying colors and maintained impeccable time.
Developing the concept model into a limited edition piece is an exciting proposition that will undoubtedly appeal to collector’s interested in something unique with real testing credibility behind it. The MB Viper is notably the first model in Bremont’s iconic Martin-Baker range to house an ENG300 movement which is visible through its flat exhibition case back. The 43.5mm matte DLC Grade 5 titanium case employs a protective carbon coating and features an anodized 6082 aluminum case middle. Limited to only 300 pieces, the MB Viper not only showcases a different design direction for Bremont but is a true embodiment and representation of what the brand has achieved in its design, engineering, and manufacture.
The self-winding ENG352 caliber boasts a 65-hour power reserve with silicon escape wheel, free sprung hairspring with inertia weight timed balance and KIF shock protection. The movement features rhodium plated bridges with a gold-plated automatic bridge and is encased by Bremont’s trusted rubberized Anti- Shock mount that was developed back in 2009 when the brand first started working with Martin-Baker.
The vibrant orange anodized aluminum case middle is secured with 4 corner Torx® screws and encircles the highly legible white dial with a seconds track. Hours are marked on the dial ring with green emission Super-LumiNova® along with the tips of the chevron-decorated hands whose pattern nods to the signature ejection pull handles seen on fighter ejection seats. This particular feature was actually inspired by some of the very early unreleased MB prototype designs and unlike all other MB models, the MB Viper features a different seconds hand, mimicking that which was used on the test instrument. The tactile matte black lugs, which taper towards the screw down crown, have pockets machined into the rear of them to further reduce weight. Completing the look, the MB Viper comes with two canvas straps, one orange and one black.
Bremont Co-Founder Nick English comments: “When Martin-Baker first approached us in Bremont’s very early days, it wasn’t a branding exercise, it was with a vision of creating the definitive aviation watch. The testing that they could offer was something previously untried or tested in this industry, it was entirely unparalleled. It’s truly remarkable what these mechanical timepieces can actually withstand. For me it really is the ultimate pilot’s watch and it’s exciting to still be testing the boundaries of the possible with such an innovative and technically excellent British business at the center of aeronautical and military engineering.
We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created together, and interestingly, much of the Bremont MB Viper testing was carried out in conjunction with the Martin-Baker Mk18 seat in the Korean KFX Fighter ejection test program. The Mk18 seat can also be found in other fighter aircraft like the F-16 ‘Viper’. This new limited edition is pioneering for Bremont with its use of the ENG352 movement, and it’s a timepiece we are incredibly proud of. It really is tested beyond endurance.”
Dating back to 2009, Bremont’s partnership with Martin-Baker truly gave birth to a new generation of pilot’s watch, the Bremont MB. The MB Collection remains to this day the only mechanical timepieces to have undergone and withstood the rigors of live ejection seat launches. Martin-Baker, the British aviation company responsible for supplying over 70% of the western world’s Air Forces with fighter ejection seat technology, is at the very pinnacle of British engineering and innovation; the now iconic Bremont MB range has redefined the aviation watch world. Never has a mechanical watch gone through such extensive testing.
Andrew Martin, Business Development Director and grandson of Sir James Martin, Co-Founder of Martin-Baker, comments: “This is a relationship which has continued to flourish for more than 15 years. It’s a relationship built on a shared passion for engineering excellence and British innovation. I simply cannot think of another timepiece that has been subjected to this such a draconian testing schedule and pass with flying colors. It is truly exciting what can now be achieved in this country in horology. We all have a lot to be proud of.”
Watch TikTok tester video HERE.
Watch on YouTube HERE.
