Introducing The Bremont x Bamford 'Aurora' Supermarine Brings A Bit Of California To The British Isles (Live Pics)

At its base, the watch is the same 43mm by 16.5mm (super) thick case with a screw-down crown at two o'clock with a sloping crown guard, 500m of water resistance, an automatic helium escape valve, and a "caller" independent GMT hand. Inside is the modified Calibre 11 1/2''' BE-932AV (based on the ETA 2893-2), with hacking seconds and 50 hours of power reserve. But from a visual standpoint, the watch comes off wildly different than the "tactical" description Bremont used for past Jet black models.

Gone is the date window. Instead, you get a bright neon-green Super-LumiNova sandwich dial, with a matte black top layer with raised, polished surrounds outside the cutouts that reveal that green lume. It's a California dial, which for those not in the know means the top has Roman numerals and the bottom has Arabic numerals. The sword hands, GMT tip, and the second hand (with stripped aviation-inspired tips) are all in matching green. The GMT bezel as well has – you guessed it – green lume. There's no chance this is tactical anymore, but it sure is striking.

One other little touch present on the S502, the "London" text at six o'clock on the dial, stands out even more than usual in green and for some reason this time it strikes me as extra funny on a California dial. All around, it's an eye-catching release, limited to 500 pieces, and available from both Bremont retailers and Bamford starting today, for $5,450. 

Did I mention this watch has green lume? I did? Well, pardon me. But just look at how great this new Supermarine looks lights up in the dark.

Yes, the S502 still is a thick boy at 16.5mm. It's actually one of the few times recently that I've put on a watch and thought "is this actually too thick?" Maybe, maybe not. Your mileage may vary. At least it's not for nothing, with the 500m of water resistance and that automatic helium escape valve. But the ETA-based caliber still leaves a lot to be desired, and I can't wait to see Bremont update these watches to a "flyer" or "true" GMT, especially for the price. While people will often be all for removing date windows on a dial – and here it certainly cleans up the dial – I'm wondering if people will miss it on a travel watch like this.

The rest of the watch is actually pretty charming. I love the sandwich dial – being able to take a look at a dial up close and see that depth is a lot of fun. The rest of the finishing is up to normal Bremont snuff, but let's be honest, this is a watch that's all about viiiibeeesss. And a not-insignificant part of me wants to see how cool this watch would look diving. Take a look at a few more images below and let me know what you think in the comments.

Brand: Bremont x Bamford
Model: Aurora Supermarine
Reference Number: S502

Diameter: 43mm
Thickness: 16.5mm
Case Material: Jet black treated stainless steel
Dial Color: Matte black sandwich dial
Indexes: California dial layout
Lume: Luminous sandwich dial recessed layer with recessed Green Super-LumiNova®
Water Resistance: 500m
Strap/Bracelet: Black Nubuck leather with green stitching, Jet black treated pin buckle; 22mm lug-width

Caliber: Modified Calibre 11 1/2''' BE-932AV (base ETA 2893-2)
Functions: Hours, minutes, hacking-seconds, and central independently-set GMT
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 bph
Jewels: 25
Chronometer Certified: Yes, rated to ISO 3159 standard
Additional Details: Glucydur balance wheel; Anachron balance spring; Nivaflex mainspring; domed anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal; 51mm lug-to-lug

Price: $5,450
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 500 pieces

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