Introducing The Bremont MB Savanna In Titanium

The MB Savanna follows closely in the format established by the MB1 – which can only be bought by those who have survived the use of a Martin-Baker ejection seat (hence the MB name), the aforementioned civilian spec (and very customizable) MBII, and the GMT-equipped MBIII. For the MB Savanna, this monochromatic colorway has been applied to the MBII, but where the standard models use hardened steel for the upper case element and the caseback, the MB Savanna uses grade 5 titanium.

For the uninitiated, many of Bremont's core models use a three-piece case design that has an upper case element (forming the bezel and lugs), a middle case barrel (usually rendered in aluminum), and a caseback. Bremont calls this their Trip-Tick case construction and the three elements are secured via six structural screws. For the MB Savanna, the upper case, caseback, and screws are all made of titanium, and the case elements are finished with what Bremont is calling a "matte tactical coating" in a warm anthracite coloring.

Largely conforming to a grey/tan color palette with a few red accents and the small yellow/black highlight on the seconds hand counterbalance (to mimic the handle for the ejection seat), the 43mm MB Savanna has a date at three, 100 meters of water resistance, a lovely grey dial, a grey aluminum middle barrel, and a display caseback with a view of a ruthenium-plated rotor for the ETA-derived automatic movement.

Common to much of the MB range, the MB Savanna uses a Bremont-customized version of the ETA 2836-2 that the brand calls the BE-36AE. While certainly a basic movement for this price point, the movement has a modified automatic winding bridge and is mounted within a floating inner case element that helps ensure shock-resistance to a level that can survive being on a pilot's wrist during the short but savage ride provided by the use of an ejection seat.

This testing is done alongside altitude testing (up and down from pressure relative to 100,000 ft), salt and fog testing equal to a 6-month tour on the deck of an aircraft carrier, vibration testing, temperature testing that swings from -40C to +40C, and even testing for crash survival in an MFOS (Multi-Functional Operators Seat, found in helicopters like the Blackhawk) by simulating an 18G impact moving at 42 feet per second. Oh, and the movement is chronometer-certified by Bremont following ISO 3159.

The MB Savanna is priced at $5,795, and comes on a matching rubber strap.

With its two-crown layout (the second rotates the rehaut via a clicky detent system Bremont calls Roto-Click), the MB has long been a handsome and modern take on the pilot's watch that is backed by a level of shock resistance that I would simultaneously call both unrelatable and entirely cool. Like a dive watch that can go way deeper than I ever could, I do love the engineering put into a system that protects the watch from such extreme forces, even if I don't lead a life of such extremes.

As an early fan of Bremont, I've had a lot of "seat time" with the MB and a titanium version makes so much sense. As a brand, they have experimented with titanium in the past, especially via their collaboration with Boeing. While the material won't be as scratch-resistant as the hardened steel common to most MBs, the lightweight nature and matte coating are very much in line with the MB's modern and toolish roots.

In many ways, I see the MB Savanna as a sensible addition to the MB line-up that also manages to step towards an aesthetic similar to that of IWC's Mojave line. And, while you've got to give credit to IWC for doing it first, the materials, colors, sizing, and price fall into different categories. The MB Savanna comes in well under the Top Gun Mojave range in terms of price and size – the Mojave current starts at $9,100 with a ceramic-cased 44.5mm chronograph – but one cannot overlook the Mojave's in-house automatic chronograph movement and IWC's considerable brand cachet.

Judging from the photos, I really dig the grey/tan coloring, the matte finish on the titanium elements, and the high likelihood of the MB Savanna looking *just right* on a grey NATO. With the recent opening of their new HQ in England and progressive updates to a wide range of their lineup, it's exciting to see Bremont return to their MB core and iterate with a brand new format for their oh-so-tough pilot's watch.

Brand: Bremont
Model: MB Savanna

Diameter: 43mm
Case Material: Grade 5 titanium, aluminum middle barrel
Dial Color: Grey
Indexes: Painted
Lume: Yes
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Tan rubber strap

Caliber: Bremont BE-36AE (base ETA 2836-2)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Diameter: 25.6mm
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Jewels: 25
Chronometer Certified: Yes, ISO 3159
Additional Details: Bremont skeletonized rotor

Price: $5,795
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