Bremont ALT1TUDE SE: What do you want?

[Alt1tude]

As we've now heard the exciting news of there being an Bremont ALT1TUDE SE watch this year, what would YOU want to see as the perfect SE watch for forum?

[Andyg156]

What we would like and what we can get can be widely apart. Has Bremont given you any direction on what is likely available to be modified. Otherwise I'd go for something on the lines of the B2, only because I think it looks amazing .

[jwalker9]

While I'm quite sure everyone is tired of my thought at this point, I'll continue to stick with the chassis being a DLC U2.

Mike from Bremont has recently said that the U2 LE is the second most sought after LE watch, only behind the EP-120 in requests. If we build off of that already great platform, it's gonna be highly sought after and collectible.

That means a dial that keeps the U in the 2:00 position, but maybe subtracting the rest of the dial decor that the U2 LE had in the center. New Bremont logo looks good to me. If you are getting to potentially create a new dial, I think it would be great to use the new logo in the usual position.

Standard U2 hour and minute hands, but if possible, borrow the yellow second hand from the MB1/MB1.5/TWG MBII. Same with borrowing the rotating outer bezel to give that pop of yellow.

Barrel colors. I think yellow would be first choice, but due to the deal with Selfridges, may be unfeasible. Shoot for the Alt1tude yellow. For back up colors, I've got 2 in mind. The first is WHITE. It has never been done, would pop nicely, not clash with anything, and contrast well against the DLC case. The second back-up option would be UNPAINTED ALUMINUM. Again, never been done, and the raw simplicity of it could look really, really sharp. Different than anthracite.

For the rear, again, we know that the rear display on the TWG and U2 LE was a desirable feature for most, despite losing the true faraday cage technology. Matching the color of the rotor to whatever barrel color is used would be great (especially in yellow). Again, a painted rotor has been used in the past and looked really cool in red on the MW ALT1-P.

Then comes numbering these babies. Another opportunity for something special. There's not much room to engrave anything lengthy, but using our adopted mascot of Felix the Cat, if we could get "Felix01"-"Felix40" made, that's 7 characters. My ALT1-P has 6, so not out of the question I think. Other ideas would be custom serials like the military LE's often use. That could become a headache, however, and many potential buyers already have specific numbers in mind.

Finally, the standard strap should be a black Vintage. Everyone loves the brown, and many are eagerly awaiting the black. A great opportunity to make a great strap standard on our forum watch. Give buyers the option of buckle or deployant based on preference, especially if the thick vintage will in fact be used as standard strap. GGB with triangles to match the barrel as a spare, and call it a day.

Thanks for putting up with my rant. I'm truly not trying to push my ideas over anyone else's, just think this is a natural choice.

Jeremy

[jwalker9]

What we would like and what we can get can be widely apart. Has Bremont given you any direction on what is likely available to be modified. Otherwise I'd go for something on the lines of the B2, only because I think it looks amazing .

B2 is amazing. Piers exclusive photo shoot of it got a TON of likes on Bremonts FB page. I doubt they would be open to us using it as the chassis, but if so, that would be worth doing.

[kaiserphoenix]

Although the DLC U2 is awesome, a B2 chassis would be more attractive just because I have an MBII already and the U2 is essentially the same watch.

The B2 would be so special :)

[Alt1tude]

B2 is amazing. Piers exclusive photo shoot of it got a TON of likes on Bremonts FB page. I doubt they would be open to us using it as the chassis, but if so, that would be worth doing.

It's very unlikely a forum SE will directly follow a military squadron watch like the B2 or B52 that hasn't been made into a consumer version first. Love the ideas; Will wait to see what Bremont present and appreciate that not everyone will get what they want.... But hopefully it will be a true fan's watch and one which represents this place! At the end of the day, it's down to Bremont to design the watch for us and I'm really looking forward to seeing it!

[G-F]

Is there any particular direction that Bremont wants to go (or don't want to go) with this?

I really like Jwalker9's idea of a DLC U2/mb1.5 dial/black vintage strap.

I would also would like to see what could be done as far as a Solo SE. Those raised numerals on the white solo are really good looking and I'd like to see what could be done with this one.

I don't know about the copyright on the Felix the cat design, but I'd like to see that it on the back of the watch or maybe on the rotor if we go with a clear case back.

[evosam]

I'm liking the idea of a solo based SE more and more.

What about a similar configuration to a Solo based on the above U2 suggestion?

Here's my imagination at work

CASE
DLC Solo Case
ALT1 yellow matched striped barrel
Clear case back
Yellow prop rotor

DIAL
Black Dial
Lume on the 12/3/6/9 positions
Raised number markers for the rest of the numerals (like on the cream dialed version)
Yellow seconds hand
Yellow lum'ed triangle at the 12 o'clock position in place of the red and white one

STRAP
Black Vintage strap
(optional secondary black rubber strap with yellow stitching and the "V" stitching at the lug ends)

-Sam

[aikiman44]

A diver similar to the North Sea.

[AM94]

I'll be interested to see how this one shapes up and I'd certainly be up for adding another Bremont to my collection. Pier's are you going to start a list of interested parties, or is it too early for that? Also, would the sale be via yourself or will it be handled by a dealer? Having bought from you direct, I'd certainly have no issues with doing so.

As for the style of the watch - I agree that there needs to be something that makes it special, without stepping on the toes of the existing LE Mil spec watches. I doubt Felix could be used but it is a very nice idea and certainly one I would like to see implemented. As a thought, if you couldn't use Felix, there is no reason you couldn't use the bomb he carries (as per the Bremont bus).

Look forward to seeing how this develops.

[Alt1tude]

Not taking any names or list just yet. Process willbe;

- Watch will be presented ideally 4-6 weeks time ( or sooner )
- Interested parties, pay deposit to Bremont directly and get assigned number or choose one
- When watch is ready Bremont will contact people to collect money and ship the watches

I don't sell watches, so no sales, deposits or number allocation though me!

Hope this helps!

[G-F]

Ok Evosam, you make me think, black DLC solo, black dial, raised numerals, yellow triangle and circle on second hand, black barrel but with the two grooves filled yellow (I think a solid yellow barrel on a Solo would be a bit "loud").

Another idea, a victory style SE! Without the retrodrade and rare wood and copper (in order to keep the price in check). So Victory style, maybe yellow 5-10-15 numbers instead of Victory's red, engraved barrel (not sure what it could say) and... engraved Felix clear back! I know, I know, Bremont would probably never accept to make a Special Edition of a Special Edition. Just thinking out loud for now. ;)

[G-F]

If we move away from the black/yellow theme but keep the Solo idea:
-A silver case solo with silver dial blue raised numerals and blue barrel.
-A silver or DLC solo with black dial, rose gold raised numerals, rose gold hands and black vintage strap. I think this one would look very good.

[drg]

I'm liking the idea of a solo based SE more and more.

What about a similar configuration to a Solo based on the above U2 suggestion?

Here's my imagination at work

CASE
DLC Solo Case
ALT1 yellow matched striped barrel
Clear case back
Yellow prop rotor

DIAL
Black Dial
Lume on the 12/3/6/9 positions
Raised number markers for the rest of the numerals (like on the cream dialed version)
Yellow seconds hand
Yellow lum'ed triangle at the 12 o'clock position in place of the red and white one

STRAP
Black Vintage strap
(optional secondary black rubber strap with yellow stitching and the "V" stitching at the lug ends)

-Sam

Great idea !

[bydandie]

Some thoughts from me:

-Our LE shouldn't be like any other LE
-It should try and use the felix where possible
-Blue dials are good
-If based on a MB/U2, then please let's have the yellow seconds hand and bezel, and keep the faraday cage
-Having a 12hr bezel would be good as it fills a gap that isn't there already (and therefore can justify another Bremont)

These are just my thoughts, and feel free to shoot me down! :)

[drg]

If we move away from the black/yellow theme but keep the Solo idea:
-A silver case solo with silver dial blue raised numerals and blue barrel.
-A silver or DLC solo with black dial, rose gold raised numerals, rose gold hands and black vintage strap. I think this one would look very good.

I love this idea too !

[AM94]

Not taking any names or list just yet. Process willbe;

- Watch will be presented ideally 4-6 weeks time ( or sooner )
- Interested parties, pay deposit to Bremont directly and get assigned number or choose one
- When watch is ready Bremont will contact people to collect money and ship the watches

I don't sell watches, so no sales, deposits or number allocation though me!

Hope this helps!

It does and I look forward to hearing more as and when you release information :)

[kaiserphoenix]

Some thoughts from me:

-If based on a MB/U2, then please let's have the yellow seconds hand and bezel, and keep the faraday cage


Yeah definately the yellow seconds, bezel and i prefer the faraday as well.

[chipbutty55]

Just to ask, can the trio of PVD rings that form the case barrel of most of the Bremont watches be coated with a colour? Was just thinking this could finish the barrel of the watch off nicely with the yellow but without looking too similar to the Selfridges MBII. So you could have either one black surrounded by two yellow rings going around the barrel, or the other way round to just have a single ring of yellow.
So, thinking the DLC Solo, black face, Yellow seconds hand (from MBI if allowed), white painted numerals, yellow triangle @ 12 o'clock, barrel - one of suggestions above if poss?, Black vintage or DLC metal or Black leather/yellow stitch strap

Could this be the Sol1tude taking shape??

[evosam]

Ok Evosam, you make me think, black DLC solo, black dial, raised numerals, yellow triangle and circle on second hand, black barrel but with the two grooves filled yellow (I think a solid yellow barrel on a Solo would be a bit "loud").


Great variant suggestion!

It would be amazing if they were able to perform such fine detailing on filling the grooves, but since I believe that use a anodized process, it would be probably crazy expensive to do. I remember also suggesting a stripped yellow and black barrel but because of the production process, they would have to produce two color batches, then cut and weld them together...

-Sam

[Red Maple]

Lots of great ideas gents. I do like the proposals from both jwalker9 and evosam. Just to throw out a few more possibilities for consideration.....

1. If the watch is to include a second strap, why not an ALT1TUDE Strap Project strap? What could be more fitting than that for the ALT1TUDE SE?
2. Perhaps it's not as loved amongst forum members, but what about a DLC SM2000 inspired SE? The larger, 45mm, case captures my attention along with the water resistance, the white lume used on the SM2000 and the faraday cage. Seems to me that might be a little more different than (a) what's already out there in terms of SE's, and (b) different from what most/many of us already have (I may be way off base here, and I'm sorry if I am).

I'd still suggest keeping many of the ideas already on the table, such as:

1. DLC Case
2. ALT1TUDE yellow matched barrel (striped if possible)
3. Yellow seconds hand
4. Possibly a yellow inner bezel (not sure I've described that correctly, as the SM doesn't have an inner roto-click bezel) - I think this has been suggested

Other thoughts are:

1. Yellow triangle on the outer bezel in place of the current red triangle
2. A yellow crown protector
3. As the SM 2000 has round minute markers at 5, 10, 20, 25, etc. ........ what if one of them could be fashioned to look like Felix's bomb???

I don't propose that all of the suggestions for the use of yellow be incorporated. That would likely be overkill, but some of them could work well together.

Just my 2p. Feel free to object........ I won't be offended. As I said, I like several of the other suggestions, but am also trying to think of something different than my MBII.

Cheers,
G.

[MoscowImp]

Well done for organising this. I'm positive you'll get 30 takers for a cool SE

[jwalker9]

I'm not even sure if a 4th hand is feasible on the MBII/U2, but if so, a GMT hand based on the triangle shaped second hand on the standard U2 would be cool. Would also require changing the outer bezel to have the 24 hours AND minute ticks, which could start looking busy. Thats a lot to ask, but would be cool.

Adding on to my previous idea, i think putting a subtle "Alt1tude" in the forums font above "Anti-Shock" and "Automatic" may help distinguish the piece stand out as the forum SE. Probably not in yellow, but white, or grey.

[mooseman62]

Since I am seriously considering another Bremont, I would like to see it based off the MB line, yellow barrel, black vintage strap with deployment clasp. Bremont can come up with the other details, they seem to be the pros with that.

[kaiserphoenix]

Definately DLC.
Size: please no bigger than the standard case 43m I believe.
A GMT hand would be awesome.

So far a DLC solo has not been done so it would be pretty cool.

[Flying B]

Some great ideas here. I think the Solo idea is a really good one and worth exploring. The black DLC would be very inique, but the only thing we'd (sorry, Bremont!) would have to take care with would be not to overdo the addition of yellow elements and other details. Part of the attraction of the Solo is that it is such a pure and elegant design, such clarity and no fuss, it would be a shame to lose that. Little touches would be cool: great idea to have a yellow triangle a la Red Maple and with a black face it would be great just to incorporate a flash of the yellow black striping of the Alt1tude logo. I would prefer this to having the forum name actually on the dial or the addition of any other symbols which I think might make it look too busy. Yellow touches could be incorporated elsewhere, but on this watch I am not sure about a yellow element to the barrel -too flash? Case back should be exhibition with yellow rotor and Felix symbol painted on it (assuming no copyright still exists in that).

If everyone wanted to run with a busier design and yellow barrel, I would perhaps be tempted to revert to JWalker based deign around the U2.

[jwalker9]

Some great ideas here. I think the Solo idea is a really good one and worth exploring. The black DLC would be very inique, but the only thing we'd (sorry, Bremont!) would have to take care with would be not to overdo the addition of yellow elements and other details. Part of the attraction of the Solo is that it is such a pure and elegant design, such clarity and no fuss, it would be a shame to lose that. Little touches would be cool: great idea to have a yellow triangle a la Red Maple and with a black face it would be great just to incorporate a flash of the yellow black striping of the Alt1tude logo. I would prefer this to having the forum name actually on the dial or the addition of any other symbols which I think might make it look too busy. Yellow touches could be incorporated elsewhere, but on this watch I am not sure about a yellow element to the barrel -too flash? Case back should be exhibition with yellow rotor and Felix symbol painted on it (assuming no copyright still exists in that).

If everyone wanted to run with a busier design and yellow barrel, I would perhaps be tempted to revert to JWalker based deign around the U2.

That's pretty much my thoughts on the Solo based watch. I love the Solo, but it's appeal is its simplicity and clarity.
So it would be more of a "tread lightly" design. I like the idea of:
DLC solo case with white dial and PVD or DLC coated applied numerals/markers. Accenting the edges of the 12:00 triangle and dots with yellow, I like. Black rotor on the back, like the one on the U2 LE. That's about as far as I'd feel comfortable changing the Solo. Using a black dial with applied stainless markers would work too.
I personally think that the feasibility of altering the barrel of the Solo isn't there, but would be happy to be proven wrong.

[Rudedog747]

My two cents:

U2 DLC case.
Black barrel with yellow Bremont logo on one side and number of SE in yellow on opposite side of barrel.
Solid case back in yellow with Fritz logo
White solo dial black hands (if feaseable)
Black leather vintage or DLC coated bracelet.

So many different possibilities. Like trying to agreed on the ideal woman. All may look different yet all could be beautiful.

[drg]

this has always been on of my favorite squadron watches

some great design elements here !

i truely am busting at the seams to see this project come about:cool:

[Horoman]

I really like the idea of the unique Solo 43mm DLC.
Black hands instead of nickel (better contrast)
Yellow outline of the 12 triangle marker
Alt!tude under the hands on the face in forum fonts
Smooth aluminum barrel
Yellow rotor in the see-thru case back crystal
Black Leather Deployment DLC clasp with secondary ALt!tude grey strap.

This blends the dress nature of the Solo 43mm with some elements of the technical with the black hands, yellow accents and grey strap. A classy watch for both work and play.

Thanks,
H-man

[drg]

[QUOTE=Horoman;5094]I really like the idea of the unique Solo 43mm DLC.
Black hands instead of nickel (better contrast)
Yellow outline of the 12 triangle marker
Alt!tude under the hands on the face in forum fonts
Smooth aluminum barrel
Yellow rotor in the see-thru case back crystal
Black Leather Deployment DLC clasp with secondary ALt!tude grey strap.

This blends the dress nature of the Solo 43mm with some elements of the technical with the black hands, yellow accents and grey strap. A classy watch for both work and play.

Thanks,
H-man[/QUOT

Another great idea

[TexZan]

I'm not in a position to buy one of these, unfortunately, but what about something with the B2? Change the reds to yellows and replace the jet with Alt1tude written in either yellow or black to keep it low-key. Add a yellow rotor and call it good. Subtle, simple, stealthy. I prefer something that doesn't jump out in your face but will gather attention in its details.
http://alt1tude.bremont.com/forum/users/2-albums78-1024.jpg

[Bravo73]

As I've said in the other thread, I would rather something based on the B2, rather than the U2. But only because I've already got a U2 LE.

[aikiman44]

Something based on the North Sea.

[bydandie]

this has always been on of my favorite squadron watches

some great design elements here !

i truely am busting at the seams to see this project come about:cool:

If we could have that, with the Felix I'd buy it now :)

[me1357]

I'm not in a position to buy one of these, unfortunately, but what about something with the B2? Change the reds to yellows and replace the jet with Alt1tude written in either yellow or black to keep it low-key. Add a yellow rotor and call it good. Subtle, simple, stealthy. I prefer something that doesn't jump out in your face but will gather attention in its details.
http://alt1tude.bremont.com/forum/users/2-albums78-1024.jpg

TexZan's spot on with this one, I would definitely try to find the money for this.

[jwalker9]

We can dream about that B-2, but until a civilian version is released, i dont think there's any way we get to use it. In this months Watch Pro, I submitted a question specifically addressing the B-2, and how it would do well in a general release. I asked if they had plans. The Brothers said they had gotten good feedback on it and that they are considering it for a civilian release this year, but nothing specific.
I hope I'm wrong, but until that happens, I can't imagine a situation where we get first dibs on it for the SE. I love that watch, but think it makes business sense to keep it locked down as a military edition only until their timing strategy is right.

[Bravo73]

We can dream about that B-2, but until a civilian version is released, i dont think there's any way we get to use it. In this months Watch Pro, I submitted a question specifically addressing the B-2, and how it would do well in a general release. I asked if they had plans. The Brothers said they had gotten good feedback on it and that they are considering it for a civilian release this year, but nothing specific.
I hope I'm wrong, but until that happens, I can't imagine a situation where we get first dibs on it for the SE. I love that watch, but think it makes business sense to keep it locked down as a military edition only until their timing strategy is right.

Or, to look at it another way, Bremont could use the Alt1ude SE as a market tester for the B2 before it is released to the general public. If all 20/30 models sell out in double quick time, then it's a pretty good indicator that a 'civi' B2 will sell well on general release. If the 20/30 SEs don't sell, then maybe a general release won't follow.

Win/win. ;)

[Alt1tude]

Who said anything about there only being 20 SE produced? :)

[chipbutty55]

Who said anything about there only being 20 SE produced? :)

Have they/you specified a number to be produced then?? Do tell....

[Bravo73]

Who said anything about there only being 20 SE produced? :)

Well, is it going to be a LE as well as an SE?

The total number produced is definitely going to have a bearing on whether or not I get one.

[nolanz14]

I would love a modified version of the SM 500 with beige dial and dark gray or dark brown indicies. It would probably make more sense to have this a non diver because of the Altitude theme. I really like the DLC route and would be very interested if it went down that route.

[bydandie]

Some great suggestions, I also think that vintage lume like the P-51

[evosam]

For the side barrels on the Alt1-SE, I've been thinking/obsessing more about the concentric circles "stripes" like on the solo/alt1-p etc.... and then I looked at the photo of the Victory.

The Victory has a much more elaborate engraved side (black over gold), so it should be possible to do black with gold or black with yellow for the concentric details if they used the same technique vs the anodized method.

IMHO think having the bi-colored and thin yellow/gold detailing for the side barrel would be more interesting than just a mono-colored gray/black satin or brushed side barrel.

Thoughts folks?

-Sam

[Alt1tude]

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

THANKS FOR ALL THE FEEDBACK GUYS!

I'm now writing a brief for the design team, taking onboard your 'wants' for the watch.

I will report back in 4-6 weeks or sooner with a proper release and design once it has been produced and signed off by Nick & Giles.

For now, it's over to Bremont to produce us a fantastic Special Limited Edition!


///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

[Andyg156]

Piers, good luck with the briefing package, fingers crossed that this watch is affordable, unique and a beauty to wear. I look forward to reading about it in due course. Any chance of letting the forum know what you have put in the briefing pack.
Regards

[Alt1tude]

Piers, good luck with the briefing package, fingers crossed that this watch is affordable, unique and a beauty to wear. I look forward to reading about it in due course. Any chance of letting the forum know what you have put in the briefing pack.
Regards


Andy, I don't want to give away too much because its not up to me at the end of the day... but i hope what is produced pleases most people!

[Andyg156]

Andy, I don't want to give away too much because its not up to me at the end of the day... but i hope what is produced pleases most people!

Piers fully understand and appreciate the issues that may be caused if details are leaked before finalised .

[Regulator]

This might be a long 4-6 weeks......