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Alt1tude
10-02-2012, 02:04 PM
I had the pleasure of visiting the Bremont Boutique in London for the first time yesterday. Despite being open for 3 months, I’d never had time to visit and longed to see what it was all about!

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The store, is situated in the very nice area of Mayfair, central London - When I say ‘central’, it is a short walk from the more popular shopping destinations such as Oxford and Regent Street and approximately 10 minutes from Bond Street, which is famous for it’s many luxury retail and watch shops.

The shop is part of an old terrace building (Victorian, I assume) and I was pleasantly surprised by the high ceilings and size of the shop, I was expecting something much smaller, but it was very roomy in there!

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The first thing you see when you enter the store, on the left is a display cabinet on the wall which houses the ‘historic’ collection: The Iconic EP120 and P-51 which “I could try on, but not buy..” as informed by the friendly assistant, who then proceeded to show me the U2 squadron watch, Charley Boorman’s Z and Jake Meyer’s blue ‘P.

I have to add that at this point, I didn’t say I ran this forum but acted like a complete newbie to the brand!

The main display cabinet on the left also houses what I consider the ‘greatest hits’ of Bremont: The MBIIs, U2s, ALT1-Ps, Zs and of course Cs. Not surprisingly I didn’t see a ALT1-C Cream or Orange MBII... I suspect these fly off the shelves as soon as they are in, especially after the weekend.

In between this display cabinet is a rather expensive looking Martin Baker Ejector Seat - The polished stainless steel appearance was certainly different and more ‘expensive’ looking that the military black one I had previously seen. For £50,000 I too could have one of these in my lounge!

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Also, interesting to note is the Bremont Budget Box which is the red briefcase on the shelves - this is a leather bound handmade (In England, of course) case which I think fits 10 watches... It’s “For the man that has everything!”... and in a cheeky way is based on the famous budget box used by the chancellor every year in Downing Street.

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Opposite to the main display is Nick’s Motorbike, which I’ve seen him riding in Henley and next to that the huge stainless steel ‘batman’ style search light. It used to dominate the (very little space) old Bremont office, so feels at home now with the high ceilings.

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Everywhere you look there are photographs; some of the Bremont people, some Nick and Giles and others vintage aviation images. This along with the wooden panels and displays makes you feel you are actually in a museum, not a watch shop!

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The next display are for the SM500 Supermarines - complete with bronze style miniature diver’s helmet and next to those we have the more classic range: Solos (including the new white) BC-S2s. F1s, S1s and the new 37mm Solos.

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At the back of the shop is a rather impressive stainless steel bar area which also doubles as a shop counter - There is every conceivable drink you could think of on the back wall, which no doubt helps when there’s a party at the store!

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There's also some rather nice hand made goodies in the form of belts, bags and laptop sleeves from English company Elvis and Kresse (http://www.fire-hose.co.uk) (Who make most of their products from fire hoses!

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Finally, around the back, a small lounge area with soft sofas and seats which is probably a good place to rest once you’ve taken in all the watches..

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What’s great about the boutique, is it really does feel homely in there... It’s a far cry from the sterile and stark appearance that you often see in other watch boutiques. In fact given the amount of object d’art around the place it feels more like a antique shop or museum and the only thing that brings you back to reality are the ever present glistening Chronometers trying to get your attention!

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I’d like to thank both store people for putting up with me yesterday - I’m hoping soon to revisit again!

rich
10-02-2012, 05:58 PM
Great pictures, and an interesting write-up.

One thing though.... Can you confirm the White dial Solo is now available for sale?

If so.....a message for Oracle... When are getting some stock? :)

Embles
10-02-2012, 07:44 PM
Great pictures, and an interesting write-up.

One thing though.... Can you confirm the White dial Solo is now available for sale?

If so.....a message for Oracle... When are getting some stock? :)

Great article Piers, I'm visiting the boutique for the first time tomorrow and really looking forward to it. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing and trying on the White Solo and World Timer.

Richard - I've heard from a reliable source (Giles English) today that the White Solo is due out next week.

Alt1tude
10-02-2012, 08:01 PM
Guys, I think the white solo is being finalised now due out next week!

I remember seeing the blue world timer but not other colours. If you get the chance grab a look at the Leander as well they have #10 in stock and of course try on the EP120!

Embles
10-02-2012, 08:25 PM
I remember seeing the blue world timer but not other colours. If you get the chance grab a look at the Leander as well they have #10 in stock and of course try on the EP120!

Thanks Piers, I haven't seen an EP120 or Leander in the flesh yet either. Can't wait.

Alt1tude
10-03-2012, 05:39 AM
Thanks Piers, I haven't seen an EP120 or Leander in the flesh yet either. Can't wait.

Tell them you are via the forum and they 'might' show you the secret place :-)

Embles
10-03-2012, 06:46 AM
Tell them you are via the forum and they 'might' show you the secret place :-)

Sounds intriguing, I'll give it a go and let you know how I get on.

rich
10-03-2012, 05:05 PM
Richard - I've heard from a reliable source (Giles English) today that the White Solo is due out next week.

Good news. Thanks for the information. I will expect a call from Moody's in the near future. :)

Embles
10-03-2012, 09:39 PM
Well I made my first visit to the boutique today and it was a truly special day. The boutique itself is like no other jeweller I've been to, it has the feel of a private club and was beautifully designed (very classy and British) but it was also a very relaxed environment to look at the full range of Bremonts. The staff were extemely attentive and knowledgeable; I was looked after by Irina who is a brilliant ambassador for the brand. I had rang ahead to see if they had the sample White Dial Solo in but when I arrived it wasn't there as Giles had taken it to an awards do the previous night, so Irina phoned him and he promised to drop it round later. Whilst waiting I was offered a glass of champagne (I declined!) whilst trying on some other watches including the Leander (love it), WT (really love it) and probably most of the range...I am now a little smitten with the ALT1-C (black)!

Then in walked Gary Connery (the Bremont Wingman) with some of his mates. What a top bloke. He introduced himself and we had a really good chat about his jump, the Olympic jump and future 'events'. At this point the 18 year old Chivas Regal was cracked open and I couldn't refuse a tipple with Gary! Next Giles turned up and apologised profusely for the White Solo not being in the boutique before handing it over to me to try on. What a gent. It was great to meet him at last and talk about the watches and life in general (he has twin girls like me). I really liked the White Solo too, a very simple yet classy watch. So after a great day out I left the boutique with a big grin on my face knowing that I have bought a watch from arguably one of the best and most personable watch brands on the market.

Thank you to Irina, Gary and Giles for making my day.

Monocrom
10-03-2012, 11:07 PM
Some great pics.

Thanks for sharing those. :)

DaveF
10-16-2012, 09:53 AM
I am down in London next month. Looking forward to visiting the boutique.

Thanks for posting.

Dave