Bremont Watch Reviews: Supermarine 500 Diver, BC-SOLO

  Bremont has been very successful with their aviation style watches and is looking to capture that same success in the dive watch niche. Enter the Bremont Supermarine 500 (ref S500/BK-GN). How does a company improve upon all the offerings currently available in the over crowded dive watch world? Bremont was able to this with the Supermarine 500 by capturing both the tool and elegance in one design.

  Bremont is becoming well known for there hardened cases. This case is more than 6 times harder than standard steel at 2000 vickers, making that much more scratch resistant. The lugs on the Supermarine are the show stealer. One look of the side profile and you know you are looking at something special. Flowing and curving, with uninhibited beautiful elegance. The black dial is clean, with green C5 SuperLuminova for easy reading. Notice the rubber strap pattern is continued through the middle of dial. It is these types of attention to details that make this watch special. Becoming more and more common with dive watches is the use of a sapphire bezel. This was a perfect choice made by Bremont, truly complimenting the over all aesthetics of the Supermarine. As the name "Supermarine 500" suggest, it is rated to 500m of water resistance. Do in part by some serious engineering on behalf of Bremont's own Trip-Tick three-piece case construction and helium release valve. Thick double sided AR coated sapphire crystal protects the dial of this 43mm dive watch. Powering the Supermarine is Bremont's modified version of an automatic ETA 2836. Bremont calls this automatic chronometer movement the BE-36AE, with an estimated 38 hour power reserve. As if this all was not enough, the watch is also engineered to be anti-magnetic and shock resistant. Lastly, a uniquely designed crown protector adds the final touch to this well thought watch, with the crown location located at the 2 o’clock position.

  No doubt the Supermarine S500 will be a staple in Bermont's line up for many years to come. The Rolex Submariner has been wildly successful for many reasons, one being it is very versatile. Bremont has pulled off the versatile factor as well by creating a watch that works well in everyday life, whether it be in a suit, cut off shorts & tank top, or diving into the depths of the deep blue. Yes, Bremont hit a home run not only with the design of the Supermarine, but in function as well. Something that seems increasing harder and harder to find these days.

Pros - Unique design, versatile, COSC, anti-magnetic, shock resistant

Consideration - Would like to have see more pronounced hands for a dive watch

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 43mm

HRV: Yes

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Black

Bezel: Unidirectional

Strap: Rubber

Movement: BE-36AE

Power Reserve: 38 hours

Water Resistant: 500M

Lug Width: 22mm

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 43mm

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Black

Bezel: Fixed

Strap: Leather

Movement: BE-36AE

Power Reserve: 38 hours

Water Resistant: 100M

Lug Width: 22mm

  London based Bremont, started their young, successful brand with aviation styled watches. They continue moving forward on this success with the BC-SOLO. Sometimes simplicity is bliss, the BC-SOLO is just that.

  Bremont uses their Trip-Tick three-piece case construction and Bremont’s hardened 2000 vickers case technology as one would expect. The dial is vast inside the 43mm case, with basic indices and a date window. The dial is matte black and has luminous numerals done in a also done in a simplistic basic font. Basic is good on this watch, it is designed to be read at a glance. The BC-SOLO has the standard aviation styled 12 o'clock marker highlighted in red, with a matching circular marker on the seconds hand. W&R favorite aspect of this watch is the slightly oversized crown, adding just enough masculinity to the watch. The exhibition case back reveals the modified automatic BE-36AE chronometer movement. The black leather strap, with white stitching is a perfect choice for this watch. If you have not had a chance to try on Bremont leather strap, it is worth checking out. Unlike some brands, the leather is substantial and thick. Reminiscent of high quality custom strap, well done Bremont.

  It seems as though Bremont has done it again, "it" being another well designed aviation watch. What Bremont does right is not over thinking their dial designs/layouts. Simplicity is bliss and so is the BC-SOLO. Ever heard "less is more"?

Pros - Simplicity, Very well thought out, exhibition case back, lugs

Consideration - Would have preferred a longer minute hand, it’s on the shorter side