In 2021, the British watch manufacturer Bremont opened a new 35,000 square foot facility named “the Wing”. This space was designed to accommodate both their manufacturing and assembly activities. Moreover, they launched a new series of timepieces. Today, I’m going to review one of these new watches: the Bremont Supermarine S302.
With a price just above $4,000 you will be able to receive a tried and true Swiss-made watch with a GMT ebauche. The ETA 2893 base is customized and chronometer-certified. Even though there are cheaper GMT watches available with the same movement, Bremont offers something different. The reason being the complexity of these assembled parts. Their timepieces provide high-end quality and an attractive design. If you appreciate these values, then you will be more than happy to spend a bit more extra money for a more expensive watch.
Design
Appearance wise, the Supermerine S302 GMT looks very similar to the Supermerine S301. They both share a 40mm profile with their signature barrel with DLC coating protecting the middle of the case. Made from stainless steel, this new GMT timepiece retains the classic 60 minute scale on its bezel. The uni-directional bezel and water resistance preserves this timepiece’s diving functionality.
If you were to compare these features with similar models from Oris, Tudor or Omega, you will find a variety of bi-directional bezel watches. They are even equipped with an hour hand that can be independently adjusted, making it extremely easy to switch between time zones. If you’re simply looking for a dive watch that you can use during your holiday, the Supermerine S301 will do just fine. All in all, you only need the home and local time to be able to keep track of your diving appointments.
With its 40mm case, Supermerine S302 differs from the previous GMT models from Bremont which featured 43mm cases. The way this timepiece fits on the wrist doesn’t differ too much, as it is only 2 mm thinner and just 1 mm shorter considering its lug-to-lug measurement. Nevertheless, this timepiece can definitely please those who are looking for a diver’s timepiece at a more classic size.
In my opinion, the applied dial details and the special 2 o’clock position of the crown are slightly more attractive. Nevertheless, the new Supermerine GMT S302 comes with its orange crown which adds a nice touch. Paired with the cream colored markers, this timepiece provides a unique aesthetic.
I appreciate the dial components, the one of a kind 2 o’clock crown position and crown defenders, and the more forceful styling of the bigger 43mm GMT varieties, but the S302 makes up for that with its orange-ringed crown and cream-colored painted hour markers. It is the ideal low-key experience watch – I wouldn’t hesitate to take it for some freediving or overlanding, where the watch’s matte dial, brushed lugs and edges, and the conspicuous nonappearance of a regular Swiss “luxury” name on its 12 o’clock marquee are in fact a benefit.
A Precise Chronometer Timepiece
Equipped with a BE-92AE movement, this Bremont timepiece achieves an accuracy of between -4 and +6 seconds per day. Bremont also guarantees a three year warranty, so you will receive a replacement service if your watch is not functioning properly. My only problem with the movement is the power reserve of only 38 hours. This means you will receive 10% less standby time than you would with other movements. An upgraded power reserve would have been a better option.
An intriguing GMT Case
As I mentioned before, the case is made of stainless steel. This guarantees great scratch-resistance and a polished finish. With a diameter of 40mm, this timepiece guarantees a bold presence. The thickness of the case is balanced by the bezel, so that the watch doesn’t appear too bulky when wearing it.
One of the most distinctive attractions in this watch is the bezel. The hybrid GMT/dive bezel is made of a sleek black ceramic with SuperLumiNova markers on the 5th and 10th minute positions. Just like a classic dive watch, the first 20 minutes are individually marked. Since the spring is light, the bezel can move very easily. Most GMT watches have only 24 or 48 clicks, so this one will be slightly off with its 60 clicks. However, this is not a big deal since you’re not getting down-to-the-minute GMT accuracy to start with.
The sapphire crystal is highly durable and has a special layer of coating to reduce glare. It’s sufficiently domed to distort the outer side of the dial just a bit, but not so much that it throws off your accuracy. The screw-down design of the stainless steel case makes this timepiece easy to service. The embossed seaplace – Supermarine’s emblem – is also visible on the case. Even though it comes in a screw-down composition, this timepiece still ensures an amazing water-resistance of 300m – better than the majority of dive watches.
A GMT Dial Made Completely Out of Metal
The dial is made from metal and it displays a black finish. The outer 34 hour index is positioned on a beveled inner edge and it is paired with SuperLumiNova numerals. On each half-hour mark there is a luminous hash as well. Inside you can see another group of hashes for the 60 minute dial. The five minute positions are marked with larger dots. A triangle is used to mark the 12 o’clock position, meanwhile broad bars are used to mark the 6th and 9th position. A date window is simultaneously used for the 3 o’clock position. The window is also black and it is equipped with white Arabic numerals. The dial has the brand’s name printed on the top half of the dial. “Supermarine 300m-980 ft” is printed on the bottom.
The Supermarine S302 GMT has four hands like a typical GMT watch. A similar design is used for the hour and minute hands featuring a tan SuperLumiNova surface outlined in silver. The hour hand is shorter and thicker than the minute one. A slender silver needle is used for the second hand. It is outlined in red and it has a lume pip on the end. The longest hand is the GMT one, with an inner part colored in black and an outline in orange.
Two Strap Alternatives
There are two designs for the straps to choose from. One of them is a NATO canvas strap with stripes of navy blue and khaki. The one presented in the picture is comfortable and can be easily adjusted. The other is a brown leather strap, and I haven’t had the chance to experience it, but I’m sure it is of great quality.
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