The Bremont 2016 Limited Edition celebrates the astonishing de Havilland DH-88 Comet, Grosvenor House, the aircraft that captured the world’s imagination with a phenomenal record-breaking flight in 1934
Fighting exhaustion and significant mechanical challenges, whilst barely stopping for over three days, two men in their pioneering British racing aircraft won the incredible air-race from England to Australia.
During the golden age of flight, the England to Australia record became the goal of many legendary aviators. The Smith brothers first completed the hazardous journey in 1919, taking 27 days and 20 hours. There would be many failures, but repeated attempts saw the time gradually reduced to just over seven days by 1934. The infamous MacRobertson Air Race aimed to, and succeeded in, shrinking that record further and in doing so, encourage the operation of a fast and safe commercial air route to Australia.
To commemorate this feat and to raise funds for the Shuttleworth Collection, Bremont introduces the ‘Limited Edition Bremont DH-88’ chronometer, a special timepiece which has been painstakingly handcrafted in the company’s workshops in England and in an elegant style reminiscent of that wonderful 1930s era. The 282 stainless steel and 82 rose gold cases house the beautifully finished BE-54AE chronometer rated chronograph movement with GMT functionality.
Constructed ensuring the durability and precision Bremont is renowned for, the timepieces also incorporate original spruce plywood from the undercarriage assembly of this winning aircraft.
Bremont Co-Founders Nick and Giles English, themselves pilots of de Havilland aircraft, feel a strong affinity for the Comet: “That golden age of aviation is a period we have always loved. We were inspired by the great races of that time and the Comet, a true feat of engineering, is one of the most famous historic racing aircraft out there. The fact it’s still flying is amazing.” – Nick English.
“The Shuttleworth Trust is a unique museum with over 40 flying aircraft with some of the only flying examples of their type in the world. Founded by Dorothy Shuttleworth in 1944 in memory of her son who died in a flying accident, it was set up as a charity to keep these amazing aircraft flying. Both Nick and I, through our father, have always had close personal connections to the Trust and we are pleased to be supporting it with a percentage of all proceeds from the sales of the DH-88 watches going to the charity.” – Giles English.
The aircraft’s story perfectly encapsulates the core values that inspire Bremont. A tremendous engineering achievement, the Comet completed an adventurous journey that secured its rightful place in aviation history. Through its own example of fine British craftsmanship, the Limited Edition Bremont DH-88, Bremont pays tribute to the Comet.