The Hourstriker Verdict
Bremont's newest Altitude MB sees the brand adopt Felix the Cat on the dial. Felix has long been used by the US Navy on their fighter jets often running with a lit bomb. This touch has been adapted the Altitude MB with Felix running off with the 6 o'clock numeral. Going along with the black theme of the watch, the Altitude MB featured a blacked grade 2 titanium case. Overall, Bremont did an awesome job integrated Felix into the watch.
— Peter, Editor-in-Chief
Bremont’s partnership with the British aviation company Martin-Baker represents a functional benchmark in contemporary watchmaking, establishing an operational baseline that most civilian timepieces never approach. Ejection seat testing subjects a mechanical caliber to immense gravitational forces, sudden pressure changes, and extreme vibration profiles. Developing a case architecture capable of shielding a delicate oscillating escapement from such violent kinetic energy requires specialized internal suspension systems. Operating within this established framework, the brand released the Altitude MB Meteor 'Felix the Cat', a 500-piece limited edition merging a rigorously tested platform with naval aviation history. Universal Products & Experiences collaborated on the project, granting the use of the iconic feline mascot that decorated fighter squadrons since the earliest days of carrier-based flight. Specifically, the character is heavily associated with the United States Navy’s VFA-31 strike fighter squadron. Tracing its lineage back to the original VF-3 unit, the military outfit adopted the cartoon cat carrying a spherical bomb as an unofficial good-luck charm, painting the graphic on the fuselages of biplanes and modern supersonic jets alike.
Transitioning the standard MB aesthetic into the newer Altitude MB Meteor architecture signifies a structural evolution for the manufacturer. Earlier iterations of the Martin-Baker line relied heavily on brightly colored aluminum barrel inserts and a somewhat bulky 43mm footprint. Engineers refined the dimensions for the Meteor update, streamlining the profile while retaining the core protective technologies defining the collection. Reducing the case diameter to 42mm creates a highly wearable instrument on the wrist, addressing a common critique from collectors regarding the sheer mass of previous pilot watches. Integrating the Felix the Cat motif into a modernized tactical housing bridges the gap between austere military specifications and historical aviation pop culture. Pilots historically modified their issued gear with morale patches and squadron insignia, making the dial application of a cartoon character an authentic nod to military tradition.
Forging the initial relationship with Martin-Baker required years of rigorous research and development to meet the engineering firm's strict parameters. The resulting mechanical platform had to withstand the exact same testing schedule as the ejection seats themselves, a grueling process involving live firings, extreme temperature fluctuations, and aggressive salt fog environments. Producing a timepiece capable of surviving such kinetic trauma fundamentally altered the manufacturer's approach to case construction and movement suspension. The resulting framework became the defining technical achievement for the company, setting a standard for shock resistance highly respected within the horological industry. Incorporating these proven defensive systems into the streamlined Altitude profile ensures the collaborative feline edition remains a fully functional aviation instrument despite the playful branding.
Courtesy of Bremont
The Case and Dial
Constructed from Grade 2 titanium, the 42mm Trip-Tick case utilizes a proprietary three-part construction method. Utilizing Grade 2 titanium rather than the alloyed Grade 5 variant prioritizes absolute corrosion resistance and a lighter overall mass over the ability to achieve a high-polish finish. Given the tactical nature of the watch, the entire exterior is treated with a stealth black Diamond-Like Carbon coating. Applying DLC to Grade 2 titanium drastically increases the base metal's surface hardness and mitigates the alloy's natural susceptibility to surface scratches. Dimensions measure 49.3mm from lug to lug with a total thickness of 12.23mm, allowing the watch to sit relatively flat against the wrist despite the complex internal anti-shock mounting rings. Weighing only 53.29 grams for the watch head alone, the lightweight titanium directly counters the top-heavy nature common to internally shielded pilot watches. Flanking the right side of the case, twin knurled PVD titanium crowns at 2 and 4 o'clock provide access to time-setting and the internal bezel.
Operating the internal bi-directional bezel relies on a proprietary Roto-Click technology. Machined with a series of miniature ball bearings, the system provides distinct, tactile feedback for every minute increment turned via the lower crown. Securing the bezel beneath the glass box anti-reflective sapphire crystal prevents accidental rotation caused by external impacts against cockpit instrumentation or dive gear. The black inner flange features a bright yellow minute track, alternating with white luminescent hash marks at the five-minute intervals. A red triangular zero-marker anchors the 12 o'clock position, enabling the wearer to calculate elapsed time during flight operations or daily tasks. Encasing the central barrel section, the PVD titanium flank features a deep, diamond-pattern knurling mirroring the grip texture applied to the dual crowns.
Examining the dial reveals a vertically brushed black surface preventing harsh glare under direct sunlight. Applied Arabic numerals and baton indices map the hours, heavily filled with white Super-LumiNova emitting a blue glow in low-light environments. Gloss black hour and minute hands follow a modified sword profile, also treated with the matching blue-emitting luminescent compound. At the 6 o'clock position, the traditional numeral is entirely replaced by an applied, luminescent figure of Felix the Cat in stride, physically carrying a detached number six in his hands. Referencing the aviation phrase regarding checking blind spots, the integration sits below the central pinion, balanced by the compass logo and wordmark printed below the 12 o'clock marker.
Sweeping across the dark display, the central seconds hand acts as a major focal point for the overall design. Coated entirely in black, the indicating end terminates in a stark red lollipop tip, granting quick visual confirmation of the running status. The counterweight is formed into a yellow and black striped loop, modeled directly after the primary firing handle of a Martin-Baker ejection seat. Reading the date is handled via a symmetrically positioned window at 3 o'clock, framed by a stepped border and utilizing a color-matched black date wheel with white typography. Every visual element on the dial prioritizes high contrast, ensuring immediate legibility at a glance under varying lighting conditions.
Courtesy of Bremont
The Movement
Powering the time and date functions is the automatic caliber BB14-AH, operating at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour. Sourced from the Swiss movement manufacturer La Joux-Perret, the 24-jewel mechanism represents a significant mechanical upgrade compared to earlier base calibers utilized by the brand. The mainspring barrel stores a substantial 68-hour power reserve, allowing the owner to leave the watch stationary for nearly three days without requiring a manual reset. Incorporating a customized La Joux-Perret architecture provides a reliable tractor movement capable of maintaining chronometric precision during active wear. Upgrading the power reserve specifically addresses modern collector expectations for weekend-proof autonomy.
Protecting the mechanical escapement from external forces dictates the internal engineering of the entire case structure. Surrounding the BB14-AH is a flexible rubber mounting ring designed to absorb and dampen kinetic energy before it can disrupt the balance wheel's oscillation. Floating the movement within the external titanium housing allows the watch to successfully pass live ejection seat testing parameters. Aviation environments present a multitude of electronic instruments generating strong magnetic interference. To combat potential magnetization, a soft-iron inner Faraday ring envelops the caliber entirely. Acting as a conductive shield, the iron core routes harmful magnetic fields around the movement rather than allowing them to alter the delicate hairspring.
Viewing the mechanical architecture is achieved through an exhibition caseback, a feature generally omitted from highly anti-magnetic tool watches. Engineers utilized a DLC-coated titanium caseback fitted with a sapphire crystal, maintaining the 100-meter water resistance rating. Printed directly onto the underside of the display crystal is a portrait of Felix the Cat, framed by the collection's branding. Beneath the character's visage, the BB14-AH displays a dark gunmetal grey finish across the mainplates and the skeletonized winding rotor. Heavy Geneva striping decorates the rotating mass, providing traditional horological finishing to a strictly utilitarian military specification.
Courtesy of Bremont
The Strap
Securing the watch to the wrist relies on a specialized quick-release system integrated directly into the 22mm lug span. Buyers have the option of selecting a full titanium bracelet, finished in the exact same matte black DLC coating as the primary case structure. The metallic bracelet features a distinct taper down to the folding clasp, reducing overall bulk while maximizing the lightweight properties inherent to the titanium alloy.
Alternatively, the watch can be configured with a textured black strap constructed from a blend of rubber and embossed leather. Detailed with contrasting box-stitching, the flexible strap conforms quickly to the wrist and reduces the total weight profile even further. Both attachment options emphasize security and comfort during prolonged wear, aligning with the rigorous demands of aviation professionals.
Courtesy of Bremont
Pricing and Availability
Production for the Altitude MB Meteor 'Felix the Cat' is strictly capped at a limited run of 500 pieces worldwide. Delivering a highly capable titanium tool watch with a customized movement and bespoke case architecture dictates the pricing model. Configured on the matching DLC titanium bracelet, the retail price is set at $6,850.00.
Distribution operates through official boutiques and the authorized retail network. The limited production volume targets dedicated collectors of the Martin-Baker series alongside military aviation enthusiasts drawn to the historical significance of the squadron mascot. Providing a substantive mechanical upgrade in a streamlined titanium format positions the release as a highly competitive option within the modern pilot watch segment.
Courtesy of Bremont
Technical Specifications
Case: 42mm diameter, 49.3mm lug-to-lug, 12.23mm thick. Grade 2 titanium, black DLC finish, Trip-Tick construction, knurled black PVD barrel.
Movement: Caliber BB14-AH, automatic, 24 jewels, 28,800 bph (4Hz), 68-hour power reserve.
Dial: Vertically brushed black, applied numerals and indices with white Super-LumiNova (blue emission), applied Felix the Cat motif at 6 o'clock.
Strap: 22mm lug width. Quick-release matte black DLC titanium bracelet or textured black rubber/leather strap.
Price: $6,850.00 (on titanium bracelet).
Reference Number: ALT42-MT-DLC-FELIX-B (Bracelet), ALT42-MT-DLC-FELIX-L-S (Strap).
Notes: Limited to 500 pieces worldwide. Features inner soft iron anti-magnetic movement ring and protective anti-shock movement mount.