Bremont Supermarine 300M Henley Royal Regatta

In the sphere of contemporary watchmaking, the intersection of precision engineering and storied cultural heritage often gives rise to truly special creations. Bremont, a brand deeply rooted in the revival of British horology, has once again demonstrated this principle with the release of a new limited edition timepiece. The Bremont Supermarine 300M Henley Royal Regatta is a carefully considered watch that does more than just tell time; it commemorates a long-standing partnership with one of the United Kingdom's most iconic sporting events. Limited to an exclusive run of just 50 pieces, this model offers a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire a piece of a legacy that celebrates both athletic endurance and mechanical prowess.



Founded in 2002 by brothers Nick and Giles English, Bremont was born from a passion for both aviation and horology. The company embarked on an ambitious journey to re-establish a significant watchmaking presence within Great Britain, a nation with a rich and deep history in the craft. Their focus from the outset has been on creating exceptionally engineered and over-engineered mechanical chronometers. This dedication is not merely a marketing slogan but a core tenet of their design and manufacturing process, ensuring that every timepiece is built to withstand extreme conditions, a philosophy they aptly summarize as being "Tested Beyond Endurance."



Central to Bremont's identity is the concept of the "tool watch." This is a term that defines a watch built for a specific, demanding purpose, where reliability and legibility are paramount. Their collections are designed around the principles of Air, Land, and Sea, creating purposeful instruments for professionals who rely on them in the most challenging environments. Whether for military personnel, seasoned explorers, or adventurers pushing the boundaries of human endeavor, a Bremont watch is engineered to perform without compromise. This ethos is encapsulated in their mantra, "Take It Further," which inspires the creation of products that are as practical in their execution as they are robust in their construction.



A pivotal moment in the company's history was the opening of "The Wing" in 2021. This state-of-the-art 35,000-square-foot facility, located in the picturesque Chiltern valley in Henley-on-Thames, serves as Bremont’s manufacturing and technology center. This move solidified the brand's commitment to British-based production, bringing the meticulous process of crafting their watches home. The physical proximity of The Wing to the site of the Henley Royal Regatta is a fitting geographical parallel to the philosophical alignment the two organizations share, creating a tangible link between the watchmaker and the event it celebrates.



To fully appreciate the watch, one must understand its namesake. The Henley Royal Regatta is not just another rowing competition; it is a cornerstone of the British summer season and a key fixture on the international rowing calendar. Held annually since 1839 on a famous stretch of the River Thames, it is renowned for its unique blend of fierce competition, historical tradition, and a distinct social atmosphere. With over 400 races unfolding over six days, the event showcases the world's finest rowers, from Olympic champions to the next generation of emerging talent, all competing in thrilling head-to-head match races.



The collaboration between Bremont and the Henley Royal Regatta, now in its ninth consecutive year with Bremont as the Official Timing Partner, is built on a foundation of deeply shared values. Both institutions champion precision, whether it's the split-second timing of a race or the intricate mechanics of a watch movement. They both honor heritage, drawing from long traditions of British excellence. And crucially, they both celebrate endurance—the perseverance of an athlete pushing towards the finish line and the resilience of a watch built to last a lifetime. This synergy makes the partnership feel authentic and deeply rooted.



What makes this particular Supermarine 300M so noteworthy is its availability. For years, the special timepieces created by Bremont to mark the regatta were exclusively reserved for a select few: the winners, competitors, and official members associated with the event. This 50-piece limited edition marks the very first time that a Bremont Henley Royal Regatta watch has been offered for purchase by the general public. This shift opens the door for collectors and enthusiasts of the sport to own a piece that was previously unobtainable, adding a layer of desirability and historical significance to the release.



The first visual encounter with the watch reveals a face of striking clarity and purpose. The dial is presented in a crisp, matt white, a choice that provides a clean and highly legible backdrop for the time-telling elements. This bright surface immediately evokes the fresh, sporting character of a summer regatta, moving away from the more conventional black or dark blue dials often found on dive watches. It serves as a perfect canvas, allowing the other design details to stand out with prominence and definition, ensuring information can be read with just a quick glance.



Adding a bold stroke of character to the design is the vibrant blue of the bi-directional bezel. This specific shade of blue, rendered on an anodised aluminium insert, is a direct tribute to the official colors of the Henley Royal Regatta. When set against the stark white of the dial, it creates a powerful and dynamic visual contrast that is both handsome and purposeful. This color combination defines the watch's identity, tying it unmistakably to the riverside glamour and competitive spirit of the prestigious event it honors.



Delving deeper into the dial's features, one notices the careful attention to detail in its architecture. The hour markers are not merely printed but are applied indexes, giving the dial a sense of depth and dimensionality. These markers, along with the polished nickel-plated hour, minute, and second hands, are meticulously crafted and finished. This level of refinement ensures that while the watch is a capable sports instrument, it also possesses a sophisticated quality suitable for occasions both on and off the water.



In any watch designed for performance, legibility in varying light conditions is a critical factor. The Supermarine 300M Henley Royal Regatta addresses this with the generous application of the latest generation of white Super-LumiNova®. This advanced luminous compound is applied to the hands and the applied indexes, emitting a strong and lasting blue glow in low-light environments. This ensures that whether the wearer is in the dim light of dusk or checking the time underwater, the display remains exceptionally clear and readable.



The most direct and symbolic link to the partnership is proudly displayed at the 6 o’clock position on the dial. Here, the official crest of the Henley Royal Regatta is rendered, serving as a constant reminder of the watch's special commission. This emblem is balanced by the Bremont Wayfinder logo positioned in the upper half of the dial, creating a harmonious and well-proportioned layout. These logos are printed in a subtle slate color, which complements the white and blue palette without overwhelming the design.



The foundation of the watch is its robust 40mm case, which is crafted from high-grade 904L stainless steel. This material is a significant choice, prized in high-end watchmaking and specialized industries for its superior properties compared to the more commonly used 316L steel. Its higher chromium and nickel content provides exceptional resistance to corrosion, particularly from saltwater, and its hardness allows it to take and hold a brilliant, lustrous polish, ensuring the watch maintains its finish over years of wear.



With a diameter of 40mm, a case length of 49mm from lug to lug, and a case depth of just 12mm, the watch strikes an ideal balance between presence and comfort. These proportions create a slim and refined profile that sits comfortably on the wrist, making it highly wearable for a wide range of individuals and suitable for various settings. The 20mm lug width is a standard size, offering versatility for those who might wish to experiment with different strap options beyond the included bracelet.



Engineered as a true performance instrument, the case incorporates several features to guarantee its durability and water resistance. The uni-body construction provides a solid framework, while a domed, anti-reflective, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial. A screw-in crown ensures a tight seal against moisture and dust. These elements work in concert to achieve a substantial water resistance rating of 30 ATM, equivalent to 300 meters, making the watch more than capable of handling serious aquatic activities.



Flipping the watch over reveals a solid stainless steel screw-down case back. Rather than a transparent exhibition window, Bremont has opted for a decorated closed back that reinforces the watch's tool-watch character. The back is engraved with a beautifully detailed map of the world's oceans. This artistic flourish is a signature of the wider Supermarine collection, reinforcing the practical, expedition-ready spirit of the range and connecting this special edition to Bremont's broader narrative of sea-based adventure.



At the heart of the Supermarine 300M Henley Royal Regatta beats the BB63-AH Automatic Movement. This self-winding mechanical calibre is the engine that powers the timepiece, providing reliable and accurate timekeeping. As an automatic movement, it harnesses the natural motion of the wearer's wrist to wind the mainspring, eliminating the need for daily manual winding and ensuring it is always ready for action.



The movement's technical specifications speak to its quality and robust design. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour (4Hz), which allows for a smooth, sweeping motion of the seconds hand. Built with 25 jewels to reduce friction on critical components, it features a Glucydur balance wheel, an Anachron balance spring, and a Nivaflex mainspring—all high-quality components chosen for their stability and resistance to environmental factors like temperature changes and magnetism. The result is a healthy 56-hour power reserve, offering convenience and reliability.



Comfort and convenience extend to the watch's bracelet, which is also crafted from resilient 904L stainless steel to perfectly match the case. Bremont has equipped the bracelet with two exceptionally user-friendly features. The first is a quick-release system, which allows the owner to easily remove the bracelet and swap it for a different strap without the need for any special tools. The second is a micro-adjustment mechanism built into the clasp, enabling fine-tuning of the fit for optimal comfort throughout the day, accommodating for slight changes in wrist size.



The vision behind this timepiece is eloquently captured by the leaders of the two partner organizations. Davide Cerrato, CEO of Bremont, states, "This watch is a tribute to the shared values of precision, heritage, and endurance that define both Bremont and Henley Royal Regatta. It’s a distinctive piece that honours tradition while embracing contemporary British watchmaking." Echoing this sentiment, Richard Phelps, Chair of the Henley Royal Regatta, remarks, "Bremont’s dedication to British watchmaking and its ethos of being tested beyond endurance make them a fitting partner... This limited edition timepiece reflects the enduring spirit of the Regatta."



As a highly collectible model, the Bremont Supermarine 300M Henley Royal Regatta is defined by its scarcity. With production strictly limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, it represents a rare opportunity for acquisition. This exclusivity, combined with its unique design story and its status as the first publicly available Henley watch from the brand, ensures its special place in the world of horology. The timepiece is priced at £3,500.00, reflecting its premium materials, robust engineering, and the significant partnership it represents.



Case: 904L stainless steel uni-body construction; 40mm diameter, 49mm length, 12mm depth, 20mm lug width; Blue anodised aluminium uni-directional bezel; Screw-in crown and decorated screw-in case back; Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal; Water resistant to 30ATM, 300 metres.

Movement: BB63-AH Automatic Movement; 56-hour power reserve; 28,800BPH (4Hz); 25 Jewels, Glucydur balance wheel, Anachron balance spring, Nivaflex mainspring.

Dial: Matt white dial with applied indexes; Polished nickel-plated hour, minute and second hands; Hands and indexes filled with white Super-LumiNova® (Blue emission); Henley Royal Regatta logo at 6 o'clock.

Strap: 904L stainless steel bracelet; Features a quick release system and a micro-adjustment clasp.

Price: £3,500.00

Reference Number: sm40-nd-ss-wh-hrr-b

Notes: Limited edition of only 50 pieces. This is the first Bremont Henley Royal Regatta watch to be made available for public purchase, celebrating the brand's role as Official Timing Partner of the event.