Bremont Terra Nova Jumping Hour Aventurine

Bremont has chosen the global stage of Dubai Watch Week 2025 to unveil a significant expansion to their Terra Nova collection, introducing a piece that fundamentally alters the perception of what a field watch can be. The new Terra Nova Jumping Hour Aventurine represents a marked departure from the strictly utilitarian roots of the genre, pivoting instead toward a fusion of rugged architecture and decorative art. By incorporating a digital display of time via mechanical means and housing it within a highly textured, precious-feeling case, the British watchmaker is signaling a continued evolution under the guidance of CEO Davide Cerrato. This specific release is not merely a colorway update but a material overhaul that introduces high-concept horology to a platform originally designed for exploration and endurance.



The Terra Nova collection, since its inception, has been positioned as a contemporary reinterpretation of military pocket watches and early wristwatches used during the early 20th century. However, this limited edition model—restricted to just 50 pieces worldwide—takes that foundational geometry and dresses it in evening wear. The watch utilizes a cushion-shaped case profile that measures 40.5mm in diameter, a sweet spot for modern dimensions that allows for significant wrist presence without becoming cumbersome. The case length of 47mm ensures that the lugs curve naturally over the wrist, while the relatively slender depth of 10.15mm allows the watch to slide easily under a shirt cuff, a necessary trait for a timepiece that leans so heavily into the dress category.



The most immediately striking feature of this release is the case material and its finish, which differs radically from the standard brushed or polished surfaces found in the core collection. Bremont has opted for 904L stainless steel, a superalloy known for its superior resistance to corrosion and its ability to hold a higher polish than the standard 316L steel used by the vast majority of the industry. This choice of metal is significant as it speaks to a desire for longevity and distinct visual brilliance, but the brand has taken it a step further by applying a frosted finish. This technique involves creating thousands of microscopic indentations on the surface of the metal, resulting in a texture that looks granular and matte in low light but sparkles with diamond-like intensity when hit by direct illumination.



The application of this frosted finish on the 904L steel serves to soften the industrial lines of the cushion case, turning the metal into something that resembles a crystallized mineral rather than a machined component. It acts as a perfect frame for the dial, which is the undeniable centerpiece of this watch. The dial is crafted from blue Aventurine, a glass material that is notoriously difficult to work with due to its brittleness. Aventurine is created by suspending metallic crystals—often copper or cobalt—within the molten glass, which then cool to form glittering inclusions suspended in the deep blue matrix. When light strikes the dial, these inclusions reflect it back at varying angles, creating an effect that is universally likened to a starry night sky.



Manufacturing a dial from Aventurine requires precise diamond-tipped tools to cut and polish the material without shattering it. The wafer of glass must be incredibly thin to fit within the watch case, yet strong enough to withstand the assembly process. Bremont mounts the polished Aventurine disc onto a metal backing plate to ensure stability and shock resistance, a crucial step for a watch that still claims the "Terra Nova" title. The result is a dial that possesses genuine depth; it is not a flat painted surface but a three-dimensional window into a material that changes character depending on the viewing angle. The deep midnight blue tone provides a high-contrast background for the time-telling elements, ensuring that despite the decorative nature of the material, the watch remains legible.



The time display itself jettisons the traditional central hour hand in favor of a jumping hour complication, a mechanism that has fascinated collectors for nearly a century due to its digital-like precision in a mechanical format. In this layout, the hours are displayed on a rotating disc visible through an aperture, while the minutes are tracked on a separate scale. Bremont has positioned these indications in a unique cluster at the 9 o’clock position, creating an asymmetrical aesthetic that differentiates this watch from standard coaxial layouts. The hour window sits adjacent to a minute arc, requiring the wearer to read the time in a lateral flow that mimics the movement of the eye across a line of text.



The mechanics behind a jumping hour are complex, primarily because the movement must accumulate energy over the course of sixty minutes to fire the hour disc forward instantly at the top of the hour. This requires a high-torque mainspring and precise gearing to ensure the jump is clean, accurate, and synchronized with the minute hand. The Terra Nova Jumping Hour utilizes the BC634 calibre, a movement developed in partnership with Sellita. This automatic engine beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a healthy power reserve of 56 hours. The "jump" itself is executed in under one-tenth of a second, a blink-and-you-miss-it event that adds a dynamic, kinetic quality to the passage of time.



Visually, the display is framed by applied borders that add a sense of architectural depth to the aventurine surface. The hour digits are printed in white on a black disc, providing maximum contrast, while the minute track uses a pointer to indicate the current minute within the arc. The design encourages a different interaction with time; rather than glancing at the angle of two hands, the wearer focuses on the specific numeric value. To maintain the utility expected of a field watch, Bremont has ensured that these elements are not just for daylight viewing. The numerals and markers are treated with white Super-LumiNova that glows with a green emission, ensuring that the time can be read in low-light conditions.



While the hour and minute functions are relegated to the left side of the dial, the center of the watch is dominated by a long, slender seconds hand. This hand is fully coated in white Super-LumiNova, creating a sweeping ghost-like rotation against the glittering background of the aventurine. The presence of a central seconds hand is somewhat rare on jumping hour watches, which often omit it to conserve energy for the jump mechanism. Its inclusion here reinforces the chronometric precision of the movement and provides a constant visual confirmation that the watch is running. The counterweight and tip of the seconds hand extend to the very edge of the dial, brushing past the silver printed minute track that encircles the perimeter.



The case back of the Terra Nova Jumping Hour Aventurine is solid 904L stainless steel, decorated to match the overall theme of the watch. While some might prefer an exhibition back to see the movement, the solid back is consistent with the field watch ethos, offering better protection and magnetic resistance. It also allows for the watch to sit more comfortably against the skin, as the metal warms to body temperature. The use of a push-in crown, rather than a screw-down variant, makes winding and setting the watch more accessible, yet the engineering tolerances still allow for a water resistance rating of 10 ATM, or 100 meters. This confirms that despite its tuxedo-appropriate appearance, the watch is capable of handling swimming and surface water sports.



The choice of 904L steel is a specific point of interest for metallurgy enthusiasts. Often associated with one specific Swiss giant, this grade of steel contains higher levels of chromium, molybdenum, nickel, and copper than standard 316L. This composition makes it highly resistant to acids and chloride environments, such as seawater and sweat. The "frosted" finish applied to this harder steel is not a coating but a physical alteration of the surface metal, meaning it will not flake off over time. It creates a tactile experience that is distinct from the smooth, cold feel of standard polished steel, adding a level of grip and warmth to the touch.



Ergonomically, the watch is designed to hug the wrist. The lug width of 22mm is substantial for a 40.5mm case, providing a broad stance that stabilizes the watch head. The lugs themselves are short and curve downwards, mitigating the overhang that can occur with cushion cases. This design choice makes the watch wearable for a wide variety of wrist sizes, from slender to robust. The quick-release spring bars are a modern convenience that allows the owner to swap straps without tools, a feature that is increasingly demanded by collectors who like to change the look of their timepieces frequently.



The strap supplied with this limited edition is a blue gradient leather that perfectly complements the dial. The gradient effect—darker at the edges and lighter in the center—echoes the way light plays off the curved sapphire crystal and the aventurine dial. The leather is stitched with tone-on-tone thread, keeping the look formal and cohesive. While the watch is technically a field watch, the leather strap firmly places it in the category of "dress casual" or formal wear, though the 22mm lug width means one could easily swap it for a rubber tropic strap or a NATO for a more utilitarian look, creating a high-low mix that is very popular in current collecting circles.



The crystal protecting the dial is a flat sapphire with anti-reflective coating. The choice of a flat crystal rather than a domed one helps to minimize distortion when viewing the jumping hour aperture and the minute track. It also keeps the overall height of the watch down, contributing to that 10.15mm profile. The anti-reflective treatment is essential for an aventurine dial, as the glass itself is highly reflective; removing the glare from the sapphire ensures that the sparkle of the dial is the primary visual element, rather than reflections of the surrounding environment.



Davide Cerrato’s influence on the brand is evident in the typography and the graphic design of the dial. The fonts used for the hour and minute discs are modern, sans-serif, and highly legible, avoiding the trap of faux-vintage styling that often plagues heritage-inspired releases. The "Terra Nova" branding is subtle, balanced by the "London" designation at the bottom of the dial, reminding the wearer of the brand's British headquarters. The geometric interplay between the circular minute track, the arc of the minute window, and the square cushion case creates a visually stimulating object that feels architectural in nature.



The technical achievement of the BC634 movement should not be understated. Developing a jumping hour module that is reliable enough for daily wear and shock resistant enough for a 100m water-resistant case is a significant challenge. The "instantaneous" nature of the jump is a key differentiator; many jumping hour mechanisms have a "dragging" hour where the disc slowly moves into place over the course of several minutes. The snap of the BC634 is crisp and immediate, aligning perfectly with the top of the hour, which satisfies the obsessive desire for precision that drives many watch enthusiasts.



This release also speaks to the broader trend of "everyday opulence" in the watch market. Collectors are increasingly moving away from strictly categorized watches—divers for diving, dress watches for suits—and looking for pieces that can bridge the gap. The Terra Nova Jumping Hour Aventurine fits this niche perfectly. It is robust enough to not be babied, thanks to the 904L steel and 100m water resistance, but visually striking enough to wear to a black-tie event. The aventurine dial acts as a piece of jewelry, while the brushed and frosted case retains a masculine, tool-like undercurrent.



The rarity of the piece, being limited to 50 units, ensures that it will remain an exclusive item within the Bremont catalog. It is not a mass-market product but a targeted release for those who appreciate the intersection of material science and mechanical ingenuity. The use of diamond tools to cut the dial and the specific development of the movement with Sellita highlight the amount of effort required to bring a small-batch product like this to market. It is a statement piece that demonstrates the brand's ability to operate outside of its traditional aviation-themed comfort zone.



By combining the adventurous spirit of the Terra Nova line with the celestial beauty of aventurine and the mechanical intrigue of a jumping hour, Bremont has created a watch that is difficult to categorize but easy to admire. It is a study in contrasts: rough and smooth, dark and light, mechanical and artistic. The watch invites close inspection, rewarding the viewer with details that are not immediately apparent from a distance, such as the grain of the frosted steel or the depth of the mineral dial.



For those interested in acquiring this rare example of British design and Swiss engineering, the Terra Nova Jumping Hour Aventurine is priced at $10,300 USD. As a limited edition of only 50 pieces, availability is expected to be scarce. The watch was unveiled for pre-order in late 2025 with delivery scheduled for early 2026. Prospective buyers are encouraged to contact Bremont or authorized retailers immediately, as the combination of the unique jumping hour complication and the highly desirable aventurine dial is likely to result in a rapid sell-through of the allocated stock.



Case: Frosted 904L stainless steel cushion-shaped two-piece construction; 40.5mm diameter; 47mm lug-to-lug length; 10.15mm depth; 22mm lug width. Decorated 904L stainless steel solid case back. Push-in crown. Flat anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Water resistant to 10 ATM (100 meters).

Movement: Calibre BC634AH (developed with Sellita); automatic winding; 29 jewels; 28,800 bph (4Hz) frequency; 56-hour power reserve. Features Glucydur balance wheel, Anachron balance spring, and Nivaflex mainspring. High-torque instantaneous jumping hour display (under 0.1 seconds); offset hour and minute windows at 9 o'clock; central running seconds.

Dial: Blue Aventurine dial with applied window border; white Super-LumiNova® (Green emission) printed markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock; silver printed minute track. Hour window features white Super-LumiNova numerals; minute window features white printed numerals. Central seconds hand coated in full white Super-LumiNova.

Strap: Quick-release blue gradient leather strap.

Price: $10,300 USD

Reference Number: tn40-jh-fs-blav-l-s

Notes: Limited edition of 50 pieces worldwide; exclusively unveiled at Dubai Watch Week 2025. Marks the first use of a frosted 904L steel case and Aventurine dial within the Terra Nova collection.