British watchmaking has carved out a distinct identity for itself, one often characterized by a blend of rugged capability and refined design. Bremont, since its founding in 2002, has been a significant force in shaping this modern narrative. The brand has consistently focused on creating highly capable tool watches, inspired by aviation, exploration, and military history. Their latest release, the
Bremont Terra Nova Jumping Hour Steel, builds upon this foundation while venturing into the mechanically intriguing world of rare complications, presenting a timepiece that is as much a design statement as it is a feat of horological engineering. This new model follows a highly successful, sold-out limited edition in bronze, signaling the brand's confidence in a design that is both unconventional and deeply compelling.
The new Terra Nova Jumping Hour is not an isolated creation but the evolution of an award-winning concept. Its predecessor, crafted from cupro-aluminium bronze, captured significant attention, even securing the "Trend Watch of the Year 2025" award from WatchPro UK. The rapid sell-out of that limited run demonstrated a clear appetite among collectors for watches that offer more than just traditional time-telling. Bremont's decision to reintroduce the model in 904L stainless steel and as a non-limited production piece is a direct response to that demand. It takes the acclaimed design and mechanical novelty of the original and presents it in a more durable, versatile, and accessible format, solidifying its place as a core offering within the brand's adventurous Terra Nova collection.
Courtesy of Bremont
At the very heart of this watch's appeal is its "montre à guichet" display, a French term meaning "watch with a window." This style of time-telling forgoes traditional hands in favor of rotating discs viewed through small apertures. The star of the show is the jumping hour complication, a mechanically sophisticated feature where the hour display, located here at the 12 o'clock position, clicks over to the next numeral instantaneously at the top of the hour. This isn't a slow, creeping change but a crisp, decisive action that takes place in less than a tenth of a second. This complication requires a movement with significant torque to power the sudden jump without affecting the watch's overall timekeeping accuracy, making it a true mark of advanced watchmaking.
The inspiration for the Terra Nova’s distinctive form factor is drawn from the "trench watches" of the early 20th century. These were among the first timepieces designed to be worn on the wrist, created out of a practical need for soldiers to tell time without fumbling for a pocket watch. Bremont has skillfully reinterpreted this historical archetype, translating its utilitarian geometry into a sophisticated 38mm cushion-shaped case. The design avoids overt vintage pastiche, instead capturing the spirit of those early tool watches through its functional form, shortened lugs, and low profile, ensuring it wears comfortably on the wrist throughout the day. It is a tribute to the past that feels resolutely contemporary.
For this new iteration, Bremont selected 904L stainless steel, a material choice that speaks volumes about their commitment to quality and durability. While most watchmakers use 316L steel, 904L offers superior resistance to corrosion and pitting, particularly from saltwater and other harsh elements. It is also harder and holds a polish with a unique luster. The case construction is a two-piece design, showcasing a masterful interplay of finishes. The main surface of the dial and case has a fine vertical brushing that diffuses light softly, creating a matte, tool-like appearance. This is contrasted sharply by a polished bezel and polished accents along the case flanks, which catch the light and add a touch of refinement to the otherwise rugged design.
Courtesy of Bremont
The physical dimensions of the Terra Nova Jumping Hour case have been carefully considered to maximize wearability. A diameter of 38mm hits a sweet spot that appeals to a broad range of wrist sizes, offering presence without being overbearing. The case length, or lug-to-lug measurement, is a compact 44mm, which, combined with the shortened lugs, allows the watch to sit securely and comfortably on the wrist. With a thickness of just 9.1mm, it maintains a sleek profile that can easily slip under a cuff. The 20mm lug width is a standard size, offering versatility for those who might wish to experiment with different straps. A simple push-in crown controls the functions, and the solid case back is decorated with an intricate engraving of a globe, reinforcing the "Terra Nova" (New Earth) exploration theme.
Instead of a traditional dial, the watch features a solid, brushed metal surface that serves as a backdrop for the three distinct apertures. This closed-case design creates a minimalist and architectural aesthetic, focusing the wearer's attention entirely on the information being displayed. At the top, a trapezoidal window at 12 o'clock frames the jumping hour. Directly below, a larger, centrally located circular window houses the running seconds. Completing the display is a third window at 6 o'clock for the minutes, which advance on a continuously moving disc. The typography used for the brown numerals on the hour and minute discs is clean and legible, ensuring information can be read at a quick glance.
A standout visual element is the seconds display. Rather than a simple hand, Bremont has designed a hand that resembles a compass rose, with four distinct points and a slender pointer. This detail is a direct nod to the brand's deep-rooted connection to exploration and navigation. As it sweeps around its central aperture, it evokes the feeling of a classic navigational instrument, adding a layer of narrative and character to the watch's function. The text on the dial is kept minimal and balanced, with the Bremont logo at the top, followed by "TERRA NOVA," "JUMPING HOUR - AUTOMATIC," and "LONDON" at the bottom, all rendered in a crisp, modern font. Protecting these unique displays are three individual sapphire crystals, one for each window, ensuring exceptional scratch resistance.
Courtesy of Bremont
Powering this complex display is the exclusive Calibre BC634AH, a movement developed by Bremont in partnership with the renowned manufacturer Sellita. This automatic calibre is built for reliability and precision. It features 29 jewels to reduce friction on moving parts and incorporates high-grade components like a Glucydur balance wheel, an Anachron balance spring, and a Nivaflex mainspring. These materials are chosen for their stability across temperature variations and their anti-magnetic properties, all of which contribute to consistent and accurate timekeeping. The movement operates at a modern frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and provides a healthy power reserve of 56 hours, meaning it can be taken off for a weekend and will still be running on Monday morning.
The true innovation within the BC634AH movement is the high-torque mechanism required for the jumping hour complication. Storing and releasing the energy needed for the instantaneous hour change without disrupting the steady beat of the balance wheel is a significant mechanical challenge. Bremont and Sellita’s solution ensures the jump is sharp and precise every single time, a satisfying mechanical event that occurs 24 times a day. This specialized calibre elevates the Terra Nova from a simple time-teller to a piece of horological art, showcasing Bremont's growing capabilities in creating unique and intriguing movements for their watches.
To underscore the dual personality of the Terra Nova Jumping Hour—part precision instrument, part style object—Bremont collaborated with two British visionaries. Kouadio Amany, a modern master of tailoring on Savile Row, represents the watch's bold and creative spirit. His work blends heritage techniques with a progressive edge, mirroring how the watch reinterprets a historical concept for a contemporary audience. On the other side is Michelin Star Chef Tomos, known for his mastery of open-fire cooking. He represents the precision and discipline inherent in the watch, where instinct is balanced with exacting technique and a relentless pursuit of refinement. These partnerships effectively frame the watch as a symbol of modern British craftsmanship.
Bremont's CEO, Davide Cerrato, has expressed great confidence in the Terra Nova platform. He noted the "phenomenal" response to the initial bronze release, confirming that Bremont's clients are eager for both interesting complications and bold design. He articulates an ambition for the Terra Nova Jumping Hour to become a future icon for the brand, standing alongside established pillars like the Altitude MB series. His comments highlight the strategic importance of this model, positioning it not just as a new product, but as a key piece in the brand's evolving identity, one that successfully merges robust tool-watch credentials with a strong, stylistic point of view.
Courtesy of Bremont
The watch is offered with two distinct attachment options, each giving it a different character. The first is a full 904L stainless steel bracelet. Its links are finished with the same combination of brushing and polishing found on the case, creating a seamless, integrated look. It secures with a butterfly clasp, providing a clean and comfortable fit. For a slightly softer, more casual feel, the watch is also available on a handsome brown nubuck leather strap. The strap features a distinctive cream-colored box stitch near the lugs, adding a touch of artisanal detail. Both the bracelet and the strap are equipped with a quick-release system, allowing the owner to easily swap between them without the need for tools.
The water resistance of the Terra Nova Jumping Hour is rated at 3 ATM, or 30 meters. This level of resistance means the watch is protected against splashes and rain, making it suitable for everyday wear in an urban environment. However, it is not designed for swimming or diving. This specification aligns with the watch's identity as a modern field watch inspired by land-based exploration rather than a dedicated aquatic timepiece. It is a practical and robust companion for daily adventures on solid ground.
The Terra Nova Jumping Hour Steel occupies a unique space in the market. It is a tool watch by heritage and construction, yet its primary complication is one of aesthetic and mechanical fascination rather than pure utility. This makes it an ideal choice for the watch enthusiast who appreciates innovative design and unconventional mechanics. It's for the individual who understands the history of the trench watch but desires a modern interpretation, and who is drawn to the quiet complexity of a jumping hour display. It’s a piece that can be worn daily, sparking curiosity and conversation with its unusual way of telling time.
In its philosophy, Bremont is guided by the mantra ‘Take It Further.’ The company was founded with a determination to create the world’s most capable tool watches, designed to perform in any environment from the depths of the ocean to the peaks of high mountains. This ethos is evident in their use of high-quality materials and meticulous engineering techniques. The opening of ‘The Wing’ in 2021, Bremont's state-of-the-art 35,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in the Chiltern valley, marked a significant step in bringing more of its watchmaking process in-house, solidifying its commitment to reinvigorating the craft in Great Britain.
Courtesy of Bremont
This commitment to British engineering and adventurous spirit is infused into the Terra Nova. While its design may seem minimalist at first glance, a closer look reveals layers of detail and purpose. The compass-themed seconds hand, the choice of 904L steel, and the robust construction all point to a watch that is built to last. It is a contemporary tribute to the past, blending vintage charm with horological innovation in a way that feels fresh and relevant for today’s discerning watch collector.
The Bremont Terra Nova Jumping Hour Steel is now available for purchase as a permanent part of the brand's collection. The version on the quick-release brown leather strap with a steel pin buckle is priced at £4,200.00. For those preferring a fully integrated metal look, the model equipped with the 904L stainless steel quick-release bracelet and butterfly clasp is priced at £4,450.00. By making this compelling design a core offering, Bremont has ensured that a new generation of enthusiasts can experience one of its most innovative and celebrated modern creations.
Case: Satin and polished two-piece 904L stainless steel case. 38mm diameter, 44mm length, 9.1mm depth, 20mm lug width. Decorated stainless steel case back. Water resistance 3 ATM (30 metres).
Movement: Automatic BC634AH movement. 29 Jewels, 56-hour power reserve, 28,800 bph (4Hz). Features Glucydur balance wheel, Anachron balance spring, and Nivaflex mainspring.
Dial: Closed-case design with three windows for hour, minute, and seconds. Brown printed numerals on hour and minute discs. Compass-style central running seconds hand. Three individual sapphire crystals over the apertures.
Strap: Available with a 904L stainless steel quick-release bracelet with butterfly clasp or a quick-release brown leather strap with cream box stitch and a steel pin buckle.
Price: £4,200.00 (Leather Strap), £4,450.00 (Steel Bracelet).
Notes: Features a "montre à guichet" display with a jumping hour complication that changes the hour in under a tenth of a second. This non-limited steel model follows a sold-out, award-winning bronze limited edition.