BREMONT TERRA NOVA CHRONOGRAPH HANDS-ON REVIEW
Bremont has earned its place as one of Britain’s most respected watchmakers by staying true to its roots—building timepieces that blend heritage with modern engineering. The Bremont Terra Nova 42.5 Chronograph is no exception. It’s a watch that feels at home on the wrist of an explorer, adventurer, or anyone who appreciates finely crafted tools with a purpose. With a design that balances vintage military and aviation influences, a robust stainless steel case, and a mechanical chronograph movement modified in-house, the Terra Nova embodies the kind of understated durability that has long been associated with British-made gear.
After spending time with Bremont’s Supermarine a few months back, I was already familiar with the brand’s commitment to rugged, adventure-ready timepieces. That experience made the Terra Nova an easy pick for a hands-on review, especially considering how well it captures the classic British spirit. It’s a watch that pairs naturally with a well-worn leather jacket, an old Land Rover Defender, or the kind of countryside roads where the journey is just as important as the destination. But beyond aesthetics, this is a chronograph built to be used, with solid engineering, practical design, and an everyday versatility that makes it just as fitting for casual wear as it is for more demanding conditions.
The first thing that stands out about the Terra Nova is its construction. The 42.5mm stainless steel case is a two-piece design with a mix of brushed and polished finishes that give it both refinement and toughness. At 14.8mm thick, it has presence without feeling oversized, and the 48.8mm lug-to-lug length keeps it wearable on a variety of wrist sizes. The lugs curve nicely to hug the wrist, contributing to an overall comfortable fit despite its substantial build. Water resistance is rated to 100 meters, which, while not dive-watch level, is more than enough for an active lifestyle. Whether you’re caught in the rain, crossing a river, or simply wearing it day to day, it’s built to handle whatever comes its way.
At the center of it all is the black anthracite dial, which immediately draws the eye with its excellent legibility and refined detailing. The numerals and indices are formed from three-dimensional blocks of vintage Super-LumiNova®, giving them a slightly raised effect while ensuring strong low-light performance. The hour and minute hands are polished rhodium, also lumed for visibility, while the chronograph seconds hand is plated in rose gold, a subtle contrast that enhances readability. The dial layout is practical and balanced, with a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3, and a date window positioned unobtrusively at 6. There’s a certain old-world charm to the overall aesthetic—functional without feeling overly technical, vintage without trying too hard to be “retro.” It’s a design that feels just as appropriate for the cockpit of a Spitfire as it does for a quiet evening at a countryside pub.
Beneath the surface, the Terra Nova is powered by Bremont’s modified Calibre BE-50AV, a Swiss-based automatic chronograph movement that the brand has fine-tuned for reliability and performance. With a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and a power reserve of 56 hours, it offers smooth operation and enough running time to be left off the wrist for a couple of days without stopping. The movement incorporates a Glucydur balance wheel, an Anachron balance spring, and a Nivaflex mainspring—materials chosen for their resilience and precision. Chronograph operation is crisp and responsive, with a central sweep seconds hand and a 30-minute counter that makes timing events effortless. It’s the kind of mechanical movement you can rely on without second-guessing, whether you’re tracking elapsed time on an expedition or simply timing your morning coffee.
A watch like this needs a crystal that can take some wear and tear, and Bremont has equipped it with a domed sapphire that is both scratch-resistant and treated with an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. This ensures excellent visibility in all lighting conditions, from bright outdoor settings to dimly lit interiors. The case back is solid stainless steel with a decorative engraving, adding to the watch’s robust nature. While an exhibition case back would have been interesting, there’s something fitting about a tool watch like this keeping its inner workings hidden, emphasizing function over unnecessary embellishment.
The Terra Nova ships on a brown leather strap that complements its vintage-inspired design beautifully. The leather is thick, well-crafted, and comfortable right out of the box, requiring little break-in time. The 22mm lug width makes it easy to swap for other straps, and this is the kind of watch that works well with multiple options—an aged canvas strap would enhance its rugged appeal, while a rubber strap would make it more adventure-ready. That adaptability is part of the Terra Nova’s charm; it doesn’t feel limited to one specific setting, making it a true all-rounder.
For those who appreciate technical details, here’s a full breakdown of the Terra Nova’s specs:
Specification | Details |
Movement | Modified Calibre BE-50AV, 27 Jewels |
Frequency | 28,800bph (4Hz) |
Power Reserve | 56 hours |
Functions | Central Hour/Minute, Chronograph Centre Seconds, 30-Min Counter at 3, Small Seconds at 9, Date at 6 |
Case Material | Satin and polished stainless steel |
Bezel | Bi-directional steel bezel with ceramic insert |
Case Dimensions | 42.5mm Diameter, 48.8mm Lug-to-Lug, 14.8mm Thickness |
Lug Width | 22mm |
Crystal | Domed anti-reflective sapphire |
Dial & Hands | Black anthracite dial, 3D Super-LumiNova® numerals, Rhodium hands with Super-LumiNova®, Rose gold chrono hand |
Case Back | Decorated stainless steel case back |
Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) |
Strap | Brown leather strap |
Weight | 106g (watch head only) |
The more time I spend with the Terra Nova, the more I appreciate its versatility. This isn’t a watch that tries to be flashy or follow trends—it’s a well-executed chronograph that blends classic styling with modern engineering in a way that feels effortless. There’s a timeless quality to it, the kind of watch that would have looked just as good 50 years ago as it does today, and will likely still hold up decades from now. It’s rugged enough to take on outdoor adventures, refined enough to wear in everyday settings, and comfortable enough to be an easy all-day companion.
For anyone drawn to classic British design, the Terra Nova is a compelling choice. It embodies the same qualities that make old Land Rovers, Barbour jackets, and leather-bound field journals so enduring—practicality, durability, and a sense of heritage that goes beyond mere aesthetics. It’s the kind of watch you can throw on without thinking, knowing it’ll handle whatever comes next, whether that’s an afternoon in the countryside or a long-haul flight to somewhere unknown. With its solid build, reliable movement, and understated charm, the Bremont Terra Nova is a reminder of what makes British watchmaking special. It’s not about excess or embellishment; it’s about creating something built to last, designed with purpose, and ready for whatever lies ahead. Even famed mountain athlete Jimmy Chin thinks so.
Learn more about the Bremont Terra Nova below, and be sure to check out the Supermarine review here. Thanks for stopping by.
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