IN DEPTH - Bremont Mustang P-51 Watch Review

Strictly limited to only 251 pieces worldwide, this watch is bound to become a iconic timepiece and offers a wise investment for discerning watch collectors everywhere. Prior to the P-51's being finished, I was fortunate enough to view and photograph a faultless P-51 prototype and what follows is a review.

On first glance, it’s clear the P-51 is a Bremont Chronometer. It carries the same 43mm diameter case size constructed in three parts (Bremont’s trademark Trip-Trick® case design), which is seen on all of their watches. However, the design and subtle functions of the watch are what separates it from the rest of the Bremont watch family.

Firstly, the design of the dial is clearly influenced by the instrument clocks of the actual aircraft. A beautiful cream hue for markers and hands looks charming and mimics aged dials of the aircraft - Given this has been reproduced using Super Lumi-Nova is impressive and the English Brothers spent six months perfecting the colour to match the aircraft, whilst allowing maximum visibility when worn in the dark. The watch tells the time in hours and minutes (C.O.S.C tested for accuracy) with a fine rotating propellor for seconds appears at 9H. Along with the date, the watch also displays a second time zone indicated by a black and grey inner 24 hour UCT hand. Both time zones and date can be easily adjusted by pulling out the main crown from 3H.

The P-51 also acts as a chronograph, allowing the wearer to measure up to 30 minutes. On activating the pushers, the large striped hand moves (another influence taken from the tail fin of the plane) and the minutes can be seen on the ‘Time of Trip’ disc positioned at 12H. This disc represents the first piece of material taken from the actual aircraft to be installed in the watch. In addition to the time, the watch also features a rotating bezel (crown is positioned at 8H). This utilises the Bremont Roto-Click® technology which is very satisfying to use, giving a subtle ‘click-click’ motion in any direction you move it. As a nice design reference, the crown features the star graphic which is famously linked with all WWII Mustang aircraft.

Turn the watch over, and the indulgence in design is showcased - a hand crafted rotor spins effortlessly round and round, mimicking the aircraft propellor when the watch is worn. This rotor, which is the second piece of metal taken directly from the aircraft, keeps the automatic BE-54AE movement fully wound. When not worn the watch has a full power reserve of 42 hours. Despite all of this detail, the watch is still water resistant to 10 ATM (100 metres). There are many other tiny features of the watch, such as the applied indexes, thick vintage styled strap through to the knurled crowns which really indicated the passion and attention to detail Nick and Giles English have placed on producing this special watch.

To finish, the P-51 comes in a beautiful military green wallet, complete with a watch manual. The manual includes information on the history of the aircraft and reproduced pilots notes from 1944 completes the set. To purchase this fantastic timepiece, visit the Mustang P-51 watch page at TIME².

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All photographs are ©2011 Piers Berry.