Watchmaking was once a far more commonplace practice in Britain than it is today. In modern times, a mention of luxury watches will most likely trigger a natural association with Switzerland, yet in bygone years it was Britain that served as the horological hub of the globe. Having lost a substantial presence in the last half century or so, British watchmaking is now on a steady upward trend once again; largely through the efforts of the British School of Watchmaking. However, few events could have proved more significant to the future of British watchmaking than the rise of Bremont, and this new authority in elite watchmaking could well instigate a new revolution in British horology.
Luxury horological brand Bremont has received no shortage of ac
claim as of late, and the twin founders of this successful company, Nick and Giles English, have now extended their support to British watchmaking as a whole. It has long been an ambition of the English brothers to see the art of watchmaking practised in Britain on a more widespread scale, and to this end they are providing the British School of Watchmaking with a substantial degree of financial assistance. Not content with mere monetary aid though, Bremont is also opening the doors of the company workshop in Henley-on-Thames to enable students on work placement to benefit from their expertise.
The British School of Watchmaking was founded in 2004, and has since attracted significant assistance in the form of Rolex, Patek Philippe and Watches of Switzerland. However, securing the patronage of Bremont is perhaps an even more notable milestone for the School. Bremont is a young brand, only founded in 2002, but their status as a British manufacturer, coupled with their proven expertise in such a short time, makes them a natural partner for the British School of Watchmaking. All Bremont watches conform to the very highest of specifications, so their influence is undoubtedly going to help the British School of Watchmaking exponentially.
Bremont have made it no secret that their ambition is to bring watchmaking back to British shores on 
a larger scale, and it will be very interesting to observe how this intention unfolds. Tentative arrangements for students at the British School of Watchmaking to gain access to Bremont run ‘training courses’ have already been proposed, and this minute level of involvement could well transform the global watchmaking landscape in years to come. Bremont’s involvement with the School has already been confirmed as a long term investment, so one can only imagine the expansion that the coming years might bring.
Here at Banks Lyon, we are predominantly known for the quality of our Swiss luxury watch brand names. However, Bremont chronometers have become an integral part of our collection in more recent years, and some of these pieces, especially those in our selection of Bremont limited edition watches, are among the most prestigious timepieces that we have in stock. For example, our limited edition Bremont HMS Victory – 18ct Rose Gold watch is numbered amid the most sought after timepieces in the world at this particular moment, and the level of excitement surrounding such watches makes us eagerly await Bremont’s new releases over the coming year. Furthermore, the British watchmaking scene could well be set for somewhat of a revival as a whole, so we anticipate all future developments with great interest.