# Bremont MBII – The Pilot’s Test‑Lab Companion
Bremont’s MBII is the brand’s most audacious salute to aviation, forged in partnership with Martin‑Baker – the world’s leading ejection‑seat manufacturer. The watch isn’t just styled to look the part; it’s been subjected to the same live‑ejection, crash‑worthiness and extreme‑temperature tests that a fighter jet crew would endure. The result is a 43 mm, hardened‑steel timepiece that looks at home on a cockpit console and, thanks to its robust construction, survives the daily grind just as well. Below we break down the MBII’s design, movement, wearability and value, so you can decide whether this $5,000‑class pilot’s watch truly earns its badge of honor.
## Design & Case
**Case dimensions & materials** – The MBII sits in a 43 mm hardened stainless‑steel case finished with Bremont’s patented Trip‑Tick® construction. Trip‑Tick® is a three‑layer composite that combines a stainless‑steel outer shell, an inner titanium layer and a shock‑absorbing polymer core, delivering exceptional resistance to impact while keeping the case relatively light. The lug width is a generous 22 mm, allowing for a sturdy bracelet or a classic leather strap without compromising balance.
**Dial layout** – While Bremont does not publish a detailed dial diagram for the MBII, the watch follows the brand’s signature aviation language: a clean, black dial (often paired with a contrasting orange or blue sub‑dial set) punctuated by large, luminous hour markers and a central minute track. The chronograph sub‑dial sits at 3 o’clock, with a date window at 6 o’clock, both protected by the same hardened glass that covers the main time‑keeping area.
**Functional details** – The case incorporates an anti‑magnetic Faraday cage and an anti‑shock movement mount, both engineered to keep the calibre ticking accurately under the high‑G forces pilots encounter. The watch is sealed with a screw‑down crown (no exotic pusher mechanisms are required) and rated to 10 ATM (100 m) – more than enough for rain, a quick swim, or a sudden plunge during a low‑altitude sortie.
## Movement & Performance
At the heart of the MBII lies Bremont’s in‑house **BE‑36AE automatic chronometer** – a modified calibre 11 ½” movement that has been battle‑tested alongside ejection seats. The BE‑36AE is a 26‑jewel, fully automatic calibre featuring a Glucydur balance wheel, an anachron balance spring and a Nivaflex mainspring. It beats at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and delivers a **38‑hour power reserve**, enough to get you through a long flight and then some.
The movement is chronometer‑certified (COSC), which guarantees an average accuracy of –4/+6 seconds per day under controlled conditions. Bremont’s anti‑shock mount isolates the calibre from the violent shocks experienced during the MBII’s ejection‑seat testing, while the Faraday cage shields it from the electromagnetic interference common in modern aircraft cockpits.
## On the Wrist
**Wearability** – A 43 mm case can feel imposing on a petite wrist, but the MBII’s Trip‑Tick® construction keeps the overall weight surprisingly modest (approximately 150 g, depending on the strap). The 22 mm lug width gives the watch a solid, balanced look, and the screw‑down crown sits comfortably without protruding. The lug‑to‑lug spread is not published, but the case’s tapered profile and the generous lug width make the watch sit well centered on most wrist sizes, from 6.5 inches to 7.5 inches.
**Comfort notes** – The bracelet options (stainless steel, orange‑accented or blue‑titanium) are all equipped with a solid clasp that distributes pressure evenly, preventing the “pinching” sensation you sometimes get with thinner sport bracelets. When paired with a leather strap, the watch becomes a more dress‑appropriate pilot’s piece, yet the hard‑case still feels protected against everyday knocks.
**Practicality** – The screw‑down crown is easy to operate even with gloves, a nod to the watch’s aviation roots. The date window at 6 o’clock is positioned for quick glance checks, and the chronograph sub‑dial offers a functional timing tool without cluttering the dial. The 100 m water resistance, while not a dive rating, comfortably covers rain, accidental splashes, and brief water exposure—perfect for a pilot who might need to cross a runway in a downpour.
## Value & Verdict
The Bremton MBII is positioned in the **$5,000 price bracket**, a figure that reflects both its in‑house movement and the extensive testing program it has passed. For a watch that carries a COSC‑certified, anti‑magnetic, anti‑shock calibre, plus a hardened Trip‑Tick® case and a genuine collaboration with Martin‑Baker, the price feels justified.
**Strengths** –
- Authentic aviation pedigree, backed by live ejection‑seat testing.
- Robust Trip‑Tick® case and anti‑shock mount that protect the movement.
- In‑house BE‑36AE movement with 38‑hour reserve and chronometer certification.
- Generous lug width (22 mm) for secure strap attachment and a balanced wrist feel.
**Weaknesses** –
- The 43 mm case may be too large for smaller wrists, limiting universal appeal.
- No additional complications beyond the chronograph and date, which some pilot‑watch enthusiasts might expect (e.g., GMT or flight‑hour meter).
- The water resistance, while adequate for most scenarios, does not cater to divers or heavy‑water sport users.
**Final take** – The MBII is not a fashion statement; it is a functional tool forged in a laboratory that simulates the most extreme conditions a pilot could face. Its combination of a rugged Trip‑Tick® case, a battle‑tested BE‑36AE movement and a clear connection to Martin‑Baker makes it one of the most authentic pilot watches on the market today. If you value genuine aviation engineering over sheer brand cachet, and you’re comfortable with a 43 mm wrist‑presence, the MBII offers a compelling blend of performance, durability and heritage for roughly five grand.
*Verdict: Strongly recommended for serious pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and collectors who appreciate a watch that has truly earned its “test‑lab” badge.*
