# Bremont Altitude Chronograph Pulsograph Valjoux 23 – A Vintage‑Inspired Pilot’s Tool
Bremont’s 2025 Altitude Chronograph Pulsograph Valjoux 23 arrives as a 40‑piece homage to early‑century aviation timing. It pairs a restored “new‑old‑stock” Valjoux 23 column‑wheel chronograph with the brand’s signature Trip‑Tick titanium case, then dresses the whole package in a salmon‑hued dial and warm nubuck strap. The result is a watch that looks as if it were pulled straight from an Art‑Deco cockpit, yet it carries the engineering safeguards Bremont has refined over the past decade. Below we break down the piece’s design, movement, wearability, and price to see whether the limited edition lives up to its lofty pedigree.
## Design & Case
The Pulsograph sits in a 42 mm titanium case – the same diameter Bremont uses for most of its Altitude line. What sets this model apart is the three‑part Trip‑Tick construction. A central titanium barrel is sandwiched between the case top and the case back, a layout that adds rigidity while keeping the overall profile relatively slim for a 42 mm watch. The case is reinforced with a flexible rubberised anti‑shock mount and a soft‑iron anti‑magnetic ring, both of which are explicitly mentioned in Bremton’s technical description.
A 100 m (10 atm) water‑resistance rating is standard for the Altitude family, offering enough protection for rain or a quick dip without compromising the chronograph’s vintage aesthetic. The dial is a deep salmon, a “pinkish‑coppery” tone that directly references the Art‑Deco era’s popular colour palette. A pulsometer scale runs around the outer edge, echoing the original purpose of the Valjoux 23 as a timing instrument for pilots measuring heart rate during flight.
The watch is finished with a warm brown nubuck leather strap, equipped with a quick‑release system and a pin buckle. While the strap adds a tactile, vintage feel, it also means the piece is not as readily interchangeable as a metal bracelet‑equipped chronograph. The reference number ALT42‑CHR‑V‑TI‑SM‑L‑S appears discreetly on the case back, confirming its limited‑edition status.
## Movement & Performance
At the heart of the Pulsograph is a restored Valjoux 23 manual‑winding column‑wheel chronograph. The movement is described as “new‑old‑stock” – a fully functional, original calibre that has been meticulously overhauled by Bremont’s in‑house watchmakers. The Valjoux 23 was first produced in 1916 and has long been celebrated for its refined architecture and reliability; Bremont’s restoration work aims to preserve those historic qualities while ensuring modern durability.
Because the movement is a restored vintage piece, Bremont does not publish a specific power‑reserve figure or accuracy rating in the official specifications. This omission is typical for restored manual‑winding chronographs, where the emphasis is on the tactile experience of winding and the historic significance of the calibre rather than on extended autonomous operation. The column‑wheel mechanism delivers a crisp, traditional chronograph feel, with a distinct “click” when the start/stop lever is engaged – a sensory cue that many collectors prize.
The manual winding requirement is a double‑edged sword. For enthusiasts who enjoy the ritual of winding a watch daily, the Valjoux 23 offers an authentic connection to early‑century aviation tools. For those accustomed to automatic or quartz chronographs, the need to wind the watch each day may feel like an inconvenience, especially given the limited edition’s premium price tag.
## On the Wrist
The 42 mm titanium case strikes a balance between presence and wearability. Thanks to the Trip‑Tick construction, the watch sits slightly lower on the wrist than a solid‑block case of the same diameter, which helps mitigate the “large‑watch” feel that can sometimes overwhelm a slimmer wrist. The lug‑to‑lug spread is not explicitly listed, but the case’s tapered profile and the slim strap keep the overall silhouette comfortable for both casual and formal settings.
The nubuck strap adds a soft, warm touch against the skin, and the quick‑release pins make strap changes straightforward for those who wish to experiment with metal bracelets or NATO straps. However, the leather strap may require more frequent conditioning than a metal bracelet, especially in humid climates.
The salmon dial, with its pulsometer scale and contrasting sub‑dials, offers excellent legibility under most lighting conditions. The titanium case’s natural gray‑blue hue provides a subtle contrast that prevents the dial from appearing overly bright, a common criticism of some vintage‑inspired colour schemes.
On the wrist, the watch feels solid yet not overly heavy. Titanium’s lightweight nature keeps the overall mass manageable, and the anti‑shock mount reduces the perception of impact when the watch encounters daily bumps. The anti‑magnetic ring, while not visible, adds a layer of protection for the manual movement, ensuring consistent performance in environments with moderate magnetic fields.
## Value & Verdict
Bremont lists the Pulsograph at GBP 24,950, which translates to roughly USD 33,967 according to the brand’s model database. For a limited‑edition piece that combines a fully restored Valjoux 23, bespoke titanium casework, and a hand‑finished nubuck strap, the price sits firmly in the high‑end collector’s bracket.
The watch’s value proposition hinges on three factors: rarity, movement heritage, and brand execution. With only 40 pieces produced, scarcity alone can justify a premium for collectors seeking a unique addition to their pilot‑watch roster. The restored Valjoux 23 offers a tangible link to early chronograph engineering, a rarity in today’s market where most manufacturers opt for new in‑house movements. Bremont’s modern case engineering – the Trip‑Tick construction, anti‑shock mount, and anti‑magnetic ring – ensures the vintage movement is protected against the rigors of contemporary wear.
Potential drawbacks are equally clear. The manual‑winding requirement may deter buyers who prefer the convenience of an automatic chronograph. The lack of an officially published power reserve means users must wind the watch daily, which could be seen as a functional inconvenience. Finally, the price point places the Pulsograph in direct competition with other limited‑edition chronographs that feature either newer in‑house movements or additional complications such as GMT or moon‑phase functions.
**Verdict:** If you are a collector who values the historical significance of the Valjoux 23 and appreciates Bremont’s blend of vintage aesthetics with modern case engineering, the Altitude Chronograph Pulsograph Valjoux 23 is a compelling, albeit pricey, addition to your wrist. Its 42 mm titanium case, salmon Art‑Deco dial, and limited‑edition status deliver a strong narrative that justifies its premium. For those who prioritize convenience, longer power reserve, or a lower entry price, the watch may feel more like a museum piece than an everyday tool. In the end, the Pulsograph lives up to its name – it’s a pulse‑quickening tribute to aviation timing, best suited for enthusiasts who can appreciate both its heritage and its handcrafted modernity.
