New Release: A first look at the Brand New Brellum Wyvern GMT Chronometer
Brellum is a young independent Swiss brand with deep-set watchmaking roots spanning back four generations. Located in Porrentruy in the Jura region, the brand aims to create high-quality Swiss watches with an eye on the future. The brand’s offerings so far have been contemporary and rather sporty. The Brellum Wyvern GMT, the brand’s latest model, is no exception. At first glance, this trio of slim, steel, limited production watches with an added GMT complication seems to offer plenty of value at the price point.
A brand that’s also quite new to us, Brellum is looking to make quite a splash with its modern watches. Dave briefly touched upon one of the Flieger models in the collection here. But this GMT model seems slightly more refined, and the added functionality is always welcome.
Three versions of the Wyvern GMT
The Brellum Wyvern GMT chronometer comes in three different color options. A blue dial with yellow accents on the dial and GMT hand, a silver dial with red and blue accents, and a black dial with red accents. Rather than on the outer edges, a GMT track surrounds the center pinion, integrating the complication in a more understated, yet perfectly legible fashion. The multi-level dial features diamond-cut indexes filled with Super-LumiNova set against a sunburst background. All three executions come on a color-matched rubber strap with a pin-buckle and an optional deployant clasp. They are also available on a solid stainless steel bracelet. The 42mm case is just 10.9mm thick including the AR-coated box sapphire crystal. This slim profile is sure to provide a comfortable fit on the wrist.
It’s what’s inside that matters
Inside, the ETA-based Brellum caliber BR-893-GMT ticks away, visible through the AR-coated sapphire case back, which still provides 100m of water resistance. The movement is not just COSC-certified, it is also nicely decorated, with colimaçonnage, blued screws, perlage, and Geneva stripes. It runs at 28,800vph, provides a 42-hour power reserve, and has a Nivarox alloy hairspring for added resistance to magnetic fields. The nicely signed crown adjusts the date, the GMT hand, and hacks the seconds, allowing the wearer to accurately set the time. A welcome and worthwhile feature considering that the watch is a certified chronometer.
Final thoughts
A COSC-certified GMT wristwatch from an independent Swiss manufacturer with a highly decorated movement and limited to 299 units per year may sound like something that would run quite a steep price. However, considering all the elements that we’ve covered, and the classy modern looks of the Brellum Wyvern, the asking price, starting at €2,110 seems rather reasonable. First impressions, then, are quite positive, but personally, I can’t wait to get some hands-on time with these new watches. The blue dialed version would be my first choice. On the rubber strap, it could make for a fantastic summer watch (and perhaps would have found its way into our Summer Splash contest had it been released earlier). With 100m of water resistance and a GMT complication, it’s a perfect watch for summer travels to sunny seaside locations.
For more information on the newly released Brellum Wyvern Chronometer, visit the Brellum website here.
