New Release: The Bremont WR-22 Chronograph In Partnership With Williams Racing

March is a very exciting month for the world of watches. It ends with Watches And Wonders but begins with a number of other events. These include the Bremont Townhouse, where the Henley on Thame brand showcases its novelties for 2022. In doing so, Bremont becomes the latest watch brand to join the long-standing tradition of partnerships between Formula 1 teams and watch brands. It does so in style, and with three new watches, specially made to honor its partnership with Williams Racing. But the brands’ relationships will deliver more than just watches… But more on that later on in the article. For now, let’s focus on the highlight of the partnership, the Bremont WR-22. It’s a classically inspired chronograph with plenty of Bremont’s unique charm and design, and a watch that will be put to the test by the Williams Racing Formula 1 team this 2022 season.

The Bremont WR-22 wears the colors of the Williams Racing team proudly on its dial and movement. Its panda dial, reminiscent of some of the most iconic racing chronographs of all time, holds a lot of detail, including a beautifully integrated date window in the 6 o’clock register. Electric-blue accents match the livery of the Formula 1 team, and a red central chronograph seconds hand gives the watch a sporty look. It’s a watch that holds its own whether or not you enjoy its association with the world of Formula 1, which is something that I believe most of us will appreciate. Keeping the details subtle and leaving the non-Bremont branding for the back of the watch means that it can be enjoyed by a wider audience. In the case of the WR-22, I think this might just be the case.

The Bremont WR-22 Chronograph

Speaking of cases, much like the Bremont S302 that I reviewed not long ago, the WR-22 comes in Bremont’s signature trip-tick case, whose sleek curves couldn’t be a better match for an F1-themed chronograph. This time, however, it’s a 43mm case, giving the watch a little bit more presence on the wrist. This does also mean that those who prefer smaller watches or whose wrist doesn’t suit larger watches might have to try this one on before purchasing it. The downward curve of the lugs means that despite its 49mm length, the Bremont WR-22 should wear rather well. And if the S302 is anything to go by, it will wear more like a 41–42mm watch. For an automatic chronograph, its 15.8mm height is reasonable. And the chunkier case does come with its advantages; this chronograph enjoys 200m of water resistance.

Inside the watch, you’ll find the modified Calibre 13 ¼’’’ BE-53AE, which features a Glucydur balance wheel, an Anachron balance spring, and a Nivaflex mainspring. The chronometer-rated movement runs at 28,800vph and enjoys 42 hours of power reserve. It is also visible through the sapphire case back. The first thing that will catch your eye will likely be the rotor. This custom-decorated weight features a motif of a Williams Racing Formula 1 car tire’s rim and the Williams Racing logo. As I mentioned, timekeeping will not be an issue, as the caliber inside the WR-22 is chronometer rated in accordance with ISO 3159. On the flip side, through the domed AR-coated sapphire crystal, the black sub-dials will display elapsed minutes and hours, with the ’70s inspired triangular hands at their centers. Surrounding the dial, a ceramic bi-directional tachymeter bezel completes the full racing-chronograph package.

The Bremont × Williams Racing partnership

Producing a watch together (let alone three) is one thing. But as I hinted at previously, the relationship between Bremont and Williams Racing runs deeper than that. Both of the Oxfordshire-based brands come together and bring their manufacturing and technical competencies to fruition. Bremont and Williams Racing will use the impressive tools and infrastructure housed in the watch brand’s HQ — The Wing — to manufacture both watch and car parts. It’s a first in the industry and a display of how two British manufacturers can come together and collaborate within their fields of expertise. This is possible thanks to the crossover in skills and complex machining required to produce parts for both of these fields.

The second part of the collaboration brings us back to watches. Bremont will, in addition to the WR-22, create 45 limited-edition box sets, which will include two watches and a racing experience. Hosted at The Grove, home of Williams Racing, the experience will take place during the weekends of the Singapore and Mexico Grand Prix. This will include a guided tour of the HQ and museum, as well as a unique “Mission Control” experience, where attendees will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look of the technical team at work during the GP weekend. The watches included in the box set are the FW44 Chrono and FW44 Classic — a black PVD version of the WR-22 and a 40mm time-only field watch. For more information on the box set, visit the Bremont site here.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it seems that Bremont and Williams Racing have found their perfect match and have created a partnership that we will hopefully enjoy for many years to come. Seeing the WR-22 chronograph on the wrists of the Williams Racing F1 team drivers is something that will not get old any time soon. And if you happen to be both a racing and watch enthusiast, you can make one of these watches your own. Available now through the Bremont website directly, the WR-22 will retail for €6,935 and is available on a black Alcantara strap, as well as a steel bracelet (€7,415). Included with the watch in the custom carbon-fiber box, you will also receive a used wheel nut certified by Williams Racing. The box set, though almost sold out already, can be had for €17,495 (including the exclusive Williams Racing experience).

So far, these first releases kick the year off nicely for Bremont. They have me looking forward to what more will come from the brand in the following days as more of the 2022 Townhouse releases are made public!

For now, I’d love to know what you think of the Bremont WR-22 chronograph! Let me know your thoughts in the comments down below. Make sure to stay tuned later this week for more from Bremont. Do also swing by the brand’s website to check out the full scope of novelties!

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