The New Limited-Edition Bremont Broadsword Recon Joins The Brand’s Armed Forces Collection

Just yesterday, I received word from Bremont HQ — The Wing — in Henley-on-Thames that a new watch would be debuting today. This is the very same watch that I have the pleasure to introduce to you now — the Bremont Broadsword Recon. This watch is the latest addition to the British (with a capital B) brand’s Armed Forces collection. This series of watches form part of Bremont’s close bond with the Ministry of Defense (MOD). They are the civilian counterparts to the watches that Bremont makes for the British military. The watch in question today is a limited-edition model, so only 200 pieces will be created and sold. Now, the brand’s motto is “tested beyond endurance.” This particular watch takes inspiration from timepieces that have truly stood the test of time and the tribulations of the battlefield — the famous Dirty Dozen watches.

Not only is the Bremont Broadsword the brand’s military timepieces par excellence — you can read more about the mil-spec Broadsword and its development here — but it’s also the brand’s most competitively priced timepiece and has been described as its entry-level piece. However, a lot goes into even this most “basic” of Bremonts — and please note that I used the word “basic” free from any derogatory connotation. The Broadsword is a wonderfully modern take on the MOD-standard field watch and therefore ticks off many of the GADA watch boxes (more on that later). This particular version, inspired by the 12 most well-known military watches ever made, distills the essence of said watches. The Dirty Dozen needs no introduction, but should you need one, you can read all about the series here. So without further ado, let’s take a look at this latest offering from our friends at Bremont.

The Bremont Broadsword Recon

The Bremont Broadsword Recon limited edition pays tribute to the heritage of the British Ministry of Defense (MOD), specifically, His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) and their timepieces. Bremont presents it as an interpretation of the classic Dirty Dozen watches. This alone does not make it all that special since many brands claim to have created the same thing. The fact that it’s a modern reinterpretation (instead of a reissue, like Timor’s Heritage Field watch) does make it a little more special. But what truly takes the Broadsword Recon to the next level lies in the details. One of the main details that Bremont introduced in its Supermarine S500 collaboration with Bamford was the sandwich dial. This is only the second time that Bremont has used one, and in my opinion, it’s undoubtedly the most effective.

The name “Recon” conjures visions of nighttime military operations requiring the utmost stealth and nerves of steel. And what better way to equip a watch for one such mission than to give it the most powerful lume possible? Makes sense to me! Sandwich dials lend themselves particularly well to bright lume due to their unique construction. Instead of applying the lume to the dial as several layers of paint, Bremont puts in a layer below it. The matte black dial features cutouts for the luminescent elements, allowing Bremont’s tan-colored trademarked “P51” Super-LumiNova underneath to shine through. The only alternatives that can compete are indexes and numerals made of solid chunks of luminous material applied to the dial, like those used by Vertex. The lume laying recessed into the (in this case, glossy black) openings adds depth and gives the sandwich dial its unique charm.

All the specs (every single one of them)

So, you’ve heard a little bit about the watch, its inspiration, and a little bit about the dial. But let’s run through the complete list of specs, starting with some extra dial-side details. The watch features matte black hands with the same shade of tan lume, and the black and tan color scheme continues throughout. Bremont’s logo, the date window at 3 o’clock, and markers are all in this color. This somewhat eliminates the fauxtina effect since it’s not just the lume with this sandy shade. Other small details are printed in gray, including the hash marks between hour markers and the “HMAF” logo under the Bremont name. The two-piece hardened steel Broadsword case retains its usual 40mm diameter, 12.5mm thickness, 47mm lug-to-lug, and 20mm lug spacing. Bremont sells the watch on a chunky color-matched NATO strap, and it comes with an extra rubber or leather strap as well.

A small seconds dial at 6 o’clock harks back to the original Dirty Dozen pieces and features four lumed openings. All of this, of course, sits under a domed AR-coated sapphire crystal. Flip the watch over, and you’ll see a solid steel case back. Bremont decorates the steel canvas with the heraldic badges of the Armed Forces. An oversized screw-down crown connects to the Bremont caliber BE-95-2AV inside, a chronometer-rated movement. It also brags a Glucydur balance wheel, Anachron balance spring, and Nivaflex mainspring with a 38-hour power reserve. The case is rated water resistant to 100 meters, meaning it should stand up to just about anything you throw at it in daily wear. It is also nicely detailed and looks purposeful yet elegant. It features the signature Broadsword ridged sides, nicely chamfered beefy lugs, and a broad, radially brushed bezel.

Final thoughts

I’ll have a chance to put the new Bremont Broadsword Recon through its paces in a few weeks. So if you find this watch as interesting as I do, you can tune in for a more detailed look. For now, you may have to settle for a blind leap of faith, as I can’t imagine the 200 watches will take too long to sell out. This limited edition will likely come in slightly over the standard Broadsword’s €2.985 price tag, which certainly seems fair for what you get. For more information, check out the Bremont website.

And now I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Bremont Broadsword Recon. Are you a fan of this tan colorway, or do you prefer the original? Let me know in the comments below.