Bremont Martin-Baker MBIII/BK/Orange/Rubber (Ref. MBIII-BK)
Pilot / Aviation GMT Watch · Bremont Watch Company. British luxury watchmaker based in Henley-on-Thames. One of the largest producers of chronometers in the UK.
Period: Modern Tool Watch Era (2014-present). Designed with a focus on high-performance aviation durability and technical utilitarianism.
Type
Pilot / Aviation GMT Watch
Brand
Bremont Watch Company. British luxury watchmaker based in Henley-on-Thames. One of the largest producers of chronometers in the UK.
Movement
Modified Calibre 11 1/4" BE-93-2AV automatic chronometer (COSC certified). 28,800 bph frequency, 42-hour power reserve, 21-25 jewels. Features a Glucydur balance and Anachron balance spring.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 43mm, Thickness: 14.5mm, Lug-to-lug: 50mm, Lug width: 22mm. Wears true to size with significant wrist presence due to the case thickness and knurled crowns.
Description
The Bremont MBIII is a technical masterpiece born from a unique partnership with Martin-Baker, the British aviation company responsible for 70% of the world's fighter ejection seats. Built to withstand extreme shocks and vibrations that would break standard mechanical watches, the MBIII features an anti-shock movement mount and an inner Faraday cage for magnetic protection. Its design is unashamedly aeronautical, featuring knurled crowns that mirror cockpit controls and a signature 'ejection seat' yellow-and-black striped second hand. This model provides the added functionality of a GMT hand, making it the ultimate tool for international pilots and travelers.
Key Features
Roto-Click® internal bezel, Anti-Shock movement mount, Faraday cage (anti-magnetic), 'Ejection seat' counterbalance second hand, and Trip-Tick® case construction.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with applied Super-LumiNova indices and Arabic numerals. Features a date window at 3 o'clock, an internal Roto-Click® 24-hour bezel, and a distinctive second hand with a yellow and black striped counterbalance (ejection seat handle motif). Red-tipped GMT hand.
Case Material
MoD-hardened grade 5 titanium or stainless steel with Trip-Tick® three-piece case construction. Features a DLC-treated barrel and a satin/brushed finish.
Crystal Type
Domed anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Excellent clarity with multiple layers of AR coating on both sides.
Bezel Details
Fixed outer bezel with an internal bidirectional Roto-Click® bezel operated by the crown at 4 o'clock. 24-hour GMT markings for tracking a second time zone.
Crown & Pushers
Dual screw-down knurled crowns. The 2 o'clock crown adjusts time/date; the 4 o'clock crown rotates the internal GMT bezel. Patterns reflect the grip on pilot controls.
Bracelet or Strap
Black Temple Island rubber strap with a signed pin buckle. Highly durable and water-resistant.
Caseback Details
Solid caseback with a 6-screw closure system. Features an engraving of a Martin-Baker ejection seat and the Bremont propeller logo.
Movement Type
Modified Calibre 11 1/4" BE-93-2AV automatic chronometer (COSC certified). 28,800 bph frequency, 42-hour power reserve, 21-25 jewels. Features a Glucydur balance and Anachron balance spring.
Water Resistance
100 meters (10 ATM). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not professional diving. Crowns must be fully screwed down to maintain seal.
Origin & Provenance
Brand: British. Movement: Swiss-made base components (ETA/Sellita) modified and assembled in the United Kingdom. Associated with Martin-Baker, the world leader in ejection seat technology.
Age Estimate
Circa 2014-2022. The MBIII was introduced as a GMT-capable evolution of the MBII and remains a staple of the current collection.
Cultural Significance
Represents the modern resurgence of British watchmaking. It has become a symbol of rugged, over-engineered luxury and has a deeply established connection with the global military aviation community.
Condition Notes
The watch appears to be in 'Excellent' condition. The brushed finishing on the case shows no significant dings. The sapphire crystal and Roto-Click bezel operation appear intact. The rubber strap shows minimal wear.
Value Estimate
MSRP: Approximately $5,400. Pre-owned market: $2,800 - $3,800 depending on box, papers, and the color of the middle case barrel (Orange barrels often command a slight premium).
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service interval every 3-5 years. Regular water resistance testing is advised if used for swimming. Avoid placing near strong magnetic fields (though protected, it's best practice). Clean the rubber strap with mild soap and water.
Similar Watches
IWC Pilot's Watch UTC, Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT, Sinn 857 UTC. The Bremont differs primarily through its unique Trip-Tick case architecture and specific Martin-Baker testing protocols.
Interesting Facts
The MB series was originally designed specifically for pilots who had survived an ejection from a Martin-Baker seat. While the MBI is reserved exclusively for survivors, the MBII and MBIII are available to the public. Each prototype watch underwent the same testing as the seats themselves, including vibration, salt fog, and extreme temperature tests.