Bremont is expanding its Terra Nova collection with new Jumping Hour models that introduce slightly more compact proportions while retaining the distinctive combination of vintage military aesthetics and contemporary watchmaking.
With a 35 mm case, an unusual time display presented through apertures on the dial and an automatic movement capable of changing the hour in less than a tenth of a second, the new models prove that a striking watch does not necessarily have to be large.
For the Terra Nova Jumping Hour, Bremont draws inspiration from military pocket watches and trench watches of the early 20th century, translating their characteristic elements into a considerably more modern format.
The biggest change is the 35 mm case, which gives the collection a more compact and elegant silhouette. However, Bremont has not altered the elements that have already made the Jumping Hour distinctive – the geometric cushion-shaped case, low profile and unconventional time display remain at the heart of the design.
Time Is Not Displayed the Way You Might Expect
Instead of a conventional dial with hour and minute hands, the Terra Nova uses the so-called montre à guichet concept, displaying the time through separate apertures.
This approach gives the watch an almost instrument-like appearance while further emphasizing its connection to historical timepieces.
The main attraction is the jumping hour complication. Instead of the hour display changing gradually, the numeral instantly jumps at the appropriate moment, creating a miniature mechanical spectacle that lasts less than the blink of an eye.
The Hour Changes in Less Than a Tenth of a Second
Behind this is the automatic Calibre BC634, developed exclusively in collaboration with Swiss movement manufacturer Sellita.
The high-torque movement has been engineered to enable a virtually instantaneous change of the hour display – in less than 0.1 seconds.
That speed is more than an interesting specification on paper. A jumping hour mechanism must release enough energy at precisely the right moment to move the display instantaneously, making this seemingly simple change of a numeral considerably more fascinating from a watchmaking perspective.
At the same time, Calibre BC634 offers a 56-hour power reserve, ensuring that the new Terra Nova does not prioritize the visual appeal of its complication over everyday practicality.
Vintage Inspiration Without Becoming a Retro Replica
With the Terra Nova Jumping Hour collection, Bremont is not simply attempting to recreate a military watch from more than a century ago.
Elements of early pocket watches and trench watches served as the starting point, while the 35 mm case and graphic time display give the model a distinctly more contemporary character.
Its smaller dimensions could prove to be one of its greatest strengths. After years in which sports and pilot’s watches became progressively larger, the return to more compact proportions has emerged as one of the more interesting directions in contemporary watchmaking.
The Terra Nova Jumping Hour now combines that philosophy with a complication unusual enough to attract attention without requiring an oversized case.
With its 35 mm case, instantaneous hour change in less than a tenth of a second and 56-hour power reserve, the new Bremont demonstrates that sometimes it is the smallest details that make the biggest difference.
