WORDS: ELLIOTT HUGHES | PHOTOS: BREMONT
Oxfordshire-based luxury watchmaker Bremont has marked the third year of its partnership with Williams Racing Formula 1 team by unveiling its limited-production WR-45 Chronograph.
The WR-45 was revealed to special guests and media at a private event at Williams’ Grove headquarters on June 6, 2023, a month before it’s due to be publicly presented at this year’s British Grand Prix on July 7-9.
Bremont will manufacture just 244 pieces, referencing the number of races in which the Williams team has had one or both drivers standing atop the podium at the pinnacle of motor sport.
“The technological crossover between Formula 1 and precision watchmaking is substantial,” explains Bremont CEO Davide Cerrato. “It’s wonderful to see so much energy and interest in the sport today, and we’re delighted to be a part of its rich history.”
This year’s Williams chassis, the FW45, is cited as the inspiration for the chronograph, which is designed to meld high-performance precision engineering with durability.
Central to this is the Bremont WR-45’s new case design. Measuring 45mm, the case is ultra durable thanks to a three-piece construction with DLC (diamond-like carbon) treatment.
The black DLC finish extends onto the dial, which is contrasted by white indices and electric-blue accents and luminescence that are reminiscent of Williams’ 2023 livery.
Completing the motor sport aesthetic, within the dial is a red sweeping seconds hand of the style that was prevalent on early 20th century rally timers.
A sapphire glass exhibition caseback reveals a bespoke rotor that resembles a Formula 1 car’s wheel and features the Williams Racing motif. The 27-jewel BE-53AV movement boasts a 56-hour power reserve, reducing the need to set the date and time between wears.
Completing the timepiece is a black Alcantara strap inspired by racing-car steering wheels, along with an original wheelnut from an historic Williams Grand Prix car.
Williams team principal James Vowles said of the tie-in: “The synergies between motor racing and high-end watchmaking are clear, not least in terms of the crossover in manufacturing skills and the similarities in complex CNC machining to very high tolerances. With our British heritage, it couldn’t be more fitting for Williams Racing to be partnering with Bremont, a brand based very close to Grove.”
