The Watch Addict
If you’re looking for a battle-hardened timepiece that has been put through its paces, then this is the watch for you
The arrival of the new Bremont Savanna was greeted with great excitement in the office as many of us had watched the international livestream launch. The Savanna is a new version of their legendary MB pilot’s watch and comes with a unique titanium case. The MB (Martin-Baker) range is best known for being the only watch tested and capable of withstanding a fighter jet ejection, making it the real deal.
Subsequently (and if you don’t believe me, check it out yourself on BremontMilitary Instagram) the MBs are often the choice of serving fighter pilots from around the globe who all sit on a Martin-Baker ejection seat in the hope they don’t have to use it, yet in the knowledge that it may also be the thing that saves their lives. The pilots are also given comfort that should they have to eject, their watch will still function. So, for us mere mortals it most certainly ticks the shock-resistance box.
The MB Savanna-coloured, desert-inspired model boasts a grey dial and a case featuring a matte tactical coating. With a grade 5 titanium upper case and caseback and an aluminium barrel that makes up the Bremont Trip-Tick case construction (if you ever see a Bremont MB with a red barrel, then chances are you are looking at a pilot who has survived an actual ejection). The 43mm MB Savanna sits comfortably on the wrist, so light is the titanium case that the tan rubber strap seems almost heavy. As a civi, and one unlikely to see any real action, I would swap the strap for Bremont’s Hambleden or NATO option, but if you want the genuine military look and feel, you will be pleased to know that the tan-grey colour palette works extremely well.
The knurled pushers have a great grip (reflecting the seat material of an MB ejection seat), and when turning the Roto-Click bezel you are treated to an extremely satisfying sound as it clicks around the dial. There is great legibility to be enjoyed on the grey dial with the date at 3, a few red accents and the traditional yellow-and-black MB ejector seat loop on the second hands counterbalance marking the Martin-Baker seal of approval.
The 43 mm Trip-Tick case of the Savanna has a nice slim, neat silhouette when the watch is turned on its side. The base lugs although sharp in appearance, sit comfortably on the wrist. Whilst the screws on the caseback are noticeable, they are small, thereby not giving the watch an unnecessary industrial feel. There is a lovely clear view of the automatic (Bremont BE-36AE) ETA-based winding system with a Bremont skeletonised rotor. The movement mount protects the movement making the Savanna one of the most shockresistant watches on the market.
If you are looking for a genuine fighter pilot watch that has been tested to the max in altitude, vibration, temperature variance, salt and fog, and one that is also incredibly reliable (chronometer-certified), then this is the watch for you. It also looks incredibly cool with a pair of jeans and a T-Shirt. Like the dive watches before it, how many of us really need a gas escapement valve when all we do is wear the watch to the beach? But isn’t it great to know that the watch on our wrist has capabilities beyond anything we can put it through, which in itself gives amazing peace of mind when it comes to the reliability of a watch. It’s not just cool marketing, it’s the real deal and a fraction of the price when compared to certain Swiss brands that invest a lot of marketing budget to make it look like they are worn by fighter pilots.
The Basics: Diameter: 43mm; Case material: Grade 5 titanium, aluminium middle barrel; Dial colour: Grey; Indexes: Painted;
Lume: Yes; Water resistance: 100 meters; Strap/Bracelet: Tan rubber strap; The Movement: Caliber: Bremont BE-36AE (base ETA 2836-2); Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date; Diameter: 25.6mm; Power reserve: 38 hours; Winding: Automatic; Frequency: 28,800vph;
Jewels: 25; Chronometer certified: Yes, ISO 3159; Additional details: Bremont skeletonised rotor;
Pricing and availability: Approximately Dhs25,200; Rivoli MoE, Rivoli DIFC and Rivoli Dubai Mall