INTRODUCING: Bremont returns to the deep with new Supermarine S501 and updated S500 models

The Bremont Supermarine, first released in 2009, has long been a serious dive watch, and one that stood out from the rest of the submersible pack. Last year, Bremont released the S300, a smaller, more civilian-friendly take on the genre that was, unsurprisingly, wildly popular. So it was inevitable that the larger S500 received a makeover, a cosmetic upgrade to keep the look in line with the S300.

Vital statistics

Two watches, the S500/BL and S500/BK (in blue and black respectively), are evolutions of existing models: the dial has been redesigned, with the blue being altered to match the tone of its S300 sibling. The blue model now has Arabic numerals at the cardinal points. The sapphire bezel is now a solid colour. The black version has also been given a makeover, with a new ceramic bezel, and design cues, like the handset and red details, in keeping with the S300. Both models still have solid casebacks showing the Supermarine S6B Seaplane.

The real talking point is the S501, a bulked up version of the vintage-inspired S301 we looked at last year. Not only does this version show off the BE-36AE movement through a clear caseback (a first for a S500 model), it has the same warm vintage tones on the hands, hour markers and ceramic bezel. There’s even a colour-matched copper band on the crown.

First thoughts

I’ve always thought the S500 was one of the more ‘Bremont’ designs on the market, offering a slightly different take on a well-worn genre. And while the S300 models are attractive, wearer-friendly options, the scaled-down size and conventional crown position lost some of the ‘X-factor’ of the Supermarine. These new S500 models — with the classic Trip-Tick case, crown at two, and unmissable crown guard — brings it back in a big way.