Exploring Bremont’s Wing: A Journey Through Innovation and Efficiency
Bremont, a brand that has garnered considerable attention over the years, often comes with preconceived notions. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to make snap judgments without fully understanding the intricacies. Reflecting on my own biases, I realized that I hadn’t given Bremont a fair chance. So, accompanied by my brother Mark, we embarked on a tour of their new headquarters. Based in Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire, it’s known as the Wing. So get comfortable and see what we thought of Bremont’s Tour Of The Wing.
Nick & Giles English
The Wing in Henley Upon Thames
Davide Cerrato CEO
A Legacy of Innovation
Established in 2002 by brothers Nick and Giles English, Bremont’s roots lie in the vision of creating a luxury watch brand inspired by their father Ewan’s passion for aviation and watches. While their journey from inception to present is a compelling story, our focus today is on their ongoing evolution and commitment to efficiency.
The Wing Tour: A Glimpse into Excellence
Authenticity, innovation, and adventure are the hallmarks of Bremont’s identity. Central to their operations is “The Wing,” a state-of-the-art Manufacturing and Technology Centre spanning 35,000 sq. ft. Nestled in the Chiltern Valley, Oxfordshire, this former piggery has been meticulously transformed into an end-to-end mechanical and watchmaking centre. Designed by architects Spratley & Partners, The Wing exudes sophistication, boasting on-site CNC machining, finishing, assembly facilities, and an impressive boutique and entertainment space.
Immersive Experience
As we approached The Wing, the grandeur of the facility became apparent. The building, with its distinctive wing profile, pays homage to the English brothers’ heritage. Stepping inside, we were greeted by Tom Quintrell, their Guest Experience Host, who ushered us into the private bar and lounge area. With a maximum of six participants per tour, the experience felt personalized, fostering a sense of belonging within the Bremont community.
The Reception
The Craftsmanship
The Watchmakers At Work
The Assembly
Embracing Efficiency: Streamlining Collections
During our tour, it became evident that while Bremont takes pride in its rich history, its focus is firmly on the present and future. The company is committed to streamlining its collections, with a renewed emphasis on Land, Sea, and Air themes. By reducing the number of models and fostering a cohesive design philosophy, Bremont aims to enhance consistency and efficiency across all product lines.
A Change Of Direction With Kaizen
The Kaizen Impact: Driving Continuous Improvement
A pivotal moment in Bremont’s journey came with the introduction of Davide Cerrato in May 2023. Since his arrival, significant changes have been implemented, including the adoption of Kaizen principles. Kaizen, originating from Japan, embodies the principle of “continuous improvement.” It entails the systematic use of common sense to reduce costs. As well as enhance quality, shorten delivery times, and elevate customer satisfaction. This dynamic concept involves every member of the organization, from the CEO to the drivers, in refining all aspects of operations.
Illustrating its impact, let’s examine their manufacturing metrics. Before Kaizen implementation, production stood at approximately 450 watches per month, achieving a consistency rate of 70%. Just 12 weeks later, following the adoption of Kaizen, production surged to 1000 watches per month, with an impressive consistency rate of 86%.
This remarkable transformation represents a staggering 122% increase in production and nearly a 23% enhancement in consistency within a mere three months. Such results underscore the power of strategic guidance in enabling brands to effect significant improvements through incremental changes.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As we concluded our tour, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Bremont’s vision for the future. With Davide at the helm, the company is poised to make significant strides in the watchmaking industry. As they prepare for their debut at Watches and Wonders Geneva, the excitement within the Bremont team is palpable. With new models and innovations on the horizon, Bremont is ready to take its place among the industry’s elite.
Final Thoughts: A New Perspective
My tour of Bremont’s Wing has been a transformative experience. I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for the brand’s ethos and direction. As they embark on this new chapter, I am filled with excitement for what the future holds. Personally, the Waterman Apex II has captured my attention, and I eagerly anticipate adding it to my collection. For fellow watch enthusiasts, I highly recommend experiencing a Bremont’s Tour Of The Wing. Not only is it a value-for-money experience, but it also supports a worthy cause, with all proceeds donated to London’s Air Ambulance.
In conclusion, my journey through Bremont’s Wing has been enlightening, and I am proud to count myself among their converts. With a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and philanthropy, Bremont is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of horology.
I would highly recommend getting yourself down to Henly Upon Thames to make up your own mind, you won’t be disappointed. You can book Bremont’s Tour Of The Wing for a morning or afternoon tour which takes around 2 1/2 hours, by clicking below.
Click HERE to Book A Tour
Photos Credit – Bremont
