My Visit to Bremont Boutique - Mayfair

South Audley Street in Mayfair, London

While in London recently on holiday, I visited the two Bremont Boutiques.  The first stop was the Boutique at Royal Exchange.  The next day, I went to their first location on the West Side of the city in Mayfair.

Ready to enter

As expected, the Boutique is located in a pretty fancy area. Again, I was under dressed for the occasion.  While we were not greeted by a door man, you did need to be buzzed in by one of the staff.

Entire Bremont range on display

Bremont Mayfair showroom

The showroom about three times the size of the one in Royal Exchange, about the size of a three car garage.  No cars in here, but I believe at one point there was a hood of a Jaguar E-Type in the showroom (more on that later).

The lounge area

 The gentleman running the show is Cameron Pilkington.  As with Paul at Royal Exchange, Cameron and I had a nice chat about the company, watches, and the Boutique.  He showed my some Limited Edition watches from the Bremont range.

Kingsman Edition

Kingsman Stainless Steel, based on the ALT1-WT

Here is one of the three Special Edition Kingsman watches.  On a side note, I purchased the Kingsman: The Secret Service Blu-Ray based only on the knowledge that Bremont's were featured in the film.  Strapping on the Kingsman is the closest thing I can do to make me feel like a secret agent.

Jar of old watch parts

Bremont logo made with watch parts

They use old watch parts as decorative accents.  Among the decor, is a table with the Bremont propeller logo made with watch parts.  A wood table with the logo cut out and the cavity filled with old watch guts.  I want this table.  Beautiful piece!

Special Edition ALT1-C

Award for Watch Brand of the Year 2011

U-2 Range

Martin-Baker Range and the Red Ring

Remember I mentioned the Jaguar?  Cameron showed me the MKI, the Bremont and Jaguar collaboration.  Another thing of beauty.

Rotor mimics the Jaguar E-Type steering wheel

Dial mimics the E-Type gages

Bremont/Jaguar MKI

Obviously, I am not worthy of this watch.  If I owned a Jaguar, maybe.  But the way I see it,  as I am unqualified to own the Red Band MBI, I too am unqualified to own an MKI.  I think I am already breaking 'tax bracket rules' by owning a luxury watch.

Exploded display of the MBI

Currently looking to get my wrist in either an MBIII or ALT1-WT, but that is in the very distant future...unless I find a very good deal.

B-1 Marine Clock

The B-1 Marine Clock was on display in the lounge area of the Boutique.  The face and interior was painted by Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones.

Bremont Keychains

Since I was at one of the Bremont Boutiques, I wanted a memento. I was debating on whether to get a key chain or a strap.   Strap seemed more useful and a few weeks later I would win a key chain.

Straps

Display themed for the Codebreaker

I wanted to see the Codebreaker.   Unfortunately, these were long sold out.  Cameron showed me one more Limited Edition watch.  The Wright Flyer.

The Wright Flyer Limited Edition

A piece of from the original Wright Flyer on the rotor

Yeah, I tried it on

It does not look quite right on my wrist, as again, I am not worthy of suck a piece.  But boy, it is a beautiful piece.  The watch features a piece of the original Wright Flyer that Wilbur and Orville used to take the first flight.  Quite an honour to be in the presents of such a historical artifact.  Wow, just wow!

Employee exclusive Bremont pen, not for sale

The mysterious trunk

There was a trunk in the corner of the room.  I wondered what was in this mysterious trunk.  We were in  the Boutique for over an hour and saw customers come and go.  I noticed one customer was picking up a watch he purchased earlier, then noticed on of the associates open the mysterious trunk to grab a bag.  This is where they keep the bags and catalogs.

I wanted one of those bags.  The best way to get one of those bags was to purchase something.  Sure, I could have asked for one, but what is the fun in that.  Besides, if I was ever to buy something Bremont, this is one of four places in the world to do it.  I decided on the Seattle Strap.

Bremont Seattle Strap

I had a great time at Bremont Mayfair.  I want to thank Cameron for his hospitality and patience.

Cameron wearing an MBII, standing next to a Martin-Baker ejector seat

If you are in the London area, I recommend a visit to both the Bremont Boutiques.  For me, two Bremont Boutiques down, two to go.  Hong Kong and New York, I am coming for you.

Obligatory shot of my Bremont in front of Bremont

29 South Audley Street
London, W1K 2PE
England
+44 (0)207 493 5150
southaudley@bremont.com

For more information, visit bremont.com

Time For A New Engine

Earlier this year, I had an issue with block corrosion due to neglect by previous owners.  If coolant is not regularly flushed, it starts eating away at the block. As the current owner, I get to deal with these issues.  Yay!

When we last left off, our hero recovered from its injuries.  The block had some leaks on the driver's side. Yeah, I said 'some'...as in more than one...leaks.  These were patched and eventually the car was working fine.  I was told to keep an eye on the situation, check for leaks.  Well, guess what I found

One day I noticed a pool of green, on the passenger side, this time.  I followed the trail of green apple Jolly Rancher up and found the source.  It was at the oil filter.  At first, I thought coolant was leaking from the seal. This lead to many theories, including coolant leaking into the oil and out the seal of the oil filter.  I even checked the oil make sure it was not contaminated with coolant.  Well, good news.  Oil is clean.  More 'good' news, I located exactly where the leak was coming from.

Hole in engine block

At the 1 O'clock position where the oil filter meets the block, you can see a nice little green hole. It is a relative small hole, about 3-4mm. 

Another view

Hard to get lighting and a camera up there, but here is another view of the coolant eating a small hole.  After cleaning the area the surface tension of the coolant was just enough to slow down the coolant from flowing out.  With the car not running, there is no pressure built.  Yet, after a few days I did notice that there was still coolant leaking from the hole. 

Tiny hole, huge problems

I sent these images to DMC-California and based on my medical history, the diagnosis is I need transplant.  New engine.  With the new engine comes upgrades, as DMC no longer installs stock engines.  I will be getting a Stage II upgrade which gives me a few more horsepower, I am kinda excited for that.

In the meantime, I did a quick patch job on the hole. Something to keep it from leaking, especially under pressure,  and hopefully reinforce the area...at least for the drive down to the shop.

Ghetto patch job

Since I will be getting a new block, whatever I do to it does not matter.  So, I decided to patch the hole.  As it was hard to get lighting and a camera up in there, it was harder to get access to patch the hole.  The car was jacked up with the rear wheel removed.  Still, it was difficult to reach above, behind, and around the oil filter.  Once the area was cleaned, I mixed some JB Weld and globbed it around the hole the best I can.

After a few days, it seems to be holding, no noticeable leaks.  I let the JB Weld sit for a few days to let it cure.  Then, I ran the engine for a few minutes to test out the patch under pressure.  Granted, I did not push the engine or let it run too hot, but it held.  Hopefully, this should get me to the shop with no issues. 

Trivia:  Six years ago, today, was the first time I saw the car.  A month later, I would purchase the car of my dreams.  Sure, some the dreams have been nightmares, but you cannot have the yin without the yang.  Here is hoping that the new engine does not cause me to wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat.  Stay tuned.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - December 2015

End of the year edition.  Do telemarketers ramp up employment as retailers do with seasonal jobs?   While everyone is bring joy at this time of year, these fucknuts terrorize year round.

14 December 2015
  501-760-7395  Little Rock, AK - I am not even sure if this is a telemarketer.  Did a little search and did not come up as one...but, I could be the first.  Holy shit, I am patient zero.  No message, so it could be a wrong number.  Yeah, I highly doubt that.  Fuck you!

   310-849-3549  Beverly Hills, CA - Oh, this one checks out as a telemarketer.  I guess that answers my question about seasonal jobs at the telemarketer office.  Fuck you!

15 December 2015
    931-307-7329 - Mother fucker!  Another goddamn text. 

Douche bags

 Bags?  Yeah, more like douche bags...you fucking cunts! Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you!

22 December 2015
   330-883-4531   Warren, OH - A call at 8:20 in the morning?  What the fuck?  My boss does not even call me that early in the morning.  I did a quick search, and according to others, this is a credit scam telemarketer.  Of course, we have the holidays...lots of shopping...perfect time to run this scam. So, fuck you in the ass with a Christmas tree.

My Visit to Bremont Boutique - Royal Exchange

Royal Exchange in London

On our recent holiday, we landed in London.  It just happens that two Bremont Boutiques are located in London.  Naturally, along with the touristy sites, I wanted to visit the Bremont Boutiques.  First up, Royal Exchange.

Entrance to Royal Exchange

For those unfamiliar with this part of the city, it is the luxury business district.  As you can tell, I was way under dressed for the area.  Damn tourist.  We were greeted at the door by a door man.  Once you are inside, the plaza is surrounded by boutiques like Omega, Bulgari, and Tiffany & Co.  

Bremont at Royal Exchange

Bremont from South Entrance of Royal Exchange

If you walk in from the front (West Entrance) of the building, the Bremont Boutique is located in the middle on the right.  It is a small store, about the size of a one car garage.

Bremont Chronometers and 'the seat'

I spent some time with Paul Gray as we talked about the brand and I just geeked out over all the watches, accessories, and memorabilia. 

Martin Baker ejection seat

I wanted to purchase something, perhaps a key chain or strap, while it was at Bremont. I had some questions on whether the Seattle strap.  At one point, the website stated that the strap would not with with the deployment clasp.  Paul fitted the strap to my watch and explained that it worked, but because of the stiffness of the material, it does not curve to the wrist as easily as leather or rubber.

Paul Gray, General Manager at Bremont Boutique

I was amazed at the speed and ease of how Paul worked that watch tool to swap straps.  As we we talked he recommended that I purchase the strap from the New York Boutique as it would be cheaper.  So, I did not get the strap...yet.

Of course I have to get a photo with Martin Baker

We spent about a half hour in there.  Before we left he gave me a Bremont ball cap, newsletter, magazines, and a wealth of knowledge about the brand.  Thanks, Paul!

My Bremont in front of Bremont

If you are a fan of Bremont and happen to be in London, I recommend a visit to the Bremont Boutique, City of London, at Royal Exchange.

Thick business cards

12 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange

London,  EC3V 3LQ

England

+44 (0) 207 220 7134

royalexchange@bremont.com

For more information visit Bremont.com

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - November 2015

When it gets to this time of the month, I get kinda excited.  Are we able to make it a telemarketer-free month?  It is rare, and has happened, usually during holiday.  Ah, but not this time.

24 November 2015
   949-440-1374  Irvine, CA - Just in time for Thanksgiving.  This year, I am thankful for Caller ID, as it allows me to ignore these fucking telemarketers.  I wonder if telemarketers work on Thanksgiving...not like they have family or friends.  I guess we will find out in a few days.  Anyway, fuck you, like a turkey getting stuffed.

Bremont Loot

Prizes from Alt1tude Forum

Remember that Halloween Competition I entered?  Well, I won!  Here are the prizes.

• Bremont keychain with knurled orange barrel as seen on the Martin Baker range of watches.
• Bremont polo shirt with embroidered logo on chest and sleeve
• Bremont newsletter

During my visit to Bremont, I almost purchased one of these keychains and even asked about shirts.  They did not have any shirts and I did not get the keychain.  More on my visit later.  I guess it was a good thing I did not get those items then.  Winning free stuff is better than buying that same stuff.

Again, I would like to thank jwalker9 and everyone at Alt1tude for putting together the event. Special thanks to Mike Pearson and Bremont for providing the prizes for the competition. 

Depeche Mode is English Heritage

English Heritage logo

I was recently in England and visited Stonehenge, the rock formations made famous (at least to me) by English band Spinal Tap, with their hit song Stonehenge. 

Spinal Tap performing Stonehenge with dancing Druids

I saw signs for English Heritage around the 'lobby' and gift shop area.  English Heritage is a registered charity organization that looks over the National Heritage Collection, founded in 1983.  From their site: 

English Heritage cares for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites - from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of the empire to a Cold War bunker. Through these, we bring the story of England to life for over 10 million people each year. We are a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.

While I have been to England a few times before, I had never noticed this agency before.  What really caught my eye was the logo.  It reminded me of this:

Depeche Mode - Sounds of the Universe

Take a look at Depeche Mode's 2009 album cover for Sounds of the Universe.  What?  Yeah, that is what I thought. 

Sounds of the Universe is Stonehenge

Check out the overhead hot of Stonehenge.  I mean, you have a circle and it looks like it could be rubble...fallen stones.  Heck, they pretty much lines up perfectly.  Sounds of the universe...stars...astronomy...the sun...sunset...winter and summer solstice...English band...English country side.  I think we have something here.  We would have to ask Anton Corbijn or someone from Depeche Mode to confirm.  But it seems to me that Sounds of the Universe is Stonehenge!  No!  I mean, yeah...it could be. 

What I am getting at is this.  Take a closer look at the DM logo.

Sounds of the Universe are DM logo designed by Anton Corbijn

What?  I know!  It looks a lot like the English Heritage logo.  Yes, this totally means that Depeche Mode is indeed English Heritage.

I Am the New Face of Bremont

Okay, I am not the face of Bremont.  But, there is (or was, depending on when you read this) a competition on the ALT1TUDE forum to post a Halloween themed Bremont photo.  There are cool prizes for the winner, so it will be worth it to enter.

The things I do to try to win a contest

 My idea was to 'become the face of Bremont'.  Simply put, I will paint my face to look like the face of a Bremont ALT1-C.  Ha ha, face...get it?  I rushed to the 99 Cent to pick up some face paint, hoping that there will be some supplies in stock.  Looking for Halloween supplies on Halloween, I am sure there are plenty of supplies.  Luckily, there were a few packs of cheap 99 cents face paint left, enough to do what I need to do.  Here is the process:

Mixing face paint and colour matching

For 99 cents, you get some cheap stuff and not a lot of options as far as colour.  I wanted to match the anthracite of my watch, so I had to mix the paint to get a grey.

Applying the base colour

Once the colour was mixed, I dabbed it on with a makeup sponge.

Painting the whites

You cannot get last-minute-99-cent makeup in silver.  I used a thin coat white over the grey (that way it mutes the white) to represent the silver parts of the watch.

Lettering backwards

This was the fun part, painting the words.  Using my watch as reference, I had to reverse the image in my head first, then paint it using a mirror.

Adding the logo

Trying to match font is hard, especially with a crappy brush.  I did my best.  Note that I have the older version of the watch with the original logo and Swiss Made on the dial.  So, 'Swiss Made' is on my chin, instead of 'London'.

Painting numbers

Painting the numbers on the side of my face was tricky, as it was harder to see out of the corners of my eyes, versus looking straight into the mirror. Oh, and there is that reversing issue, too.

Smaller details in black

Once done with the white paint, the cheap brush is cleaned and on to black paint for the numbers on the sub-dial and date.  I had to go back and paint some markers along the circumference of the dial.  Final touch is the red on the chronograph second hand.

Finished

This project took me about two hours.  I think it turned out okay...definitely an improvement to my regular face.  Hoping to win something in the competition.