If we all worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true is really true, there would be little hope of advance.

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2 If we all worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true is really true, there would be little hope of advance. Orville Wright Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 1

3 2 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition

4 Contents Bremont Watch Company History Takes to the Skies The Wright Brothers History The Control Conundrum The 1903 Wright Flyer Kitty Hawk First Flight Damaged Beyond Repair The Fabric The Wright Legacy The Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Technical Features Watch Functions Operating Instructions Watch Care Servicing International Warranty

5 Bremont Watch Company Time began for Bremont when we embarked on a journey to make beautifully crafted pilot s watches of exceptional quality. Flying historic aircraft has been in our blood from an early age, as has our love for watches, history, and all things mechanical. The timepieces had to be tested beyond any normal call of duty (not just in the workshop), and of course be immensely precise and durable. For a brand like Bremont, which has so much of its DNA deeply rooted in the world of aviation, to be able to work with incredibly historic and, in many people s opinion, priceless material from the 1903 Wright Flyer is a real honour. The Wright Flyer inaugurated the age of aviation with the world s first powered, heavier-than-air, flying machine on the 17th December 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. With Orville Wright at the controls, the brothers made history making the first flight which lasted 12 seconds at 120 feet. The original fabric from the 1903 Wright Flyer is carefully integrated into the rotor of the proprietary and unique BWC/01 movement which in itself is a work or art, with much of the design and build taking place in the UK. The Bremont Wright Flyer is then skilfully assembled and tested on British shores at the Bremont workshops. Nick & Giles English, Bremont Co-founders 6 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 07

6 History takes to the Skies Left: The Wright brothers fly over France in an early Wright Flyer model. As you see an airliner soar overhead or watch wartime footage of fighters furiously defending European skies, cast your mind back further to where it all began. On a cold December day in 1903, the Wright Flyer flew. The world s first successful powered flying machine was the ground-breaking invention of two brothers from Dayton, Ohio. Wilbur and Orville Wright were not scientists, they only had high school educations. Unlike other inventors of the period, they received no sponsorship to fund their endeavours. With perseverance and ingenuity, they were the first to master the principles of controlled flight, enabling an incredible century of aviation development. Their pioneering techniques and systems remain fundamental in modern aircraft design. Remembered as the forefathers of flight, the Wright brothers and their remarkable Wright Flyer truly made history. 08 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 09

7 The Wright Brothers History Brought up by loving parents who encouraged creativity and intellectual pursuits, the Wright brothers credited a simple toy with sparking a lifelong curiosity. In 1878 their father presented them with a small toy helicopter made from cork, bamboo and paper and propelled by a rubber band. Seeing it fly delighted the small boys and inspired 11-year-old Wilbur to recreate larger versions of the helicopter. He was baffled when his constructions could not fly, not yet understanding a bigger helicopter required greater propulsion. Younger brother Orville developed an interest in publishing, and after leaving school recruited Wilbur to help produce the West Side News, a newspaper for West Dayton residents. The pair spotted a new business opportunity in 1890 when a craze for safety bicycles (featuring two equal sized wheels) swept America. Using their knowledge as keen cyclists and bicycle mechanics, they opened the Wright Cycle Company and were soon selling their own innovative designs. Business flourished, and later enabled them to fund their aeronautical experiments. The developing but dangerous pursuit of flight was making headlines in RIGHT: The Wright brothers. Wilbur (left) and Orville (right). ABOVE: The Wright Cycle Company workshop. That summer, celebrated aeronautical pioneer Otto Lilienthal died from injuries sustained in a glider crash. A German engineer and mathematician, he proved that human flight was possible by completing over 2,000 flights in his glider designs. 10 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 11

8 When the news reached the Wright brothers, Wilbur considered lack of proper control the cause of Lilienthal s demise. The brothers set their minds to solving this problem, spending many hours observing birds to discover the feathered masters aerial secrets. The Control Conundrum A breakthrough came in 1899 whilst Wilbur chatted to a customer. Idly toying with an inner tube box, as he twisted it from opposing diagonal corners he realised the same principle could be applied to biplane wings. Within weeks he had built the Wright Kite. Based on the pre-existing Chanute-Herring glider design, he attached control wires to the biplane kite s wings which ran to hand-held sticks. To his delight the system worked. He had invented wing-warping, the forerunner to the aileron principle. RIGHT: No design plans for the Wright Kite survived, so Wilbur made this sketch in Note the control wires used to warp the wings. The brothers set to work building a larger piloted version, incorporating various design improvements and a kickbar to operate the control wires. An elevator added to the front allowed the pilot, lying prone, to control the pitch. Wilbur contacted glider designer Octave Chanute, saying: For some years I have been afflicted with the belief that flight is possible to man. My disease has increased in severity and I feel that it will soon cost me an increased amount of money if not my life. He explained their progress and asked Chanute s advice on a suitable test flight location where they could depend on, winds of about fifteen miles per hour without rain or too inclement weather. Comparing Chanute s suggestions with data from the US Weather Bureau, one location seemed apt. 12 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 13

9 Wilbur and Orville Wright standing alongside one of their early Wright Flyer aircraft at the Huffman Prairie hangar.

10 the 1903 wright flyer Kitty Hawk LEFT: Accurately re-drawn blueprints of the 1903 Wright Flyer. Known as the site where the first human flight occurred, the North Carolina Outer Banks are 200 miles of windswept, narrow barrier islands, formed over time by wind, tide and sand. Wilbur found the open beaches and large sand dunes near the town of Kitty Hawk ideal for testing their designs. When the 1900 glider did not generate enough lift to carry a pilot, they returned the following year with an improved larger version. Lift was still an issue, and they were disheartened to discover a new problem, adverse yaw, which mysteriously caused the glider to swing in the opposite direction when turning. On their return to Dayton a dejected Wilbur stated: Not within a thousand years would man ever fly. To improve lift, they built a wind tunnel and tested miniature metal wings. By carefully recording their data and applying the results to improve their design they inadvertently created a new scientific technique. Learning that a parabolic wing would improve lift, their elegant 1902 glider proved vastly superior to earlier models but yaw was still problematic. Orville voiced the solution, suggesting they counteract the unwanted movement by transforming the fixed tail into a vertical movable rudder. Now considered their greatest achievement, the brothers had conquered the issue of control by mastering pitch, roll and yaw. Signalling a major breakthrough in aircraft design, the 1902 glider was the first aircraft to have a three-axis control system. Their next challenge was power. 16 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 17

11 On their return to Dayton the brothers constructed a small engine, and hand carved two 8.5 foot spruce propellers. Upon arrival at Kitty Hawk in September 1903 they assembled the first Wright Flyer, their largest machine yet. Mechanical issues delayed proceedings until finally, on December 14, Wilbur took the helm for their first attempt at powered flight. Albeit brief and ending with a gentle crash, it proved the Flyer worked. The brothers sent a telegram home which read: Misjudgement at start reduced flight... success assured keep quiet. First Flight LEFT: The Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition features 1903 on the subdial, the year of the Wright brothers first flight. The morning of 17 December dawned grey and cold, with a strong north-easterly wind buffeting icy puddles amongst the dunes. By 10:30 the Flyer was positioned on its launching rail with the engine running. John T Daniels, a local assisting the brothers, recalled their actions: After a while they shook hands, and we couldn t help notice how they held on to each other s hand, sort o like they hated to let go; like two folks parting who weren t sure they d ever see each other again. At 10:35, Orville released the restraining wire. The flying machine travelled along the rail with Wilbur running alongside to hold the wing steady. As it launched into the air Daniels fired the camera, capturing that iconic moment. The Flyer lurched up and down with Orville desperately attempting to counteract the pitching movement. A downward pitch ended the flight, but he touched down safely having travelled 120 feet in 12 seconds. Their small gathering had witnessed history being made at Kitty Hawk Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 19

12 Orville taking first flight with Wilbur running alongside at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, 17 December 1903.

13 Damaged Beyond Repair The brothers made three more flights, each one progressively longer and more controlled. On the fourth flight Wilbur covered 852 feet in 59 seconds airborne. After carrying the machine back to the launch site disaster struck. Orville recorded in his diary: We set the machine down a few feet west of the building, and while standing about discussing the last flight, a sudden gust of wind struck the machine and started to turn it over. All rushed to stop it. When the wind released the Flyer, it was damaged beyond repair, ending its short but illustrious career. RIGHT: Telegram sent to their father on 17 December 1903, complete with errors made by the telegraph operator. LEFT: Orville Wright s diary from Entry notes the first successful airplane flight. 22 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 23

14 The Fabric The Wright Flyer s wings were encompassed in unbleached Pride of the West muslin, hand-stitched in place by Wilbur. After sustaining damage at Kitty Hawk, the Flyer was crated up and stored in a Dayton basement. When the Miami River burst its banks in 1913, the basement flooded leaving the aircraft sat in mud and water for eleven days. In 1916 Orville repaired and restored the Flyer for a series of static displays, leaving only the outer wing panels covered in original fabric. A further restoration in 1925 saw all the fabric replaced anew. When Orville passed away in 1948, his family discovered he had kept large portions of the 1903 fabric, and over time small parts were donated to aeronautical friends and institutions. So important is it to aviation history, that when Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in 1969, he carried a piece of the Wright Flyer fabric sewn into the inside lining of his spacesuit. right: The precious wing fabric from the original Wright Flyer is incorporated into the centre of each Bremont Wright Flyer rotor (left). 24 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 25

15 The WRIGHT LEGACY LEFT: The Wright brothers fly over Berlin in By 1905 the brothers had developed their invention into a practical aircraft, and were ready to sell their design. Preferring to work in secret, their achievements had largely been ignored by the press. It took three years to silence doubters and convince the world their claims were true. The desired sales contracts soon followed and by 1909 they had become world-famous American heroes, piloting Wright Flyer displays across the globe to an adoring public enamoured with all things aviation. The Wright Company was formed in 1910 to manufacture their aircraft but only two years later, Wilbur contracted typhoid and died aged 45. Without his beloved brother, Orville lost motivation and sold the Wright Company in He remained a key figure in aviation circles and by his death in 1948 had witnessed incredible progression in aircraft design, thanks in no small part to the remarkable work he and Wilbur carried out. The 1903 Wright Flyer spent two decades on display at the Science Museum, due to a long-running rift between the Wright brothers and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. The Smithsonian credited a 1903 machine that failed to fly, the Langley Aerodrome, as the first man-carrying aeroplane in the history of the world capable of sustained free flight. Orville, furious, considered this an outrageous slight on the brothers legacy. In protest he loaned the brothers great American aeronautical achievement to London s Science Museum in Orville said: I regret more than anyone else that this course of action is necessary. However, America s loss was Great Britain s gain. 26 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 27

16 During World War II, the Flyer was moved far from the Blitz to the safety of an underground vault away from the city. Finally, in 1942, the Smithsonian changed its stance and credited the Wright Flyer as history s first powered, piloted aeroplane. Before returning the Flyer to the USA, the Science Museum created a replica to exhibit. In 1948 Orville passed away so did not see the Wright Flyer take pride of place on permanent display in the Smithsonian later that year. At the Flyer display s grand opening ceremony, British Ambassador Sir Oliver Franks commented: It is a little as if we had before us the original wheel. LEFT: The original 1903 Wright Flyer now takes pride of place on permanent display in the Smithsonian. 28 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 29

17 The BREMONT WRIGHT FLYER limited edition Bremont Watch Company is delighted to have cooperated with the Wright family and The Wright Brothers USA to produce this totally unique watch that contains a piece of fabric from the Wright Flyer that made the world s first free, controlled and sustained flight in a power-driven heavier-than-air flying machine on December 17, Your Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition shows you the time in hours, minutes and seconds. The mechanical BWC/01 movement with automatic winding has a free-swinging rotor that keeps the mainspring wound via the motion of your wrist. The BWC/01 has 25 jewels, runs at 28,800bph and has a 50+ hour power reserve. The watch is water resistant to 10ATM (100m) and has a dial which features 1903 the year of the first flight, which is protected by a domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal. 30 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 31

18 Technical Features THE BREMONT BWC/01 (RIGHT) Bremont BWC/ mm Automatic with 25 jewels, Glucydur balance, Nivarox CT balance spring and Nivaflex 1 mainspring. Highly efficient double reverser bi-directional winding mechanism to achieve 28,800bph and 50+ hour power reserve. The BWC/01 is elegant and beautifully finished with many of its constituent parts being crafted at Bremont s workshops. ROTOR Each Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition rotor features some of the original muslin material used to cover the Wright brothers 1903 Wright Flyer aircraft. The muslin has been laser cut and is retained behind a sapphire crystal window. CASE Polished stainless steel, rose gold or white gold. All versions feature Bremont s Trip-Tick case construction with integrated decoration ring. 43mm case diameter with standard 22mm lug width and a case thickness of 14mm including the crystal. CASE BACK Exhibition type with integrated domed sapphire crystal, secured with 4 polished headed screws. Engraved markings with specific limited edition serial number. DIAL Metal dial with black or white base colour, decorated with period numerals and Wright Flyer 1903 sub-dial. Bespoke Bremont SuperLumiNova luminous coating. HANDS Central hour and minute hand with a running seconds hand at 9 o clock. CRYSTAL Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal. WATER RESISTANCE Water resistant to 10 ATM, 100 metres. STRAP Alligator strap with pin buckle to complement case material. 32 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 33

19 34 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 35

20 WATCH FUNCTIONS Bremont Watch Company would like to congratulate you most sincerely on your purchase of a Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition. We have developed our timepieces over several years to cater for those that demand more out of their mechanical watch. Bremont s aim has always been to produce a watch of exceptional quality that will last several lifetimes, and one that feels particularly special when placed on the wrist. 1 2 Please observe the following functions of your Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition: I II 1. Hour hand 2. Minute hand 3. Second hand 4. Setting crown - 2 positions (I, II) Unscrew anti-clockwise to reach position I Position I allows the watch winding. Position II allows the setting of the time Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 37

21 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS To ensure that this rather special watch continues to run beautifully for years to come you must follow a few important operating instructions: I II WINDING THE WATCH (I) Your watch has a screw-in crown. The purpose of the screw-in crown is to protect the watch from penetrating water and to avoid unintentional adjustment of the time. To unscrew the crown, rotate anti-clockwise and once unscrewed it will automatically assume position I. Your watch can be wound from crown position I by rotating the crown in a clockwise motion. The movement will automatically start with just a few revolutions of the rotor, however it is better to wind the movement fully with revolutions of the crown. By doing this you will achieve maximum accuracy and have a power reserve of 50+ hours, even when the watch is not on your wrist. Ensure that the crown is screwed back in after winding the watch. This can be achieved by gently pressing the crown down whilst rotating it in a clockwise direction. I II SETTING THE TIME (II) Pull the crown out to position II, you can now position the minute and hour hands exactly. Ensure that the crown is pushed back to position I and is then screwed back in after setting the time. This can be achieved by gently pressing the crown down whilst rotating it in a clockwise direction. 38 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 39

22 WATCH CARE The testing that Bremont Watch Company puts all of its watches through may appear excessive, whether it is for timekeeping precision for every chronometer, temperature, shock and scratch resistance, or the pressure testing in all of our models. Although Bremont watches have more than proved their resilience before they are released from our workshop, we want to ensure that the enjoyment that comes from wearing a Bremont watch lasts generations. We therefore recommend that, where possible, the following tips for watch care are observed. CLEANING Use warm water followed by a microfibre cloth to clean metal and sapphire. CROWN Ensure that the crown is screwed in to prevent entry of water into the mechanism. SEA WATER Wash with fresh water following exposure to saline water. SHOCKS AND JOLTS Avoid any heavy shocks to the watch. TEMPERATURE Keeping the watch in contact with the wrist will help minimize any exposure to extremes. Bremont recommends that you do not wear your watch near hot water, for example in the shower, steam room or jacuzzi. Extreme changes in temperature can cause moisture to permeate the seals and cause condensation to form inside of the watch. CHEMICALS Wash with warm fresh water if it is exposed to solvents etc. to avoid damage to seals and watch straps. MAGNETIC FIELDS Avoid contact with electrical equipment and strong magnets such as speakers, magnetic tablet case covers and radio alarm clocks. 40 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 41

23 Servicing Every part of your watch has been carefully chosen from the best selection of materials available. In spite of this, a number of parts will always be subject to natural wear. It is therefore important that these points of wear are always kept lubricated. We recommend that you have a maintenance service carried out every 3 to 5 years. Only a certified Bremont agent should carry out the servicing of a Bremont watch. To find your nearest repair and service centre please contact Bremont Watch Servicing on: +44 (0) or customerservice@bremont.com 42 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 43

24 INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY The following warranty applies to watches sold by Bremont directly or through a Bremont Authorised Retailer only. Congratulations on your Bremont timepiece which has been hand assembled at the Bremont watch making facility in Henley-on-Thames, England. Each timepiece has undergone strict quality control and testing procedures by our highly skilled Bremont watchmakers. Should you experience an issue with your Bremont watch, please contact your Authorised Retailer to arrange for your timepiece to be sent to a Bremont Service Centre. Only Bremont Authorised Service Centres are entitled to perform service and warranty work for the purposes of this warranty. Any work undertaken by a non-bremont authorised agent will invalidate this warranty. Your Bremont watch is covered under warranty against manufacturing defects for 3 years from date of original purchase. In order for work to be carried out under warranty, you will be required to present, with your Bremont watch and an explanation of the alleged defects, the duly completed, dated and stamped (by the Authorised Retailer at the time of original purchase) warranty card that relates to your Bremont watch. You are responsible for any transportation costs, including but not limited to postage, packaging materials and insurance in returning your watch for repair. After warranted works are completed, your watch will be returned to you at Bremont s cost. You will be responsible for such costs and, in those circumstances, the costs incurred in returning the watch to you whether or not such works are subsequently undertaken at your request. The warranty does not cover straps and clasps or defects and damage caused by: A. Theft, loss, fire or damage through natural causes; B. Deliberate misuse, negligence or accidents; C. Improper use (knocks, dents, scratches etc.) D. Repairs/servicing not provided by an Authorised Bremont Service Centre; E. Regular wear and tear. For the Bremont International Warranty to remain valid, service and warranty work must be carried out by an Authorised Bremont Service Centre. Work carried out by other parties will result in the warranty being invalidated. In order to ensure that your Bremont mechanical timepiece is running to its full potential for years to come, it will require regular maintenance and Bremont advises that you arrange a full service by an authorised Bremont Service Centre, every 3 to 5 years and the costs of such servicing work are not covered by this warranty but all such servicing works are separately warranted at the relevant time. In the event that, following receipt of your watch, the required works are not covered by this warranty, you will be contacted and a quote for undertaking any required repair or other work will be given to you. 44 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition 45

25 Proceeds from the Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition will help to restore the Wright brothers family home in Dayton, Ohio to its former glory. CONTACT Bremont Watch Company PO BOX 4741, Henley-on-Thames Oxfordshire RG9 9BZ England Tel: +44 (0) The Wright Brothers and other marks and by The Wright Family Foundation, LLC, used under license through The Wright Brothers USA, LLC. Royalties earned pursuant to this license benefit The Wright Family Foundation, LLC and its mission of preserving the legacy of the Wright brothers. Acknowledgements The Bremont Wright Brothers Wright Wright Flyer Limited State University/Planepix Edition 47

26 It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill. WILBUR Wright 48 Bremont Wright Flyer Limited Edition

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