Bremont had quite a few hot new pieces at Baselworld 2015, and while we’ve already shown you the new Boeing titanium GMT models, I wanted to share what I think is something of a sleeper hit among their new releases, the Bremont ALT1-ZT. The ZT is an update to the original ALT1-Z, an aviation inspired chronograph that was part of Bremont’s original line up back in 2007. While the Bremont ALT1-ZT doesn’t outright replace the Z, it does offer an entirely different spin that reflects Bremont’s current design language and packs a really pleasing wrist presence.

The original ALT1-Z line up has seen many different dial colors, but all have stemmed from a military look crossed with elements of an aviation gauge cluster (see the split black/white seconds register at nine, meant to look like a horizon indicator). The original design is undoubtedly part of Bremont’s early DNA, but many of the design’s elements were seen only in the ALT1-Z range. After the introduction of the somewhat more buttoned-down ALT1-WT Worldtimer, and the success of the ALT1-C/PW, a more reserved iteration of Bremont’s core GMT chronograph is easily understood.

Though I’m not entirely sure why, as I sat in the Bremont booth at Baselworld, confronted with a table of new models, I was drawn to the ALT1-ZT. Perhaps it is the more muted style or the subtle similarities to one of my favorite chronographs, the Jaeger-LeCoutlre Deep Sea Chrono. Regardless, it was not an easy one to put down.

Aside from the design, the Bremont ALT1-ZT offers the same multi-role functionality of the ALT1-Z. You get a 12-hour chronograph, independent GMT hand with Roto-Click adjustable 24-hour bezel and a date at three, all managed by Bremont’s BE-54AE, which is their expression of an ETA 7750 with a GMT module. This platform offers a huge amount of functionality and, with the adjustable 24-hour bezel, you can even track a third timezone if the need should arise.

The case is Bremont’s excellent 43mm Trip Tick design that uses hardened steel for excellent scratch resistance (2000 Vickers), and you get a domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal up front and a sapphire display case back that allows a view of Bremont’s custom rotor and movement finishing. With a new dial style that uses applied Superluminova markers, the Bremont ALT1-ZT is assembled in England and proudly displays “London” on the six o’clock sub dial.

Being white markers and hands on a black dial, legibility is great, and on wrist, the Bremont ALT1-ZT feels tough and capable but not brash. If the ALT1-Z and the ALT-1B are Bremont’s most casual/sporty chronograph designs, and the ALT1-C/PW is about as dressy as any chronograph they offer, then the Bremont ALT1-ZT sits somewhere in between the two. It’s classic without being dressy, and sporting without looking like a hardcore piece of military equipment.

I know it may be the quietest of the new Bremont releases, but I really like the Bremont ALT1-ZT. GMT chronographs are a key element of  Bremont’s brand identity, so I doubt they took this ALT1-Z re-imagining lightly. With a list price of $6595, the Bremont ALT1-ZT falls squarely into the middle of Bremont’s current price range but offers a nicely updated spin on a watch with solid functionality and a signature Bremont flare. bremont.com