Alongside its various core-collection models, Swiss independent brand Brellum also produces a handful of small-batch limited editions each year, and with a total annual output of only 299 watches (and with every single one of them being a COSC-certified chronometer), Brellum’s limited-edition models each exists in a total quantity of less than a few dozen examples. As its latest new release of 2023, Brellum has released the third limited-edition version of its dual-time pilot’s chronograph, and the new Brellum Pilot LE.3 GMT Chronometer expands upon the blueprint of the original aviation-themed model with a metallic green dial and a brown leather strap.
The new Brellum Pilot LE.3 GMT Chronometer is essentially the green dial version of the original white dial limited-edition model that made its debut appearance at the beginning of this year. I had the opportunity to review the second limited edition within this series that is fitted with a matte blue dial, and you can read my full review of the Brellum Pilot LE.2 GMT Chronometer if you’d like my thoughts on this particular model and how it wears on the wrist. For those who don’t feel like reading the review, I’m objectively a fan of Brellum’s chronographs, and the brand delivers a very well-executed timepiece for a price that ultimately feels rather fair in a world where most of the big-name Swiss brands are releasing automatic chronographs that fall somewhere into the five-figure territory.
Since the new Brellum Pilot LE.3 GMT Chronometer is structurally the same as the previous two limited-edition models within this series, it features the same brushed and polished stainless steel case that measures 41.8mm in diameter by 15.9mm thick, with 22mm lugs and an overall lug-to-lug profile of approximately 51.8mm. The two box-shaped sapphire crystals account for a significant portion of the watch’s overall height, and without the crystals, the actual case only measures 11.7mm thick, which helps to mitigate what might otherwise be a rather chunky presence on the wrist. Additionally, just like the previous two limited-edition Pilot GMT models, the right-hand side of the case on the new LE.3 GMT Chronometer is fitted with a signed winding crown flanked by a set of pump-style pushers, while water resistance comes in at 100 meters to protect against all forms of daily contact.
Where the new Brellum Pilot LE.3 GMT Chronometer differs from its two limited-edition predecessors is when it comes to its dial. Rather than being fitted with a white or matte blue dial like the first two Pilot LE GMT models, this latest version features a metallic green dial with satin-finished indexes and a trio of recessed chronograph registers. As with the rest of Brellum’s watches, the Pilot LE.3 GMT Chronometer features its sub-dials arranged in a 6-9-12 layout, and it also includes a date window positioned within the chronograph register at the 6 o’clock location. Additionally, similar to the other two limited-edition models from this series, the new green dial Pilot LE.3 GMT receives small bright red accents on the tip of its GMT hand and chronograph seconds hand, along with the “GMT” text that resides within the minutes totalizer on the upper half of the dial.
Powering the new Brellum Pilot LE.3 GMT Chronometer is the same Caliber BR-754 automatic chronograph GMT movement that you will find inside its two limited-edition predecessors. Based upon the design of the proven Valjoux 7754, the Brellum Cal. BR-754 runs at a frequency of 28,800vph (4 Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 46 hours, and as a COSC-certified chronometer, the movement is guaranteed to keep time within the stringent standards of -4/+6 seconds per day. Additionally, the Cal. BR-754 inside the Pilot LE.3 GMT Chronometer is decorated the same as its siblings with perlage, blued screws, Geneva stripes, and a custom skeletonized rotor that is finished in 4N gold and adorned with an airplane emblem, along with each watch’s individual limited-edition number out of a total of 27 examples.
Similar to its two limited-edition siblings, the new Brellum Pilot LE.3 GMT Chronometer comes with both a stainless steel bracelet and a two-piece leather strap. The bracelet features a five-link design with a folding clasp that operates with a double push-button release, while the strap is made from brown Nubuck leather and is completed by a signed stainless steel folding clasp. Based on the photos, the leather strap appears to be the brown version of what can be found on the blue dial Pilot LE.2 GMT, which means that it is quite comfortable, and in addition to forming an integrated appearance with the case, the fitted ends also help to form a natural curve with the case to further create an organic shape that matches the profile of the human wrist.
Despite their different dials and straps, all three of the brand’s limited-edition pilot’s chronographs cost the exact same, and the new green dial Brellum Pilot LE.3 GMT Chronometer is accompanied by an official retail price of CHF 3,150 (or approximately $3,500 USD, at the time of writing). Additionally, unlike the previous two models, which were each produced as limited editions of 23 pieces, there will be 27 examples of the new green dial Pilot LE.3 GMT, although we are still only talking about a relative handful of watches. Provided that its dimensions aren’t too large for your wrist, the Brellum Pilot LE.3 GMT Chronometer ultimately represents a very compelling overall package, as you are getting a COSC-certified chronograph with a GMT complication that is presented inside of a very well-executed overall package. For more information on the Brellum Pilot LE.3 GMT Chronometer, please visit the brand’s website.
