Bremont is set to move into its new Henley manufactory in December after several months fitting out the former oak saw mill to fit the demands of watchmaking.
The relocation of Bremont’s UK production is expected to create about 10 new jobs in the coming six months, with the brand eyeing international expansion into markets including South America, where Brazil is leading the boom in demand for luxury products.
According to a report in the Henley Standard, Bremont has almost doubled its production in the past year, with an output of around 6,000 watches a year.
Bremont strives to have as many of its watch parts and assembly carried out in the UK, though a number of its complications and movements are manufactured in Switzerland, owing to the manufacturing constraints of the UK watch industry.
It is thought that more than 40 people will be employed at the Henley HQ, with the number set to grow through Bremont’s introduction of an apprenticeship scheme.
Nick English told the newspaper: “We’ll be looking for good people to join us. We’re finding the quality of the watchmakers here [in the UK] is phenomenal. These guys have been locked away for 20 years but now we’re digging them out and they’re proving to be fantastic.”
The brand received a £700,000 grant from HSBC to support its expansion into overseas markets beyond the US and Asia. The money has also helped to fund the new manufactory’s development.
Bremont will make an appearance at the Salon QP watch show in London, which opens later this week. It will play host to Lord Nelson’s 18ct gold pocket watch, and will also showcase its own Victory timepiece, created in homage to Nelson.
