The Bremont U-2/51-JET is a 43 mm automatic chronometer whose most distinctive feature is an inner, bidirectional timing bezel operated by the crown at 4 o’clock. Its black DLC-treated case, vintage-style “51” lume and blue hands give it a stealth-inspired look, while its 100 m water resistance and 22 mm lug width make the specifications practical as well as distinctive. Bremont now marks this edition as retired from its catalogue, so its Australian page price should not be mistaken for proof of current availability.
What makes the U-2/51-JET distinctive?
The watch’s most useful point of difference is its inner timing bezel. Rather than turning an external bezel, the wearer operates the bidirectional ring with the crown at 4 o’clock. Hodinkee’s hands-on coverage describes the Roto-Click indexing mechanism and notes the twin-crown arrangement. That setup keeps the timing scale inside the case, though it adds a second crown to learn and use.
The model also departs visually from the U-2 dial layout Hodinkee describes as having oversized 6, 9 and 12 numerals, hour hashes, and day/date. The U-2/51-JET instead emphasizes its “51” numerals and a date display at 3 o’clock.
Design and case
Bremont says the design drew on a project commissioned by members of RAF 100 Squadron for the squadron’s centenary and to complement its Hawk T1 aircraft. The company connects the stealth-like appearance to the black Jet case and barrel, and identifies the vintage “51” lume as a reference also used on its P-51. The hands are blue and heat-treated, according to Bremont.
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#1 Best Overall
- FUNCTIONS Hour/minute/second, date and day at 3H.
- Modified calibre 11 1/2''' BE-36AE automatic chronometer, 25 jewels, glucydur balance. Anachron balance spring, Nivaflex 1 mainspring, 28,800 bph, 38 hour power reserve, Bremont moulded and skeletised decorated rotor.
- RATINGS & CERTIFICATION Chronometer rated to ISO 3159 standard.
The case uses Bremont’s stainless-steel DLC Trip-Tick construction, with a black Jet barrel. The back is DLC-coated stainless steel with tinted smoked glass and six screws. A double anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the metal dial. These are manufacturer descriptions; Hodinkee’s coverage provides an independent account of the twin crowns and bezel operation, but not a controlled durability or performance test.
Bremont U-2/51-JET specifications
| Specification | Details listed by Bremont |
|---|---|
| Case diameter | 43 mm |
| Lug width | 22 mm |
| Case | Stainless-steel DLC Trip-Tick construction with black Jet barrel |
| Bezel | Patented inner bidirectional Roto-Click timing bezel, operated by the 4 o’clock crown |
| Movement | Modified automatic calibre 11 1/2”’ BE-36AE chronometer; 25 jewels; Glucydur balance; Anachron balance spring; Nivaflex 1 mainspring |
| Frequency | 28,800 beats per hour |
| Power reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds and date at 3 o’clock |
| Dial and hands | Metal dial; Super-LumiNova-coated numerals; blue hands |
| Crystal | Double anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire |
| Caseback | DLC stainless steel with tinted black smoked glass and six DLC screws |
| Water resistance | 10 ATM / 100 metres |
| Straps listed | Black leather with black stitching, plus an additional Temple Island rubber strap |
| Chronometer standard | Bremont describes the movement as rated to ISO 3159 |
Specifications are from Bremont’s model page; the page does not establish independent test results for this review.
Rank #2
- FUNCTIONS Hour/minute/second, date and day at 3H.
- Modified calibre 11 1/2''' BE-36AE automatic chronometer, 25 jewels, glucydur balance. Anachron balance spring, Nivaflex 1 mainspring, 28,800 bph, 38 hour power reserve, Bremont moulded and skeletised decorated rotor.
- RATINGS & CERTIFICATION Chronometer rated to ISO 3159 standard.
How the watch may wear and operate
Size and strap fit
At 43 mm across, the U-2/51-JET is not a small pilot watch. Case diameter alone does not determine wrist fit, and the available material does not provide a lug-to-lug measurement. The listed 22 mm lug width is a useful starting point if you are looking for replacement straps, but confirm attachment and fit for the exact reference before buying.
Using the timing bezel
The 4 o’clock crown controls the inner bidirectional timing ring. Hodinkee describes it as indexing through Bremont’s Roto-Click mechanism. This is a different interaction from a conventional external rotating bezel: the timing scale is operated with the crown rather than directly at the case edge. The source describes the mechanism but does not provide a quantified test of its precision or wear resistance.
Rank #3
- MOVEMENT Modified calibre 13 ¼''' BE-54AE automatic chronometer, 25 jewels, Glucydur balance, Anachron balance spring, Nivaflex 1 mainspring, 28,800bph, 42 hour power reserve, GMT functionality. Bremont Boeing skeletonised decorated rotor.
- FUNCTIONS Hour, minute, second hands. Chronograph small counters with seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours and 24H GMT hand with date at 4.5H.
- CASE Boeing aviation-grade Ti 6-4 titanium with bi-directional rotating bezel with Super-LumiNova. Bremont Trip-Tick construction with scratch resistant DLC treated case barrel. Case diameter 43mm, lug width 22mm.
- DIAL Metal dial with Super-LumiNova coated hands and numerals.
- Chronometer rated to ISO 3159 standard.
Winding and strap changes
Bremont’s U-2/U-22 technical notes say the automatic movement has a 38-hour reserve when fully wound and recommend 30–40 crown revolutions for a full wind. These are family-level instructions, not a reference-specific service procedure; follow guidance for the particular watch and its condition. The same notes describe removing and fitting straps with a spring-bar tool. Take care not to mark the DLC finish, and confirm the strap and spring bars are appropriate for the individual watch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Availability and price
Bremont’s Australian product page labels the U-2/51-JET “No Longer Available” and says it has officially retired from the catalogue. The page displays A$8,000; that is a regional manufacturer-page price, not a current universal price, a resale valuation, or confirmation that a new example is in stock. Bremont’s catalogue status does not establish whether a particular authorized dealer or secondhand seller has one available.
Rank #4
- chronometer with 38-hour power reserve
If you are shopping, search the exact reference and check that a listing is for the U-2/51-JET rather than another U-2 variant. Ask the seller to confirm the reference, condition, service history, included straps, and the details of any warranty or return policy. The manufacturer page lists both a black leather strap and an additional Temple Island rubber strap, but a used-watch listing does not guarantee both are included.
Quick Recap
Who should consider the U-2/51-JET?
- It may suit you if you want a blacked-out 43 mm pilot-style watch with a crown-operated inner timing bezel, a 22 mm strap width, and a distinctive lume-and-hands combination.
- Consider the trade-offs if you prefer a smaller case, a simpler single-crown layout, or a watch that is readily available new from the manufacturer. This edition is retired from Bremont’s catalogue.
- Before comparing prices, separate regional page prices from live asking prices for authenticated, exact-reference examples. The available sources do not establish current resale value.
Sources
- Bremont U-2/51-JET product page — official specifications, design description, Australian page price and catalogue status.
- Bremont U-2/U-22 technical notes — family-level winding and strap guidance.
- Hodinkee hands-on coverage — editorial observations on the twin crowns, bezel mechanism and dial differences.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
