Introducing: The Brellum Pilot GMT LE.3 Chronometer
Today, we bring you news of the Brellum Pilot GMT LE.3 Chronometer. It’s a chronograph in a popular color with an equally popular complication. As is the case with many of the brand’s watches, this piece is limited to a very small number. Perhaps you’ll decide to be one of the few owners after we take a closer look.
Over the past several years, we’ve covered several Brellum releases here on Fratello. No matter the reviewer, our team has come away impressed with the overall fit and finish of the brand’s watches. The young company focuses on tool watches in bold colors with classic looks and always includes a COSC chronometer rating. Furthermore, Brellum focuses heavily on quality control and offers buyers the ability to contact the founder, Sébastien Muller, directly. The grassroots approach is admirable in an industry where many marques, large and small, are somewhat faceless. The latest Pilot GMT LE.3 embodies all of the Brellum values, so we’re happy to offer our review.
The Brellum Pilot GMT LE.3 Chronometer
The new Pilot GMT LE.3 Chronometer is a 100m-water-resistant stainless steel chronograph that uses the well-known ETA 7754 automatic movement. In this guise, it contains a 24-hour hand, which is adjusted via the second stop on the crown. The date, which is neatly integrated at 6 o’clock, also uses the crown for adjustment. The watch also has a running seconds sub-dial at 9, a 12-hour totalizer at 6, and a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock.
As for the case, it has a 41.8mm diameter, a 51.8mm lug-to-lug, and a total 15.9mm thickness with its two box-style sapphire crystals. The steel components of the case measure just 11.7mm thick, helping to mitigate an overly beefy appearance. They also feature both matte and polished surfaces. The latter can be seen on small lug chamfers that remind us of an old Gallet or ’60s Breitling chronograph. Other details are a high-polished, sloped bezel and an antireflective coating on both of the aforementioned domed sapphire crystals. In addition, note the nicely detailed crown with the Brellum logo in the middle of two purposeful-looking pump pushers.
A strong dial in green opaline
Green is certainly a popular color these days, and Brellum has fitted its Pilot GMT LE.3 with a domed opaline offering. The color is dark, and with the brown nubuck strap, it gives off an autumnal vibe that wouldn’t be out of place in the forest.
The dial incorporates Arabic numerals, indexes, and nicely shaped hands filled with Super-LumiNova. The GMT hand even sports a slightly different take on the typical arrow tip. All told, the idea of a pilot’s chronograph isn’t new, but somehow this Brellum has enough stylistic differentiation due to its small details.
On the wrist
The dimensions of the Pilot GMT LE.3 are likely more suitable for those with a medium or large wrist. I do like that Brellum has visually offset the almost 16mm thickness with two domed crystals. Also, the lugs do slope downward nicely. To be honest, though, it’s worth keeping in mind that the curved-end leather strap flares out a bit, as most straps of this style do.
Additionally, the Pilot GMT LE.3 will come with a five-row bracelet with a push-button deployant clasp. The end links themselves do not extend past the case, but the two intermediate links that connect to each end link do. As Daan mentioned in his review of the Pandial LE.3 DD DLC, effectively, this extends the nearly 52mm lug-to-lug somewhat too. He recommended that watch for wrists 18cm (7″) in circumference or larger. For transparency’s sake, I would echo that sentiment here as well.
Pricing and availability
Brellum will produce just 27 individually numbered pieces of the Pilot GMT LE.3 Chronometer. The watches will be available exclusively on the brand’s website and will retail for CHF 3,150. There are other options on the market for pilot’s chronographs, yet Brellum offers an opportunity to obtain a small-run watch that has fared very well in the eyes and hands of our team. Plus, the ability to communicate directly with the owner (who is also the watchmaker) is an attribute that should prove attractive as well. Let us know your thoughts on this newest release in the comments section below.
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