First Look: Bremont’s Terra Nova 38 Jumping Hour Stealth Black Turns Tactical

Jumping hour watches are having a moment again. What was once a niche complication admired mostly by purists has suddenly returned to the spotlight, with major brands revisiting the format. But perhaps the most unexpected name to enter that conversation last year was Bremont.

Known primarily for aviation-inspired tool watches, the British brand surprised many collectors in 2025 with the Terra Nova Jumping Hour. It felt like a departure, less cockpit instrument, more horological statement. Now in 2026, Bremont is doubling down with a darker, more aggressive iteration: the Terra Nova 38 Jumping Hour Stealth Black.

At first glance, this version is all attitude. The familiar 38mm cushion-shaped case remains, but it’s now entirely coated in black DLC. Measuring just 9.1mm thick, it retains a slim profile, which is impressive considering the mechanical demands of a jumping hour complication. The matte, brushed surfaces dominate the exterior, reinforcing the tactical personality Bremont is clearly leaning into.

The jumping hour complication itself has deep roots. Originally patented in 1883 by Austrian watchmaker Josef Pallweber, the mechanism replaces the traditional hour hand with a rotating disc that “jumps” instantly at the top of the hour. That snap isn’t just visual flair; it requires stored energy to be released in a controlled burst without affecting accuracy. It’s mechanically demanding, which is precisely why enthusiasts appreciate it.

On the Terra Nova, the time is displayed through three apertures cut into a vertically brushed protective shield that sits over the dial. The layout is distinctly architectural: a trapezoid window at 12 o’clock reveals the jumping hours, a circular opening at the centre houses the running seconds with Bremont’s Wayfinder logo, and an arched aperture at 6 displays the minutes. The design takes inspiration from early trench watches that used protective grilles over the dial, and here that idea is modernised in black DLC-coated steel.

Legibility hasn’t been sacrificed for aesthetics. White printed numerals contrast cleanly against the dark background, and Super-LumiNova ensures visibility in low light. Despite its stealth theme, the watch remains practical in everyday use.

Inside beats the calibre BC634, based on the Sellita SW300 and fitted with Bremont’s proprietary jumping hour module. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a 56-hour power reserve. The hour disc snaps forward in less than a tenth of a second; quick, precise, and satisfying to witness. Technically, it’s robust, featuring a Glucydur balance wheel, Nivaflex mainspring, and Anachron balance spring.

Still, this is where opinions will likely divide. A Sellita-based movement in a watch priced just under €6,000 will spark debate, especially in today’s competitive luxury market. Some collectors will appreciate the reliability and proven architecture. Others may expect something more exclusive at this level. Bremont has never shied away from that tension, and this release doesn’t attempt to soften it either.

One detail that may surprise some is the 30-meter water resistance. Given the rugged field-watch inspiration and stealth-mission aesthetics, it feels modest. It’s not a dive watch, of course, but expectations for modern tool watches tend to run higher.

Buyers can choose between a black DLC-coated steel bracelet with a deployant clasp or a black calfskin Bund strap. The Bund option is a subtle nod to WWII pilot watches, originally designed to protect the wrist from extreme cockpit temperatures. The wider protective layer can be removed, allowing the strap to be worn in a more traditional configuration. Both options feature quick-release systems for easy changes.

So, where does this leave Bremont?

The Terra Nova Jumping Hour was already a signal that the brand was evolving beyond its familiar aviation formula. The Stealth Black reinforces that shift. It’s more design-led, more experimental, and arguably more polarising. But it’s also confident.

Whether this watch represents bold progress or risky positioning will depend on who you ask. What’s undeniable is that Bremont isn’t playing it safe. In an industry where many releases blur together, that alone makes the Terra Nova 38 Jumping Hour Stealth Black worth talking about.

And in 2026, being talked about still counts for something.