BRM DDF6 46-N-SQ-AN, "Black Watch"

French manufacturer BRM has unveiled an "all black" version of its iconic DDF watch, with a design inspired by racing brake discs. It benefits from a technical finish that offers a unique perspective on the engine of Swiss watchmaking.

We no longer need to introduce BRM, an independent French manufacturer inspired by mechanical movements. Next year it will celebrate its 20th anniversary thanks to the passion and determination of its owner and founder, Bernard Richards, as well as its success with the public, riders and paddocks. For example, it was the first watch brand to offer an online configurator, allowing customers to personalize their watches, as some well-known sports car makers have done. Other manufacturers have since adopted this approach.

The DDF (read here) is one of BRM's flagship models, and its Brake Disc Bezel ("DDF") gives it character...and a success! The collection is available in several colour versions (read here): orange, blue, green, yellow, red…

Today, the manufacturer offers us the DDF6-46-N-SQ-AN, a more discreet, even sneaky, watch with an "all black" design. Nonetheless, it retains several details that make up the DNA of the BRM watch, as well as the connection to mechanical movement cherished by Bernard Richards: the hour numerals in the form of racing numerals, inspired by areas with red The tachometer's chronograph, the lightweight hands like the spokes of a racing wheel, the removable horn and the lightweight crown. The only concession: the sporty feel of the red second hand.

The 46 mm diameter stainless steel case (water-resistant to 100 meters) is machined from titanium, an ultra-light and durable material widely used in motorsport. Therefore, it compensates for its huge size. It has a black PVD finish that complements the perforated bezel and brake caliper-shaped crown holder. The handcrafted black Alcantara strap maintains the theme with tonal stitching and a black pin buckle.

Protected by anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the dial opens wide in the center of the watch's engine, allowing you to observe its operation and the movement of the various gears and cogs. The other side can also be seen through the sapphire crystal on the case back.

This is a "Swiss Made" ETA 2824/2 self-winding movement. It is hollowed out by hand to distinguish each component in detail. Vibrating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it provides a compact power reserve of 38 hours. It's a powerful and precise movement that won't cause any problems. Also, like the spectacular FF39-40 introduced at the beginning of the year (read here), it is protected from shocks by a shock absorber system, here the Fortal HR shell is suspended by three springs.

With the DDF6-46-N-SQ-AN watch, BRM offers us a beautiful "all black" version in its iconic collection, reminiscent of racing brake discs. Preserving the famous "racing spirit" cherished by the French manufacturer, its openworked finish adds a technical and original side that will appeal to watchmaking mechanics. It is the subject of all the know-how of the manufacturer and its excellent quality has been recognized by the label "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" issued in 2021.

Technical characteristics
– Case: Black PVD ​​titanium, diameter 46 mm, water-resistant to 100 m, anti-reflection sapphire crystal, black PVD ​​stainless steel bezel, black PVD ​​316L stainless steel crown and crown protector , 316L stainless steel lugs with black PVD treatment and sapphire crystal on the back;
– Dial: Skeleton, ultralight black hour and minute hands with luminous tips, red central seconds;
– Movement: ETA 2824/2 self-winding movement, 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), 25 jewels, 38-hour power reserve;
– Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph;
– Strap: Black Alcantara, black stitching, black PVD-treated stainless steel pin buckle;
– Reference: DDF6-46-N-SQ-AN;