B.R.M V12-44 Charles Pozzi

By Florian Matrion - February 23, 2011
V12-44 Charles Pozzi Diaporama
When passion for watchmaking meets passion for high-end automobiles, the mix will inevitably involve B.R.M's founder Bernard Richards, and famous Ferrari French importer Charles Pozzi. Review.
Exclusive! review of the V12-44 Charles Pozzi. Manufacturer data, photos, editor's opinion and watch retail price on thewatchobserver.co.uk
Editor's opinion
64/100
Users' rating
67.5/100

Slideshow= 12 photos to see this watch from every angle

 

A typical race car watch

All the prerequisite norms of high-performance automobile designs are present in this B.R.M V12-44 Charles Pozzi, with a limited series of 16 watches.
Examples of this include the stainless steel bicolor case (superfine 18/8 acinox) shaped like a piston, the push pieces designed to look like valves, the rally racing-inspired wristband, etc.

Using this same high-end performance car theme, parts of the watch are pierced to minimize the weight.

Behind the steel hands, also pierced to keep them as light as possible, the black dial displays the colored stripes of the Italian flag, in clear contrast with the white timer.
The black internal bezel is simply marked with the inscription “Charles Pozzi”, and the watch's unique serial number.

The whole is then balanced by three registers (two for the chronograph, and a third one for the seconds), and the black hour markers (4, 8 and 12) on a steel ring, in the style of race car numbers.
Thus, the design of this B.R.M Charles Pozzi dial offers a very good readability of time.

 

The large crown and chronograph's push pieces contribute to this overall feeling of action-oriented efficiency.

 

An action-focused concept

The large crown and chronograph's push pieces contribute to this overall feeling of action-oriented efficiency.

They are easy to manipulate, so much so that their handling with gloved hands poses no difficulty.

The release of the chronometer requires firm pressure, almost to the point of brute force: the movement's reaction, a Valjoux 7753, recalls the stiff handling of a competition car frame...

 

 

This automatic caliber, well-known for its solidity and reliability, will measure up to the likely demands of daily life.

However, no need to look under the hood to see this caliber at work: it is permanently visible behind a sapphire back, with a design that B.R.M likely aimed to make as industrial-looking as possible.

Indeed, you will not find the clean, fine details of high-end watchmaking, such as the flame-blued screws, the Côtes de Genève-style ornaments, the chamfering, etc.
Only the rotor simply and proudly displays the initials B.R.M.

 

A large, but comfortable watch

The conformists of the watchmaking world who say that the large bezel reduces the diameter of the dial, that the latter's compositional aesthetic choices hinder the chronometer's legibility - in particular the markers 4, 8, 12 that cover the timer, which is itself not subdivided beyond minutes - those people are correct, but their concerns are also beside the point.

 

All the prerequisite norms of high-performance automobile designs are present in this B.R.M. V12-44 Charles Pozzi, with a limited series of 16 watches.

To see the B.R.M V12-44 Charles Pozzi simply as a chronograph would be to misunderstand its underlying philosophy.
The fact is that systems of mechanical computations have long disappeared from the realm of automobile race tracks, and been replaced with electronics. So this is clearly not the point.

With this B.R.M around your wrist, you will be displaying the representation of a dream, that of the world of sports cars with its constant challenge against time to win races,  associated to the mythical Ferrari name through Charles Pozzi, its long-time Paris-area dealer.

 

This design focused on racing is also found in the wristband's buckle, itself in the shape of a pedal.
Simple, comfortable, and efficient, it enhances the black, pierced leather of the rally-racing style wristband, raised by the black and green stitching and the red loop.
The whole, while voluminous, remains light and comfortable to wear.

 

Conclusion

With this V12-44 Charles Pozzi, B.R.M offers us a watch very reminiscent in spirit of the world of car racing.
With its strong personality, this watch will seduce enthusiasts and fans of performance and speed, as well as the collectors of pilot watches.

 

The +:

  • A genuine limited series of 16 watches
  • Strongly conveys the legendary world of car racing.

 

The -:

  • A chronograph function more playful than practical.
  • The absence of nocturnal visibility.

 

Where to buy this B.R.M V12-44 Charles Pozzi?

  • Charles Pozzi Levallois
    105-107 Rue Aristide Briand - 92300 Levallois Perret, France
    +33-(0)1-47-39-96-50 / Email: contact@charles-pozzi.fr

 

Additional information:

  • journalist's wrist size = 17.5 cm
Slideshow
12 pictures to see this watch in all its angles
Click on one photo to enlarge the watch gallery
  • V12-44 Charles Pozzi
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Manufacturer data

Brand B.R.M
Model name V12-44 Charles Pozzi
Reference number V12-44 Charles Pozzi
Case material Acinox surfin 18/8
Case diameter (without crown) 44 mm
Case diameter (crown included) 49.31 mm
Movement type Automatic
Calibre Valjoux 7753
Calibre base ETA
Functions Second
Minute
Hour
Date
Chronograph
Crystal Sapphire glass
Power reserve ability 46h
Transparent back Yes
Lug width 21.93 mm
Length from lug to lug 52.61 mm
Case thickness 14.55 mm
Water resistant 100 m
Strap material Leather
Clasp type Pin buckle
Clasp type
Total weight 130 grams
Retail price France at 2011/02/23 4,600.00 € calc

Editor's opinion 64/100

Confort (/15) 13
more Movement (/20) 7
Movement Optimisation / Garnishment (/5) 0.5
Ease of handling and adjustment (/5) 4
Movement control proceeded by the Manufacture / horlogical awards (/3) 0
Power reserve ability (/2) 1
Complications (/5) 1.5
more Finishing (/20) 12
Dial finishing (/6) 3
Case finishing (/6) 4
Quality of garnishment / caseback engraving quality (/2) 1
Crystal quality (/4) 2
Clasp finishing (inner and extern) (/2) 2
more Practicality (/20) 13
Diurnal legibility (/5) 4
Night legibility (/4) 1
Water resistant (/3) 1
Strap : ease of size adjustment + ease of substitution (/4) 3
Clasp : quality and safety (/4) 4
more Bonus (/10) 7
Limited edition (/3) 3
Watch delivered with several straps (/2) 0
Quality of the watch box (/1) 1
Portability with shirtsleeves buttoned (/2) 1
Goodies included (/1) 1
Understandability of the brochure (/1) 1
Value for money (/15) 12
When to wear it ?
For the 2011 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix!

Users' rating 67.5/100

Confort (/15) 10.5
Movement (/20) 13.5
Finishing (/20) 13.5
Practicality (/20) 13
Bonus (/10) 7.5
Value for money (/15) 10.5
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