Elliot Brown have introduced a new Beachmaster Automatic model ~ here’s a quick heads-up until I have the chance to fully explore it, writes Mike Gormley.
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This is not just a watch… it’s an engineering masterpiece. Those who know their military history will knot that in military terms the Beachmaster was a key Royal Navy officer who held a pivotal role in amphibious landing operations from D-Day onwards in World War Two.
I recently had the opportunity to head back to the waterside boatyard at Hamworthy near Poole in Dorset where Elliot Brown Watches have their headquarters. Somewhat increased in size since my last visit, the Elliot Brown base is right next door to a certain Royal Marines establishment from where a lot of inspiration for their watches, and in particular the Beachmaster, comes from.
Regular readers might recall my review of the original Beachmaster Nivo back in November 2024. The Beachmaster range has recently been increased to include mechanical automatic versions. The original was, like most Elliot Brown timepieces, battery-powered. This said, Beachmasters will run for a very long time on a battery. The battery in my first watch was replaced during this visit, but it was still working fine at least twenty months after I got it. I can testify that if a watch goes back to EB for a new battery, recommended, it also gets a full pressure check to make sure it is up to its original specification for its 300 metre waterproof rating… and you get a certificate for confirmation.
This latest Beachmaster version, as previously mentioned, is fully automatic so as long as you wear it on your wrist it will re-power. It also has the ability to store power for up to 50 hours or more if not on your wrist, but a quick shake and reset and it is up and running once again.
The Beachmaster featured here is the OHO-A01-B07 and has a leather strap. EB offer a wide range of straps to suit every need and even the opportunity to have a posh smart one as well as one for day-to-day use. Changing them is simple enough and a special tool is provided; EB watches have an engineered threaded ‘bolt’ to secure the strap, not a flimsy sprung pin as so often found on watches.
There is more to come on the new Beachmasters after I get time to use it and get to know it. As many readers know, I generally only review items I have had time to use for a period of time, but it seems sensible to give you this heads-up as EB are out around the world just now with some ‘specials’ with a variety of options based on this new model. Also, if certain ducks line up, there will be a bit more to add to this story, as is the way with Elliot Brown watches which generally find themselves being used for intriguing things by interesting people.
Owning an Elliot Brown watch, especially the likes of the Beachmaster, is not just about having a timepiece on your wrist but as much about owning something of engineering excellence that looks smart when out ‘doing’ as well as if at a mess dinner or on a smart night out… and the bonus is you can set the time of the taxi or last train home so you won’t have to make that long walk home!
[images © Jean or Mike Gormley unless noted]
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