Elliot Brown watch survives 41,000nm circumnavigation on Clipper Race yacht
by Julia Fry 22 Aug 2016 19:45 BST
22 August 2016
2015-16 Round the World Yacht Race © onEdition
In July last year, the Clipper 2015-16 Round the World Yacht Race's Official Timekeeper, Elliot Brown mounted a watch to one of the race yachts. Incredibly after an 11 months at sea and a 41,000 mile circumnavigation, including six ocean crossings, it is still ticking, living up to the company's motto 'Built to go the distance'.
The watch has survived punishing storms, hurricane force-winds, massive waves, extreme heat, shocks including a yacht knockdown, vibration, freezing cold temperatures and corrosive saltwater.
The Elliot Brown Bloxworth watch was attached to the mast of the Da Nang – Viet Nam yacht entry, and is still in full working order as of the race finish on 30 July in London, UK.
Limited edition race watches were also worn by the race's 12 professional Skippers and some of the 700 international crew to test their durability through Mother Nature's worst conditions.
Ian Elliot, the co-founder of British brand Elliot Brown Watches, said: "We produce the most durable watches with unique shock and water proofing technology, but mounting a watch to a race yacht using only its standard strap bars was a real leap of faith. Could it really survive a trip all the way around the world?
"We're not aware of any other watch being subjected to such a sustained or punishing test. On inspection of the watch on its return, the seals and internals are all in A1 condition. There is some case discolouration but that's just a mild form of aluminium to stainless steel electrolysis and the rusty surface deposits polish off to reveal a perfect brushed finish. It was a proud moment welcoming the fleet and our watch back into London."
- Distance travelled 41,135 Nautical Miles (plus 1 month at sea before the race)
- Temp Range Zero to 36c
- Fastest boat speed 30.7 knots
- Highest Wave 90ft
- Highest wind speed 86mph
- 6 continents
- 5 ocean crossings
In order to substantiate their 'toughest everyday watch' claim, Elliot Brown tests every watch in water at 200m of pressure and a percentage are subjected to a 3kg hammer blow as proof that the internal shock absorber really does its job.
One of their watches also survived an extreme test of water resistance and corrosion at the bottom of Poole Harbour in the UK for six months over an entire winter. Despite the constant low temperature, prolonged saltwater corrosion and considerable fouling, the watch was ticking as normal when it was brought to the surface following the test.
Elliot Brown has produced 1000 special edition Clipper Race crew member watches which are available to buy here.