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Bell & Ross BR 01 Horizon, Altimeter, & Turn Coordinator Watches Hands-On

admin — Tue, 22 May 2012 07:02:26 +0000

The original Bell & Ross BR 01 watch often had the term "Instrument" associated with it. Bell & Ross wanted to make it clear that the timepiece was based on aircraft cockpit instruments - especially the clock. Fair enough. Then a couple of years ago, Bell & Ross started taking the concept even further - making BR 01 watches with dials (that did tell the time) based on non-clock instruments. That started moving things in interesting directions.

Each of these watches are limited editions and design experiments. Bell & Ross wants to offer wrist-mounted cockpit instruments and increasingly they are. So let's look at the three new for 2012 limited edition Bell & Ross BR 01-92 instrument watches. Previous years had models such as the BR 01 Radar, BR 01 Red Radar, and BR 01 Compass.

What I have done (thanks to Bell & Ross) is include pictures of the actual instruments each of these watches is based on. These aren't just actual cockpit instruments, but the same ones that Bell & Ross designers used when coming up with the designs for the BR 01 Horizon, BR 01 Altimeter, and BR 01 Turn Coordinator watches. The names, while not terribly creative, are useful as it helps identify exactly what instrument the watch is based on. Pretty cool right?

It is easy to tell the time on all of these? Not at all. For me the BR 01 Radar series was cool, but mentally the hardest to read. At the same time, I think the BR 01 Altimeter is super easy to read - and is non-coincidentally my favorite piece. Visually, the BR 01 Turn Coordinator is pretty interesting. It uses the same system as the BR 01 Compass to tell the time, which are discs instead of hands. You read the time where the numbers line up via the vertical line that goes down the middle. There is a small disc in the center for the running seconds. I think it would have been really cool for Bell & Ross to include the level ball in liquid on the timepiece as well.

The BR 01 Horizon is an interesting model that is the most avant garde. Here Bell & Ross decided to produce another watch (like the Radar) with no numeric markers. It is a bit of a departure from the actual horizon instrument, but I think Bell & Ross actually made it look nicer. Here there is just an hour and minute hand on a dial that actually looks cool, but is certainly an acquired taste. The details on these watches are impressive, and you see the slick sort of restrained design ethos that keeps Bell & Ross watches feeling themed while not chintzy.

It is possible that the BR 01 Altimeter is my favorite in the collection because it is the most watch-like. Though it is different enough to warrant a second look. Also, I like how Bell & Ross turned the pressure indicator into a big date indicator. This could quite possibly be the only "open" date window that I actually feel makes sense. I knew it would happen eventually!

Being BR 01 watches, each of these comes in a 46mm wide square steel case with a PVD black coating. The crystals are sapphire and they come with both a black rubber and canvas strap. Inside the watches are modified Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movements. Though it would seem to make sense that the BR 01 Altimeter has an ETA 2896 given that it has a big date complication. Regardless, the series number indicates it as being in the BR 01-92 collection. It doesn't really matter I guess as the movements are inherently very similar. Each of the BR 01 Horizon, Altimeter, and Turn Coordinator watches are limited to 999 pieces and should be a serious consideration if you are a fan of the BR 01 watch range.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bell & Ross WW2 Regulateur Heritage Watch Hands-On

admin — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:01:07 +0000

It was late at night on the day before the Baselworld 2012 press day. I had just arrived in town and was on foot looking for someplace that was open so I could get some food. I was pretty sure that wasn't going to happen because looking for stores open at night in Switzerland is like trying to find a wild elephant wandering around Kansas. What I did find however was some advertisements for a new Bell & Ross watch I hadn't seen before. I figured that I would soon learn what it was - and it later turned out to be named the Bell & Ross WWII Bomber Regulator watch... which I just learned was re-named to be the WW2 Regulateur Heritage. Though for purposes of this article I might just keep calling it the Bomber Regulator as I like that name better. Many brands are hesitant to use any variation on the word "bomb" in their watches these days.

Since the success of the famous Bell & Ross BR01, the brand has focused a lot on the aesthetics of military watches as well as the "watchification" of military instruments and gauges. In 2012 alone we have seen watches inspired by altimeters, plane turn coordinators, and horizon indicators (see a video with all the new 2012 Bell & Ross watches being presented by the CEO here). Oh, and bomber timers. The coolest of the new crop of military instrument inspired watches from Bell & Ross is based on a World War II era stopwatch that was designed to be strapped to a bomb operator's leg. The rotating bezel, as well as pushers and crown were designed to be used with gloves while a specially trained crew member used careful timing to determine when to drop a bomb so that it would reach its target. Bell & Ross adopted the idea to create what I believe is their first ever regulator watch.

A first glance, the Bomber Regulator looks like a chronograph, but the single crown should easily remove that idea. A regulator style watch has three dials in total. Typically, the main dial is used for the minutes, while subdials are used for the hours and seconds. These watches are based on historic regulator clocks which were supposed to be highly accurate clocks people referenced in order to "regulate" other timepieces.

The dial is very legible and clear as per Bell & Ross aesthetic standards, but also has a unique aged look to it. Bell & Ross wanted the entire piece to look vintage, but also high quality. The dial is black with specs of red, that when mixed with the patina-style cream-colored markers and hands give an aged feel. Did you notice the red accent as part of the "0" indicator on the rotating bezel? The covert addition of red is a time-honored trick to making watches feel more sporty. The dial looks very cool and is complimented by the case and strap.

Deceptively sized, the Bomber Regulator is 49mm wide - but sits smaller on the wrist. The case is steel which has been done in a sort of gun-metal PVD gray and sandblasted. It really does look like a WWII tool. Bell & Ross is turning into an excellent movie prop department. The look is completed with the thick military brown calfskin leather strap.

You'll notice the lugs look like they move - well they do. The watch sits like a can on your wrist with lugs that turn down to wrap around your wrist. The onion-style crown is very well rendered and sits on the left of the case to prevent digging into your wrist. What you end up with is a very unique Bell & Ross timepiece that doesn't miss a beat when it comes to emulating the brand's DNA. A bit strange while sitting on the table - on the wrist the watch comes alive and has a very cool demeanor.

Once again it is the little details which make this Bell & Ross watch as nice as it is. The finishing on the case, the cool look of the dial colors and textures, and the use of different hand designs for each dial are all things which Bell & Ross does well. Inside the WWII Bomber Regulator is a modified Swiss ETA automatic movement. You'll notice that the back of the watch also has the feel of an instrument versus a 'mere' high-end wrist watch. That caseback is a style that I think debuted on the Bell & Ross WWI collection. The Bell & Ross WWII Bomber Regulator (WW2 Regulateur Heritage) is not a limited edition watch and will be part of the regular collection for the time being starting a bit later this year in 2012.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bell & Ross Vintage Original BR 126 Watch Review

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:08:55 +0000

While it is true that before Bell & Ross became famous for being the "square watch brand" they were making really nice round watches, it still feels novel for them to be making nice round watches... again. A few years ago they realized that while the BR 01 and BR 03 are spectacularly popular, they wanted to also focus on more traditional looking pieces that share the same functional looking DNA.

One of those pieces is this Bell & Ross Vintage Original BR 126. There are a range of these new vintage looking watches from the brand and you'd be forgiven to get them confused given the soup of names. As you can hear in the review video, I like to muse on the fact that not only is "Vintage Original" a bit redundant, but that other watches from Bell & Ross have almost identical names. So when shopping for them, go by look rather than name to make it easy.

Pieces like this have Bell & Ross heritage going back about 15 years I believe. You'll find some actual older models with a similar layout and concept. These modern ones however are a bit more refined and hearken more to the popular tactical yet calm look of the Bell & Ross BR 01 dial. That includes the hour markers and hands, as well as the all black-cased look. This piece is totally PVD black coated - but there are also polished steel versions available. In my opinion however this dial does go quite wonderfully with a black case for that seamless look.

The case is a medium 41mm wide in size that looks larger than it is given the thin bezel. It is water resistant to 100 meters. Over the dial is a sapphire crystal designed to look like a domed acrylic crystal. The dial is a matte black color with high contrast indicators. For the subdials Bell & Ross uses a slightly different texture. Legibility and lume are very good, with this watch being both easy and enjoyable to read. In addition to the 126 Chronograph models, there are 123 there-hand models with centrally-aligned subsidiary seconds dials.

Over on the back of the case is a slick set of details made to have the watch look more like a real military instrument. The watch details and reference number are printed in a way that replicates the look of military equipment - being engraved into the case back using a no nonsense font. Typical for Bell & Ross, the design of the watch is subdued and relaxed. There aren't tons of in-you-face details, but rather a refined and simple execution resulting in a watch that feels comfortably composed.

By the way, when you see Bell & Ross use the term "carbon," they refer to the black color, and that usually means a PVD coated case. The collection of 41m wide round-cased watches from the brand is impressive. Be it "Vintage, Original, or Heritage," there are some great models out there. There are also the Officer versions of these watches which push the pieces into a more dressy realm, offering polished cases and slightly more formal dials.

Attached to the Bell & Ross Vintage Original BR 126 watch is a dark brown calf leather strap. To some people this color looks wrong with the case, and to others it is perfect. It does offer a stately old-school look that works in a lot of contexts. At the same time I would be highly inclined to experiment with different strap options. In my opinion this watch would look great with a black strap (perhaps with white contrast stitching), a lighter brown strap (as in the Heritage models), or you could go wild with a white, dark green, or purple leather or alligator strap.

Bell & Ross currently offers this and the rest of its timepieces available online via the Bell & Ross e-Boutique. Price for the Vintage Original BR 126 is $4,600.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Watch What-If: Bell & Ross BR01 Heritage

admin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:05:39 +0000

"Watch What-If" is a special column on aBlogtoRead.com that asks the playful question "what if an iconic watch you know and love was offered in a different style?" The idea embraces a good timepiece's core design and has fun by offering new colors and material concepts to stimulate your senses. These ideas may be provocative, artistic, or just plain silly. This is about fun, Photoshop, and the celebration of wrist watch design and experimentation. The original design we work off will always be at the bottom of the article. The designs are brought to life by Beau Hudspeth who does the artwork and concepting after he and I choose the models and styles to focus on. Ideas and comments are more than welcome. Enough response may even lead to a round two of design. You are also encouraged to suggest watches that make it into the Watch What-If section here on aBlogtoRead.com.

Watch What-Iffed: Bell & Ross BR01-92 Heritage

Art & Concepting in collaboration with Beau Hudspeth.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bell & Ross BR02-94 Marine Chronograph Watch Review

admin — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:03:00 +0000

Bell & Ross is not what I would call an underdog brand, but their BR02 dive watch certainly has been an underdog. Not appreciated to its full extent, this is a really cool timepiece that deserves a bit of extra attention. I don't recall the exact year the BR02 made its debut, but it was on the coattails of the BR01 at the height of its popularity. Moving their attention from the air to the sea, Bell & Ross wanted to release a novel diver watch instrument.

Previous dive pieces in their collection such as the Hyrdomax were quartz-based and filled with oil. An attractive piece, the Hydromax was perhaps too tool-like and had too many style references to when Bell & Ross watches were more closely associated with Sinn. The idea of the BR02 was to make a dive watch version of the BR01. You can still get Hydromax watches today and they are water resistant to 11,000 meters (yes) - though compared to the "big Bell & Ross" image created by the 46mm wide BR01, the Hydromax was rather medium sized at 40mm wide.

Being a dive watch fan the BR02 immediately caught my attention when it was released some years back. One thing that was unique is the fact that it has a tonneau-shaped case. Probably the only dive watch with this case style that I can think of. Bell & Ross offered a unique look as well as something that genuinely felt like a diving instrument. Nevertheless, the unorthodox style might have been a bit too strange for some people seeking a more conventional look. I can appreciate that, as off the wrist the BR02 is certainly a "different" looking watch.

On the wrist however the tonneau-shaped case begins to sell itself. The dial is still round and the case feels natural on the wrist. Cases such as those also tend to compliment one's wrist visually. References to the BR01 are clear. There are the four large screws on the case as well as the dial which is inspired by the aviator look of the BR01. Having said that, the dial does feel appropriate for a dive watch and does not feel misplaced.

To make it a true diver Bell & Ross gave the BR02 an internal rotating bezel, an automatic helium release valve, as well as 500 meters of water resistance. The watch came in both three-hand and chronograph variant, while additional styles were added over the years. The large polished steel case is chunky feeling - as a good diver should be. The attached rubber strap is custom for the case and integrates nicely with the design. Best of all it is very comfortable and does not feel like a weight on your wrist. This is good because like the BR01, the BR02 is a large watch. It is almost 50mm wide including the crown and pushers, and about 49mm tall. Thickness is 17mm. With a large domed sapphire crystal it makes for a handsome and aggressive look.

Even being so domed the thick amount of AR coating on the crystal makes legibility high. Only at extreme angles is there going to be dial distortion. Wanting to look as much like a serious instrument as possible, the minute hand on this chronograph model is outlined in orange to match a couple of other elements on the dial. You'll also notice that Bell & Ross used different colors of lume for the hour and minute hand to amplify underwater legibility in the dark.

This chronograph version uses an ETA 2894 automatic movement which has been modified to have the 12 hour counter removed. It makes for a cleaner look on the dial but also gives the chronograph 30 minutes of timing capacity. The date indicator is very cleanly and covertly designed into the dial between 4 and 5 o'clock. Even though there is a lot going on the dial, it is still very legible. I further appreciate the internal bezel operating crown to be located at 10 o'clock, which makes it easy to use while the watch is on the wrist. All crowns and pushers are nicely done being partially rubber-coated and screw-down.

I still consider the BR02 collection to be under-appreciated, not because people don't like them, but rather because they simply don't get a ton of attention. On the wrist they really shine and offer a unique dive watch experience. Unlike most Bell & Ross watches which are often winners at first glance, the BR02 needs a bit more time to appreciate, and I recommend you put one on your wrist to see how the shape translates itself on you. This particular model is the BR02-94 Marine Chronograph and retails for $5,400.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bell & Ross WW1-92 Military & Heritage Watches Hands-On

admin — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 07:09:09 +0000

You know what Bell & Ross needed? A good pilot watch. Boy, I'll say their collection was missing one of those. THANKFULLY the brass over there figured it out and came up with these nice timepieces for flying. Our hearts can rest easily now... phew! In all seriousness, these are additional pilot watches for the brand which prides itself on its pilot and aviation styles timepieces.

What is really interesting is how the WW1-92 watches are part of a collection that look nothing like these two models. Look at a Bell & Ross WW1-97 for example and you won't recognize the collection as something that would include the WW1-92. You can see a review article of mine on the other WW1 watches here to see what I mean. That all the WW1 (which stands for Wrist Watch 1) collection pieces don't look the same isn't per se a problem, but rather an amusing quirk if anything You just sort of need to understand that they are all part of the WW1 collection that Bell & Ross touts as being their homage to the first wrist watches.

Rather than looking like wrist watch versions of pocket watches (like the other WW1) pieces, these are early aviator style and look like something off the first airplane dashboards. Though the cases of all the WW1 watches are the same. The WW1-92 watches come in 45mm wide steel cases with one being PVD coated. The WW1-92 Military is in polished steel while the WW1-92 Heritage is done in PVD gray (which gives the watch a more aged look). The models have either a white and black dial, or that now familiar aged tan and black with matching strap. Personally I love the combo of that orangey brown and black, on black case and matching orangey brown strap. Always a winning look for me. In this case the WW1-92 Heritage does not quite have a black case as it is dark gray. This modifies that look a bit but still looks very nice.

Even at 45mm wide, Bell & Ross plays tricks to make the watch feel smaller on the wrist. This includes short lugs which are also curved down. With a flat caseback, the watch will be comfy on most wrists, but probably look a bit large on the smallest wrists out there (which does not include my wrist). The case has a domed sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 50 meters. Overall I appreciate the largeness of the case with the dial design. It is also nice how despite the case is large, the strap wideness is not too great. Another interesting point about the lugs is that they actually hide a spring bar for attaching the strap. This vastly increases the ease of replacing the strap in comparison to some other watches that use loop style lugs.

The dial design is all aviator but with Bell & Ross's typical sense of polish and grace. There have been 1001 ways of doing classic aviation watch dials, and here Bell & Ross chose what I call the "double dial" design. Here there is a dial for the hours within the minute scale dial. This was originally intended to improve legibility by giving the hour hands its own track. I think it works for the most part, but dials such are this aren't too common. What Bell & Ross also likely wanted to do was avoid too much comparison to IWC as well as offer something unique among their existing collection of aviator styles watches. Whether you agree with it or not, many people judge new pilot style watches against what IWC offers. I think we can agree for the most part that the WW1-92 Military and Heritage models do not look like something available from IWC, and are also visually distinct from what Bell & Ross already offers.

Inside the watches are Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movements. To keep up with appearances the dials do not include the date. Bell & Ross is wise not to use an exhibition caseback (which they do rather rarely now that I think about it) as the movement is much smaller than the case. Proportionally everything seems to work on the WW1-92 models. My personal favorite is the WW1-92 Heritage as I love the colors and that sexy tan strap. Though the Military model with its polished steel case and more conservative dial might prove a more flexible daily wear.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bell & Ross BRS Watch Review

admin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 07:02:21 +0000

A few years ago Bell & Ross released their first women's version of the BR 01 style watch called the BRS (which I first discussed here). The idea of the watch was to be a smaller, more fashion oriented version of the BR 01 done in ceramic. Available in black or white ceramic, it is hard to argue that Bell & Ross wasn't at least partially influenced by the success of the Chanel J12. Lovely in its design the BRS cannot really be categorized as strictly a woman's watch, but that is the intended market as I see it.

Bell & Ross experimented with ceramic before the BRS, and since the BRS has continued to offer good looking ceramic watches in various forms. The hard material makes for a good looking case that when polished retains the sheen forever really. The BRS case is a 39mm wide square and is very thin. I believe that originally Bell & Ross wanted to include a manually-wound mechanical movement in the BRS, but later decided that a Swiss quartz movement was best. I tend to agree as women often prefer the convenience of quartz movements, especially if they have a range of watches that they wear.

Unlike the BR 01, the BRS has a removable caseback which shows that the design of the case is different as opposed to being merely miniaturized. Though visually that is how it looks. The iconic square case is here complete with the large screws on the top of the case. You will however notice that the lug structures are different and better designed for the small case dimensions.

The white ceramic BRS is certainly more feminine that this black version and combines white ceramic with polished steel. On a patent leather strap all versions of the watch are rather feminine, but you can alter that look by placing the BRS on a different strap. For example, imagine this black one on a NATO strap and you can see how that can make it more unisex in design.

Water resistant to 50 meters, the case has an AR coated sapphire crystal. Looking at the dial you can see the evolution from the BR 01. The BRS has a more elegant dial with a subsidiary seconds dial. True to the theme, the hands and hour markers are all coated in SuperLumiNova.

For those wanting more of a jewelry look Bell & Ross offers the BRS watch collection (both the black and white models) with diamonds on the bezel. I've seen BRS watches on women "out in the wild" and I really like the look on feminine wrists. It isn't something for everyone though due to the size and style, but I think Bell & Ross makes a rather persuasive argument for a nice looking womens' collection with the BRS. Price as seen here is $2,900.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bell & Ross BR 01-92 Carbon Watch Review

admin — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:08:43 +0000

The BR 01 (BR01) watch collection is probably the most iconic timepiece of the Bell & Ross brand, and one of the most influential timepieces of last decade.Â Exactly where did it come from and why is it so popular? Bell & Ross as a brand is highly inspired by the German brand Sinn. In fact, one of the founders of Bell & Ross worked at Sinn, and early Bell & Ross watches were actually Sinn watches that were dual branded.

Sinn is sort of the anti-Swiss watch in theme. The brand offers high-quality tool and professional-use watches that are reasonably priced and have zero lifestyle marketing behind them. I believe at the time, the new Bell & Ross brand saw an opportunity to market the Sinn concept to a more lifestyle and fashion oriented demographic, while retaining the core look and functionality that made Sinn what they were.

Soon after having success with offering Sinn watches in a new way Bell & Ross quickly started to develop its own personality and was among the first high-end watch brands that I recall ever noticing and lusting for. Born from historic military watches and functional instruments, the brand then (about 10 years ago), and now is still easy to love. A major part of that reason is that the majority of Bell & Ross watches feature very refined designs and dials that are often extremely easy to read. The mission of the brand was to offer a good-looking watch that said the people wearing them had good, but conservative taste, and weren't afraid to get their hands dirty when necessary.

Using Swiss movements, Bell & Ross is a contemporary French company. Even their "vintage" models have a fresh feel, while the brand's entire collection is modern through and through. How did Bell & Ross manage to retain this look while featuring a collection that is mostly aimed at the past for inspiration? I think it has to do with restraint. Design restraint. Most Bell & Ross watch designs are simple at first glance. There are a few key design features that make each piece what it is - without going overboard. I can only guess that this type of design process is difficult because rather than adding features designers often need to strip them away.

I mention all this because in my opinion it is particularly salient to the BR 01 models. The BR 01 is a watch based on the look of an airplane cockpit dashboard clock. Im fact, you could probably use it as one. The square case is modeled after the modular design of cockpit instruments complete with retention screws. Go in any number of airplane cockpits and you'll see where the design came from. The design includes large hands, easy to see hour numerals, and perfect contrast.

The purest BR 01 design when it comes to honoring these plane clocks is the BR 01-92 Carbon. Black coated metal is preferred in cockpits because it does not reflect light that may hinder visibility. Also a black and white dial offers the best contrast for legibility. This model also removes the date window which was offered on other BR 01-92 models. Just the time with seconds - a pure dashboard instrument.

Bell & Ross has always in my opinion expertly shrunken down the plane clock for use on the wrist. Some of the little details are the best, such as the well-rendered hands and four dial mounted screws that match the four bezel mounted screws. The dial is clean and crisp with indicators that are slightly raised due to the healthy amount of SuperLumiNova used for lume.

"Shrunken down" is of course a relative term as the BR 01 is still a 46mm by 46mm wide square cased watch. When it first came out there was a lot of skepticism as to who might wear such a watch. The "big watch" craze wasn't quite mainstream yet, and it look a lot of wrist time for people to be convinced that Bell & Ross was on to something. Nevertheless, Bell & Ross still released the slightly smaller BR 03 model a few years later to satisfy more wrist size preferences. Interestingly enough, as wide as the watch is, it feels very thin at 10.5mm thick. This low wrist profile is a major benefit of the design.

Personally I love the size and would choose the BR 01 over a BR 03 any day of the week. Other equally educated people might say just the opposite. The steel case is PVD coated black and water resistant to 100 meters. The sapphire crystal is AR coated for viewing ease. More little touches like the grating texture on the screw-down crown with engraved Bell & Ross logo are welcome bits. The large flat watch sits very comfortably on the wrist, which also means that while it is large, it won't slide around.

One of the most clever design elements of the watch is how the straps integrate the lugs for a single, seamless look. The straps gently taper and are faceted (on the rubber versions) to help visually reduce the size of the watch. It is a quite refined and visually elegant strap design, while also being very simple. Also offered in leather, nylon Velcro, and other straps, the best strap for the BR 01 is still probably the rubber strap. Beautiful in it design, the strap is matched to a sexy buckle and is effortlessly easy to wear and comfortable.

Inside the BR 01-92 is a Swiss ETA 2892-2 automatic movement. Most BR 01 watches make it very clear which movement is inside of them. The BR 01-94 for example has a 2894 automatic chronograph movement while the BR 01-97 has a 2897 automatic with power reserve movement, and so forth. A number of brands out there use basic ETA movements and try to disguise the caliber names with their own lexicon. Bell & Ross seems to have little interest in this practice and I applaud them for focusing on what counts. They are not a watch movement maker but a watch maker. They use reliable industry tested movements inside watches of their own design, and don't mean to confuse anyone in the process.

I've said a lot of good things about the BR 01-92 Carbon watch and overall BR 01 collection because I have followed the evolution of this collection since its debut several years ago and have continued to really like it. When it comes to watches the true test of merit is time. That might sound painfully cliche, but only time separates good designs from trendy designs. Bell & Ross has proved to me that with the BR 01 Instrument it is hip to be square. Quality and execution are very good, and if you think like me you already know that you like the look of it. Price for this BR 01-92 carbon ref. BR 01-92-S-00009 is $4,200 retail.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bell & Ross BR02-92 Carbon Fiber And Phantom Watches

admin — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 07:31:06 +0000

Bell & Ross has not forgotten about you BR02 lovers! The BR02 is Bell & Ross's most modern dive watch and a piece that, I think, has gone too far under the radar in the last few years. It makes sense that with all their focus on vintage/heritage/original aviation pieces there wasn't very much room in the spotlight for a thoroughly modern Bell & Ross diving watch.

Here is a bit of attention for the collection, though, in the form of two new pieces that borrow heavily from some of the coolest BR01 watches from a few years ago. I am glad that Bell & Ross looked to the BR01 All Carbon Fiber and BR01 Pro Titanium watches as a design direction for these BR02 watches. You can see what I mean by clicking on those links.

The two new watches are the BR02-92 Carbon Fiber and BR02-92 Phantom. I'm pretty sure you can tell which is which. The hands and hour indicators are very modern compared to the rest of the collection while still very legible. I think these are some really neat looking watches. The Phantom dial is especially interesting given the use of a clos du Paris style pattern on the face. These are like little repeating pyramids and not something I have seen before on any black and black watches.

You'll recall that the BR02 has a 44mm wide steel case (PVD black-coated for the Phantom model) and is water-resistant to 1000 meters. The case has an internal rotating bezel and automatic helium escape valve. The tonneau style case is unique among dive watches and I have to say that while unorthodox in design, these sit very well on the wrist - I would gladly have one as a daily wear. These sharp designs offer a bit of new life for the BR02 collection even if Bell & Ross is borrowing from themselves. The BR02 Carbon Fiber and BR02 Phantom watches should be available soon.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Bell & Ross BR01 Casino Watches

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:09:51 +0000

In addition to the piece unique watch that Bell & Ross has created for the Only Watch 2011 watch auction, it looks like they will have a few of these "Bell & Ross BR01 Casino" watches for sale. The Only Watch 2011 version has a black and gold dial and is done in all 18k pink gold (some is PVD coated black) . The standard version will be more traditionally toned like a roulette wheel.

These watches are based on the Bell & Ross Radar watch from last year. A concept that Bell & Ross keeps playing with. There has been the Radar II, as well as other models based on the BR01 case and dial that uses three moving discs to tell the hours, minutes, and seconds. The movement is based on a modified Swiss ETA 2892 automatic.

Are these 46m wide slowly moving roulette wheels cool in a Casino setting? Of course. Who wants to know the time at the tables anyways (the casino certainly doesn't want you to know). Reading the time isn't super easy, but it is doable. The green "0" is the hour indicator and the moving ball is the minute indicator. The center disc shows the seconds.

While there will only be one of the BR01 Casino Only Watch 2011, I am not sure how many PVD steel BR01 Casino pieces Bell & Ross will make. It is likely not a limited edition piece, but something unique that you won't find all over the place. Actually, according to Bell & Ross, the BR01 Casino will be available excursively in casinos that are either in Las Vegas, Monaco, and Macau. Look for them in October 2011 (the month after the only watch auction ends).

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.