Bell & Ross is a somewhat strange brand. Started in Paris in 1992, they were more of a branding exercise than a “proper” watchmaker. They have since expanded internationally (and had investment from major brands) and have boutiques in many major cities, including London’s “saw you coming” Burlington Arcade.
Their early watches were based on Sinn timepieces (like the Sinn 103):
(Not unlike the Sinn 103 limited edition I foolishly let go…)
Lots of Pilot type watches of the 1980s/1990s had a very similar look – from the Porsche Orfina, to various IWC designs and many more. Bell & Ross moved away from Sinn and started having their own watches made in Switzerland, quickly becoming synonymous with the big “cockpit instrument” look as embodied in their BR 01:
But that’s not for me.
I first saw the Bell & Ross watch in question sometime around 2010 and really liked the simplicity and clarity of its dial. I only really had one nice watch, and this one became a milestone birthday present to me. It’s a BR 123 “Heritage” 3-hander, featuring an ETA 2892 automatic movement which is teased through a little porthole on the case back.
It originally came on a padded black leather strap with deployant clasp and curved end links (which fits it really well). It’s a comfortable watch on the wrist and though quite unexciting, the clarity of the dial is spot on.
I have had a play with some other straps too, like this Kizzi NASA replica that’s normally found on Speedmasters…
… or even just a plain black leather job.
I’ll never part with this watch.