Bell & Ross has always been passionate about military history; hence it is not surprising that functional instruments are mostly source of their watchmaking inspiration. This year, Bell & Ross introduces three new watches that are related to sea, air and land with different functions, colours and materials. However, they are all characterized by a ‘NATO Stretch’ strap made of upcycled parachute straps.
Up in the air: The BR V2-93 GMT Blue has a 41 mm steel case and a second time zone. The blue dial has a sunray finish, the numerals and indices are coated in white SuperLuminova. The second hand counterweight is subtly styled in the shape of an aircraft. The bi-directional rotating bezel in two-tone anodised aluminium (grey for daytime and blue for night-time) means the time in a second time zone (shown on a 24-hour scale) can be read instantly thanks to the GMT hand with its stand out red arrow. It runs with an automatic movement calibre BR-CAL.303 and is water-resistant up to 100 meters. The new BR V2-93 GMT Blue is worn on either a grey-blue elastic strap or a steel bracelet.
On land: The BR V2-92 Military Green shares the same lineage as watches from the Bell & Ross “LUM” collection and are dedicated to the famous ‘Military Type’ references of the brand. Numerals and indices are treated with green-coloured SuperLuminova C3 to maximise their luminescent qualities. The 41 mm steel case fits a khaki camouflage dial and a domed sapphire crystal in ‘glass box’ design. A black bi-directional rotating bezel in anodised aluminium allows to measure short periods. The date is displayed in a round window between 4 and 5 o’clock – one of the brand’s signature features. The khaki disc inside has the same colour as the dial. The new BR V2-92 Military Green runs with an automatic movement calibre BR-CAL302 and water-resistant up to 100 meters. It is worn on either a khaki-black elastic strap or a steel bracelet.
At sea: In a not to the Vintage BR Aéronavale collection, this year Bell & Ross went a step further and unveiled a new BR V2-94 Aéronavale Bronze in a limited edition of 999 pieces. It subtly reflects the prestigious ceremonial uniform of French naval officers. The 41 mm case is made of stabilised CuAl7Si2 bronze (91% copper, 7% aluminium and 2% silicon) and a distinctive yellow gold colour known for its changing nature that gives it its unique patina over time. Similar to the other chronographs from the Vintage series, it is equipped with a fixed bezel, here in navy blue anodised aluminium. The ocean blue dial is decorated with gilt metal indices and numerals and baton-shaped skeletonized hands in white SuperLuminova for enhanced legibility. The ultra-curved sapphire crystal comes in a ‘glass box’ design. The chronograph pushers are screwed down. The new BR V2-94 Aéronavale Bronze runs with an automatic movement calibre BR-CAL301 and is water-resistant up to 100 meters. It is worn on a blue elastic strap.
The BR V2-93 GMT Blue as well as the BR V2-92 Military Green will be available in March the latest, the BR V2-94 Aéronavale Bronze is expected at retail in end of April.