Bell & Ross are luxury French watch manufacturers founded in 1992 by the Swiss watch designer Bruno Belamich and his business associate Carlos A. Rosillo.
In the early days, their watches were made by a German manufacturer called Sinn. Early models carried the logo of both Sinn and Bell & Ross. In 2002, Bell & Ross took the decision to break free from this relationship and began manufaturing their watches in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, whilst keeping their corporate headquarters in Paris.
Their watches were originally aimed at pilots, astronauts and divers and, to this day, many of their models are designed to replicate the cockpit instruments from aircraft, or part of a divers kit.
Characteristics
The four design principles characteristic in Bell & Ross watches are:
- Optimal water resistance – some models can withstand uo to 1000 metres of water pressure (find out what this means here). They even designed a model, the Hydromax, that contained hydraulic fluid to counteract the pressures and is rated to 11,100 metres!
- Highly accurate Swiss mechanical movement
- Clear visual indicators, such as those found on aircraft instrument panels
- Special functions intended for specific uses, e.g. diving.
This is all combined to produce beautifully engineered timepieces perfectly suited to professional use.
Model Range
Their collection today comprises the classic BR01 and BR03 ranges, the BR02 aimed at professional divers, as well as the Vintage and Vintage WW ranges.
The top of the range BR-X1 Skeleton Chronograph Watch 45mm is inspired by the high-tech cockpits of 21st Century fighter planes.
Limited to 250 pieces featuring a square Carbone Forge grade 5 titanium and ceramic with rubber inserts with sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. Grey tinted sapphire crystal skeleton dial with superluminova hands and indices and date window at 6 o clock. Woven black rubber strap with pin buckle. automatic movement with 10 ATM water resistancy. Complete with 2 year manufacturers guarantee and branded Bell & Ross presentation box.
This beautiful contemporary timepiece will set you back £15,600. If this does not scare you off, you can buy here
The Bell & Ross Automatic Vintage Watch 42mm rekindles the spirit of watches worn by pilots in the 
1940s. The movements functionality, the legibility of the dials, the satin finish cases, the domed crystal and the finish of the straps all contribute to the authenticity of this collection inspired by timepieces of the past. The stainless steel case measures 42mm in diameter and the sapphire crystal face is coated with an anti-glare coating. The black dial features a date window and an outer bezel tachymeter, with 2 inner chronograph dials and flyback function. The watch is powered by a swiss automatic movement, is water resistant to 10 ATM and is secured with a stamped calfskin strap. Limited edition to 500 pieces. Finally this piece comes with a 2 year manufacturers guarantee and branded Bell & Ross packaging.
Superb value for money, this watch is available now for just £3,250. Buy now whilst it is still available.
Not forgetting the ladies, the Bell & Ross BR-S White Ceramic Ladies watch with white dial, housed within a square 39mm steel case, with a white ceramic bezel. One
of the lightest and most elegant watches in the Aviation collection, it is, of course, Swiss made with quartz movement and features an independent seconds dial, numeral and index markers and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal face. The watch is secured with a white rubber strap and water resistant to 5 ATM. Comes complete with a 2 year manufacturers guarantee and Bell & Ross branded packaging.
All this for just £1,470. Go on, treat yourself, or your partner!
The above are just a small selection of the Bell & Ross range. You can view these, and many more, here
Bell and Ross watches. Wrist furniture. LOL Never heard that before. These little beauties will give Rolex a run for its money when it comes to seeing who can be more expensive.
I finally have the answer to the question, “What do you give to the person who already has a Rolex?” The answer is crystal clear. The model BR-X1 or the Automatic Vintage Watch–my personal preference between the two models reviewed.
Another thing is that I don’t really like it when I get a message that my content is not unique, that it’s copied. As a matter of fact, I took the time to read the entire review and wrote my own original content for the comments section and my comment got bounced by WA for not being unique. Well, all I can say is to delete this paragraph. If my comment was stating the obvious so be it. It’s my original work.
Jeff – thanks for the comments. You obviously have taste – the Vintage would be my preference too!
Sorry you had issues posting your comments.
David
I should have found this article much sooner. Other articles on this topic had me so confused. Thank you for making clear and valid points that I can easily untansderd.
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