Basel Review New Watches from Bell & Ross
Thursday - 15 March 2012
Vintage WW2 Bomber Régulateur
The new Bell & Ross Vintage WW2 Bomber Régulateur is inspired by navigational instruments used during the Second World War; the latest expression of the brand's passion for military history and aviation.
The design pays tribute to the timekeeping instruments used by bomber navigators in the 1930s and 1940s, putting emphasis on the minutes display.
The Vintage WW2 features a large 49 mm case, with sand-coloured minutes displayed across the full width of the black dial. The central hand displays the minutes, while hours are displayed with a counter, and there is a separate hand for the seconds. Movement is a Swiss-made mechanical regulator with automatic winding.
An original reference instrument from the Second World War
The bidirectional notched bezel is the most recognisable characteristic of the original navigation instrument, and is used to mark points in time. The case is sandblasted steel with a gun-metal grey PVD finish, giving a vintage effect. The strap is distressed calfskin.
Aviation Collection
The new Bell & Ross Aviation Collection is inspired by aeronautical instruments, with a focus on legibility, functionality, precision and water-resistance. Three designs have been created: the BR01 Horizon, the BR01 Altimeter, and the BR01 Turn Coordinator, each inspired by an important instrument used in air navigation.
An original aeronautical instrument panel - altitude indicator, altimeter, and turn coordinator
An altitude indicator monitors the aircraft's position in relation to the horizon; an altimeter calculates the aircraft's altitude based on a measurement of atmospheric pressure; and a turn coordinator indicates flight symmetry, ensuring the aircraft does not slide or slip.
Each limited edition watch is based on the graphic design of the original instruments.
The BR01 Horizon dial has two parts: a grey level representing the sky, and a black level representing the earth. The levels are separated with a white horizon line, indicating the 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock axis. The indexed raised dial displays the hour markers.
The BR01 Altimeter features a date window at 3 o'clock, inspired by the atmospheric pressure. The design mimics the typeface used in the original altimeter.
The BR01 Turn Coordinator dial is made up of two independent concentric discs, graduated to 12 hours and 60 minutes respectively. A vertical white marker indicates large digits for the hour and small digits for the minutes, so the time is read directly beneath the indicator. The lower half of the dial is opaque.
Each of the three models has an anti-reflective, matte black carbon finish, and features white photo-luminescent coating on hands and indexes for legibility. The watches are powered by mechanical automatic movement, with water resistance to 100 metres.
The collection is limited to 999 pieces per model. The cases measure 46 mm, and each watch in the collection is available with a rubber or heavy-duty canvas strap.
WW1 Heure Sautante
The two new WW1 Heure Sautante limited edition timepieces are described by the brand as "a sophisticated complication with simplified legibility".
In both models the hour is displayed through a large fixed aperture at 12 o'clock, showing numerals printed on a rotating disc. The dials also feature a central minute hand, and a power reserve indicator at 6 o'clock.
The WW1 Heure Sautante Pink Gold features an 18K gold case, opaline pearl dial and a pear-shaped blue-steel hand. It is limited to 50 pieces.
The WW1 Heure Sautante Platinum features an opaline grey and silvered dial in 18K gold, with hand-applied guilloché decoration. It also features a pear-shaped blue-steel hand, and is a limited edition of just 25 pieces.
Both watches have a 42 mm diameter case and a sapphire caseback that displays the blue-steel screws, circular-grained mainplate, oscillating weight and bridges decorated with Côtes de Genève.
Prices and launch dates to follow.
