Bell & Ross manages the balancing act: functionality and value
Swiss manufacturers generate more than 22 billion in sales, primarily from the export of luxury wristwatches from watch manufacturers such as Blancpain, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Tag Heuer. These are names with mostly long, even venerable traditions. In 1992, a fresh company boldly positioned itself among these companies and quickly compensated for its youth with success. Significantly, the young founders were not watchmakers from old dynasties. Industrial designer Bruno Belamich and his friend, business economist Carlos Rosillo – collectively known as Bell & Ross – established their company headquarters in Paris. In the early years, they had their watches manufactured by Sinn in Frankfurt, and from 2002 onwards in the Swiss watchmaking stronghold of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Today, over 500 retail outlets in 50 countries demonstrate that Bell & Ross is integrated into the extremely active luxury watch scene. This is further underscored by the company's participation by the luxury goods group CHANEL.
Don't skimp, go big, but don't show off
The essence of luxury in a Bell & Ross wristwatch isn't ostentatious. It embodies a longing for something essentially superfluous, yet highly desirable. The functionality of a wristwatch—to measure time—is enhanced by a multitude of features that make these watches extremely suitable for all professionals for whom accuracy, precision, exactitude, and reliability can be essential for survival. Mine sweepers, deep-sea divers, submariners, long-distance pilots, astronauts, naval aviators, racing drivers, and elite police officers are the ideal protagonists for this stage.
This aura is conferred on every Bell & Ross owner; after all, skirmishes are fought in offices, business environments, and meetings where a congenial timepiece paves the way. The fact that high-performing individuals in particular wear luxury wristwatches has little to do with income. Rather, it reflects a lifestyle and a clever strategy. More and more businesswomen have recognized this, too. They often choose an object from the male-dominated world of mechanical watches, often XXL. This makes them visible. Exceptionally difficult conditions such as intense pressure, shocks, acceleration, extreme temperatures, or depth are all shattered by a Bell & Ross. The fact that these high-performance luxury watches also boast straightforward designs, noble materials such as gold, platinum, and titanium, and fine straps made of crocodile or calfskin, simultaneously makes them sought-after and beloved starlets.
Bell & Ross: Creator of the ultimate utility watch with a military look
Their home lies in the development of on-board instruments for the aircraft industry. Perfected watches for perfect use were to be the goal.Chronographstands for aviation. His invention made it possible to measure short times and perfect flight navigation. At Bell & Ross, chronographs are a tribute to a military tradition. The Bell X-1, the legendary American experimental aircraft with a rocket engine, broke the sound barrier for the first time in 1947. The BR-01, introduced by Bell & Ross in the first decade after the turn of the millennium, was a tribute to this aviation achievement with its square shape, round dial, unusual dimensions, and exterior geared towards optimized usability. The Bell & Ross Aviation collection demonstrates – with the Bell & Ross Aviation BR 03-92 Steel, for example – how robust simplicity combined with high-quality materials, strong signal colors, and a clear, unfussy design that focuses on the essential moments can develop a magnificent expressive power and appeal.
The BR 03-94 – the fighter among the Bell & Ross chronographs – was inspired by the legendary Rafaele fighter of the French Air Force, produced by Dassault Aviation. The limited edition of 500 makes it a highly sought-after and value-enhancing piece. The square case, measuring 42 x 42 mm, is made of corrosion- and acid-resistant steel.Ceramicsgives the BR 03-94 its tough and dedicated character. The color orange dominates the tips of the hands and the tachymeter scale on the flange, which is used to calculate speed. The silhouette of the "sponsored aircraft" is engraved on the small seconds scale at 3 o'clock. The window at the 3:40 position marks the date. The rubber strap also identifies the BR 03-94 as a pilot's watch.
2014 way ahead of its time: the Bell & Ross Chronograph BR-X1
Durability that transcends time and space is at the heart of every Bell & Ross wristwatch. Masculine and virile, the BR-X1 has been flexing its muscles since 2014. Technically masterful, visually sporty, and futuristic in its effect. Breathtaking. It is often compared to a military off-road vehicle or a fighter jet, representing the absolute pinnacle of technology. Its square 45 mm titanium case is well encased in a protective shield made of rubber and the highest quality ceramic, positively reinforcing its cool military look. At the same time, it guarantees the highest possible haptic quality, ease of use, and solidity. Even with gloves on, the robust BR-X1 is easy to grip. The scratch-resistant materials and the anti-reflective sapphire crystal ensure durability and optimal legibility. The small round opening in the case back provides a clear view of the balance wheel. The model series offers the impressed prospective buyer plenty of scope through a wide variety of individual and creative solutions.
But Bell & Ross can also do things differently
The aesthetic design and color scheme of the elegant Vintage WW 1 Régulateur Rose Gold is a delicacy for lovers and collectors of rare watches in the neo-classical style. With its opaline silver dial, bluish hands, azure blue counters, and crocodile strap, it evokes the wristwatches of the first generations. The distinguishing feature of this back-regulator watch is the hierarchical separation between hours, minutes, and seconds, each with its own dial. Short periods of time cannot be read more quickly and precisely.
Other Bell&Ross model series: Men, Blue, GMT, Diver, Quartz, Steel, Heritage,BR 03,BR-03 Full Lum Limited Edition
