Review - Bell & Ross BR 01-92
To quote David St. Hubbins, it’s such a fine line between stupid, and clever. Luckily - very luckily - Bell & Ross is far, far away from the stupid side of that line and has produced one of the most memorable and largest watches I’ve seen to date. Panerai, step aside, because you are in danger of being crushed by an aviator watch so big that it can be used as a desk clock.
I assure you Goose and Iceman didn’t have Bell & Ross dials in their jets, but they damn well could have. This beast is a fully lumed “mil spec” watch with sword hands that look like they could cut cans and still cut a tomato in half. While the “Wow” factor is immediately apparent, there is a comfort to gained in that the insides can hold up some scrutity. The BR 01-92 uses an ETA 2892 movement, a pretty standard movement found in just about everything - from Tissot to a low end Swatch. Luckily, the whole thing is encased in PVD coated steel and is as heavy as a mofo.
This is a fashion watch. The beautiful, handmade strap is striking, but it probably shouldn’t hit the ocean’s depths - it can withstand 100 meters, but you don’t want to get this calfskin wet. The fit and finish are perfect and everything about this watch screams “designers staying up late.” The hands are painted pure white at the tips and then the lume abruptly cut off at the center and are almost invisible against the dark background. The entire case is held together with 1.3mm hex screws - folks, I encourage you to try to find a 1.3mm hex key. It’s nigh impossible.
There’s even a screw on the back that says “Do Not Unscrew.” Wow. They put a screw on there that you’re not supposed to unscrew. Seriously. I was about to unscrew it, but I figured some sort of rare gas would shoot out or I would unleash the ghosts of WWII fighter pilots. Other than that, however, this watch is one of the most understated pieces I’ve seen - its purpose is clear, it is eminently legible, and it runs well. There’s even a hacking feature and the screw down crown is very smooth and easy to turn.
I wore this in many social and traveling situations and found that it drew eyes like a road flare. Just whipping it out encouraged a mute wonder at the large size - 45mm - and unique shape - square as Sponge Bob. The Instrument Series, which includes a power reserve model and chronograph, will be an iconic grouping. It will usher in the era of the geek watch. While the staid and ancient Panerai can go all Dolce and Gabanna on us, this thing will bring the techies out of the woodwork as Hamiltons, B&R, and other uber-old school/new-school watches hit the streets. Mark, my friends, my words.
Quality: 4/5
Style: 5/5
Overall: 4/5
List Price: $3827.00
– John Biggs
February 2nd, 2006 at 7:01 pm
I like this watch a lot, but I feel it’s seriously overpriced. I think it’s worth mentioning in your review that the Sinn models 656/756 are very similar in design and construction, and are available at a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, they are even more understated because they are “reasonably” smaller (38.5mm, 40mm, respectively).
February 2nd, 2006 at 7:05 pm
Oh, and I forgot to mention the 856, which also follows a similar design. The 656/756/856 with black case and leather strap are $960, $1960, $1260, respectively.
February 3rd, 2006 at 11:33 am
If you like the style, automatic movement, but not the cost…I just ordered one of these
http://www.steinhartwatches.com/store/aircraft-8-p-49.html
July 31st, 2006 at 9:05 am
The Sinn models 656/756/856 seem quite different from the B&R mod. 01-92.
The Steinhard model is, instead, quite the same thing…. apart from the details (finishes, wristband, care for details and so on…).
I would say that Steinhard vs. B&R is a bit like Tudor vs. Rolex
Somehow it looks like the “cheap version/copy” of the B&R.
Of course we live in a free world so everyone is free to choose, but personally, if I can’t afford the original, by no means I’d go for the cheap companion…
Giuseppe
August 7th, 2006 at 9:48 am
wow that is a strikingly styled and functional watch but way too expensive for me and too big this watch is sized for a 6 foot 7 football player not me .I am only five foot 8.5.
September 12th, 2006 at 6:16 am
I order an Steinhart Aircraft 8 by mail, but it’s a bit too big for my wrists. If anyone wants to buy it, it’s in mint condition. I got a signed and limited edition 19/100 model.
my contact info is here: http://www.whiterabbitpress.com
Max Hodges
September 17th, 2006 at 2:28 pm
Even since I saw it at TimeZone, I was smitten. However, it is horribly overpriced and shame that such a nice dial is wasted on an automatic movement. So easy to read and yet so lacking in accuracy.
Hopefully the BR Instrument series will lead back to a trend of making seriously legible watches.
Market Participant
October 5th, 2006 at 7:00 am
My impression of the Bell & Ross BR range was that they were very stiking, legible, well made, swiss timepieces. However, I did think the 46mm case size was too large for a square cased watch. I am pleased to hear that Bell and Ross have now released two 42mm models, the BR03-92 & BR03-94. In my opinion, this is a much better size and I am seriously considering a purchase.
October 14th, 2006 at 12:54 am
The 42mm size is still plenty big, I have to agree with previous reviewer about the Stienhart Aircraft 8 being a close match. The numbers and hands aren’t as large or bold though. I think that is what make the BR 01-92 so special is how legible it is.
Market Participant”
November 29th, 2006 at 3:01 pm
You guys do realize that Steinharts are pure knock-off garbage, right? I would be embarrassed to wear one. If you can’t afford the real thing, just buy a damn Casio or Seiko. I have much more respect for that.
The BR01 is definitely too large. It looks comical. The BR03’s are much more reasonable in size but a 40mm would be even better since the square case really makes it look larger (compared to a round case).
Price is definitely over the top but look at the entire industry in general. Outside of a few (like Sinn), EVERY brand is overpriced.
I agree that if you want a high quality, functional mechanical watch, Sinn is the way to go. Plus Sinn’s 856/756 models have their Tegiment treatment which is simply fantastic. My 856 still looks new after a couple years of hard abuse. The BR’s in Carbon are going to look very beaten up if you put them into hard use since their just standard, soft SS which will start to show through the carbon finish.
December 7th, 2006 at 10:52 am
The Sinn 656 predates this and is a much better design, especially in pvd black. people won’t laugh at you for wearing a Sinn. It’s also a third of the price and just as well made. The 656 is also anti-magnetic, which I guess the BR isn’t, being a fashion watch.
January 13th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
looks ok but way too expensive for a pretty standard movement.
Mike
January 26th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
You guys need to seriously consider the Fortis Fleiger Automatic series and the Fortis Pilot Professional Series. Fortis watches are among the best in the “aviator” class and they are amazingly legible and well constructed swiss watches that can be had for less than $1000. In fact I bought my Fleiger automatic with white dial for $389 not 4 years ago. Prices seem stable since then with the automatic chronos going for between 700 and 1400. Fortis has some $3-4K watches as well, but it is amazing what you actually get from them for less than $1k.
That being said, the B&R is something truly unique. It has no business in the $2500 range, but it is great to look at. The Sinn 656-756-856 line looks awesome as well. Their UTC version with the yellow GMT hand is a must have - and the price is reasonable.
To bad B&R didn’t price their automatics in the $700 range where they belong - they would have sold ten times the number they are selling now and would not have lost business to Sinn and Fortis and (gasp) Steinhart.
January 28th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
how about the Archimede Pilot watch over the sinn. at under $300 its a deal i would think.
February 10th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
To be honest with you all, the purchasing of a watch for oneself is that of a very personal matter, not dissimilar to deciding what you ‘fancy’ to eat for dinner, what appeals to one man will not instictively appeal to the next. One man may well be prepared to splash out on the lobster thermidor purely becasue “he just fancies eating this”, whereas the other chap will settle for lasagne. Both are truly delectable dishes however what floats one mans boat doesn’t float anothers… In short we all buy the watches that appeal to us as individuals. I’m usually a more IWC and Jaeger watch man but I very much love the whole concept of what the BR03-92 Orange achieves.
February 11th, 2007 at 6:03 am
I don’t have that kind of $$$, so I got a Citizen Nighthawk BJ7005. It is also an ecodrive model, and AFAIK just as well constructed.
March 1st, 2007 at 3:41 pm
Well, I have just right now a BR01-94 stainless steel, black dial on my wrist, got it yesterday, and obviously is massive but great finishing, and perfect in all conjunction. I´d prefeer another mechanism than the common ETA but works perfectly well.
Of course attracs all the sights around, but admiration is what causes.
I like it
Antonio
May 10th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Dear Sir/ Mrs.
My name is Jakob Barak I am a pilot and an electrical engineer from israel.
I purchase a Tissot T Touch watch tow years ago, Mainly on because that my father was an pilot in the second world war and his Tissot watch not only passed the war is also work till today (from 1930). Obviously today Tissot are fare away from that.
My first Tissot T Touch watch become out of order three months after I bought it , then thy fix it and it stop to function again after three months , And was spoiled again and again 4 times.
For my completion thought that the exchange of the clock is implicit, but not in Tissot. For them it is reputed as favor, and after fight and many letters it was exchanged the watch to a new one, and I wish that it was end of the story. But in the new watch the amazing story repeated himself, And as of today the new watch was spoiled already three times. There is to point out that on Angelina Jolie in the movie of the watch look wonderful, But in my opinion it is not enough, and it also should work sometimes. The second time already I did checksin the internet forums and turn Out that it is not only my problem, and I have 5000 mail of people all over the word that have the same problem with Tissot watches. Ironic the representation in Israel gave service over the her buoy, but to know Tissot reparation on the sorrow and the time is identical watch or more inexpensive. ( it in an attempt that impossible to buy omega).
The watch is built with functions to the pilots but with reliability of market in Thailand.
Jekob barak
jbarak@actcom.co.il
June 4th, 2007 at 7:57 am
Thanks Barak for his review. very informative. I was about to invest in a T-Touch for it’s interesting features. My concern was on reliability. Now I know better. No point in getting a watch that work occationally.
June 20th, 2007 at 2:48 am
My son gave me a BR01-94 and it looks just like the clock I had in the SR-71 Aircraft that I flew between July 68 to Jun 74. All my friends will see the watch at the Blackbird Reunion in Reno this month and I know the watch will bring back great flying moments flying the SR-71. I am a very proud owner of one of the greatest watches I have ever owned.
James H. Shelton, Jr Col. USAF Ret
January 26th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
The Bell & Ross watches are definitely class timepieces and agree the BR 01 case was on the big side for a square case, for me anyway, i am glad the Bell & Ross BR 03 series have been released with the 42mm casing which is just right.
I have seen these Bell & Ross watches on the ‘linked’ website at some reasonable prices although they are still expensive but in my opinion worth every penny!
January 26th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
The Bell & Ross watches are definitely class timepieces and agree the BR 01 case was on the big side for a square case, for me anyway, i am glad the Bell & Ross BR 03 series have been released with the 42mm casing which is just right.
I have seen these Bell & Ross watches on the ‘linked’ website at some reasonable prices although they are still expensive but in my opinion worth every penny!
May 11th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
The demand for bell&ross watches is at the moment so high, that even here in switzerland it’s hard to get one.
After beeing dissapointed by my Luminor from Panerai (poor quality, to many defects) I sold it and I’m now waiting for almost six weeks for a br 03 92.
I do agree, that the cost of it is massive but you can be sure, that it’s worth! The quality is superb and soon B&R watches will be as atractive, as Panerai was before!
Can’t wait to have it…
Juan