Well, sure, you could argue that B&R have had a lock on the vintage style with their signature aviation watches. However, if the brand decides to put Vintage right into the name of the model, well, I’ll give ’em the benefit of the doubt.
The watch in question is the Vintage BR126 (collection here). B&R feels that these draw from the watches worn by aviators in the 40s. Now, I don’t know any pilots from that era, so I’ll take their word for it.
What I do know is that this is a great looking piece. Available in a variety of dial colors and case finishes, you can very likely find one to suit your tastes. For me, the steel case and cream dial is the combo that spoke to me. That satin steel case is sized at a very comfortable 41mm (not too big, not too small), and holds the domed, AR-coated sapphire crystal in place.
The hands, numerals, and indices are coated in lume, which is to be expected. In the pictures, I can definitely see it on the hands – but either their copy is off, or they’ve got some very good black lume for this particular model. That aside, what is a known is the movement inside – the ETA 2894 holds down the fort.
With the two sub-dials (30 minute and 60 second), this is a very nicely balanced dial. Of course, Bell & Ross know how to put together a good looking watch – and the BR126 line is no exception. Of course, such a design is not going to come easily to you. For this collection, you’ll need around $4200 to join the club.
Bell & Ross is like Panerai jr….in that both companies are extremely overpriced for what they are at their respective price-points. You also gotta love how a 20yr old company is marketing “heritage” pieces for 4k. I will agree though, a clean design indeed….even if it is an enduring Sinn inheritance.
On the cream dial, I like that the date indication at 4:30 is proper aligned (printed at a 45 degree angle). But why does the black dial have no date? Otherwise, I prefer the black dial with it cockpit instrument inspired hands/lume.
interesting. More expensive then my 126xl and less features ( vs 200m , anti magnetic) and my cafe skin stap looks classier
Wow, the black dial looks really great! Interesting while very simple, nice combination with the black coating.