Bell & Ross’ saga began in an aircraft cockpit and was motivated by the ambition of designing watches inspired by aeronautical instrumentation, in reference to precision, legibility and reliability.
In just a century, the aircraft has evolved from the Wright brothers’ biplane to the Rafale. Watches have always been a precious aid assisting crews with navigation and providing operational support to pilots especially when the stakes are high during combat missions. This is why all military-inspired Bell & Ross watches comply with the strict specifications established by the armed forces. Ever since 2009, Bell & Ross paid tribute to pocket watches from the Great War and to flight instruments from the 1940s. The Vintage collection enters into its third generation where new models observe their design evolving.
The heritage between today’s Bell & Ross watches and their glorious predecessors is strong. Therefore, Bell & Ross decided to launch a watch collection in 2009 named ‘Heritage’ which highlights key eras in aviation history. The distinctive feature of the BR Heritage collection is that it unifies its models, of varied forms and functions, around a common concept whether it’s square, round, three-hand or chronograph. They share the characteristic of expressing passage of time through colors and a patina that provides vintage aesthetics. The aesthetic effect of beige numerals on a black background has contributed to introducing an iconic style of Bell & Ross into the watch market and now, the flagship collection starts a new chapter with the BR V2-92 and BR V2-94 Steel Heritage.
The new versions feature an iconic black dial with its traditional sand-coloured 12, 3, 6 and 9 numerals, meant to look as if aged by the patina of time. They evoke the past yet belong to the modern era with credits to the latest watchmaking technologies and materials. The details include a polished or satin-finished steel case with a slightly smaller diameter of 41 mm, push-buttons and a screw-down crown to reinforce the water-resistance of the case, rounded lugs that match the new metal bracelet with fine links to ensure comfort on any wrist, and the sapphire crystal with an ultra-curved finish to evoke the style of vintage watches. The BR V2-92 and BR V2-94 Steel Heritage measure time with precision whilst cultivating a resolutely retro look as inspired by instrument panels from 1960s aircrafts. A Vintage spirit with the Heritage concept at its heart.
The Steel Heritage timepieces will be retailing from RM12,500 to RM20,700 and will be available at Bell & Ross Boutiques at Pavilion KL, The Gardens KL, Gurney Plaza and selected authorized retailers in February 2018.
