
A salute to our armed forces, more specifically the Navy are the intentions Bell & Ross had behind the conception of this new timepiece. A dressed up pilot’s watch in a blue and gold color scheme similar to a naval officer’s uniform. And also available in two models: the “BR 123” with small seconds & the “BR 126” chronograph.
This modern retro aviation timepiece is also inspired by vintage French naval aviator’s chronographs, which may explain the use of the French term “Aéronavale”. And though there have been many military themed watches produced during the years, this new interpretation based on their dressier uniforms, has managed to bring a certain freshness to it. The “Bell & Ross Vintage BR Collection” tends to look at the 1960’s pilot-themed watches, but this new edition looks quite modern.
The 43mm case on these watches are both made of stainless-steel with a polished finish. A domed sapphire crystal covers the dial and attaches to a 60-minute graduated bezel in a blue anodized aluminium insert. This fitted steel bezel actually has a blue aluminium ring engraved with an orange/yellow scale on it. Both models were equipped with a transparent caseback in order to view the inner workings of this timepiece.
Dial is colored a shiny metallic blue soleillé with a sunburst brushed finish. Time is told with gold applied baton-shaped hour index markers and Arabic numerals; the “BR 123” includes the 3, 9 and 12 numerals; while the “BR 126” only includes the 6 and 12 numerals on the dial. The gold appliqués and hands have undergone a SuperLuminova coating treatment for enhanced legibility.
The three hand model “BR123” is the simpler of the two models; while the “BR126” chronograph features more complications. So, the “BR 126” chrono includes two additional sub-dials with a snailed guilloché decoration: a sub-seconds is located near the 3 o’clock position, while a 30-minute counter is positioned near 9 o’clock. There is also a date aperture between the fourth and fifth o’clock position.
Bell & Ross Vintage BR Aéronavale (BR126)
This “Bell & Ross BR Aéronavale” (BR 126) is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 301, with 37 jewels and 28,800 vph. Power reserve on this timepiece can last up to 42 hours and water-resistance can reach up to 100m (330 feet).
Bell & Ross Vintage BR Aéronavale (BR123)
This “Bell & Ross BR Aéronavale” (BR 123) is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 305 with 28,800 vph. Power reserve on this timepiece can last up to 38 hours and water-resistance can reach up to 100m (330 feet).
Mounted to these watches is the option of a: blue alligator strap or a blue calf leather strap, with a stainless-steel deployant clasp.
Both these watch will be available at Bell & Ross retailers for purchase starting August 2016!
Feel Free To Contact Us For Availability At:
(646)-756-4859
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