Bell and Ross

[Yanks213x]

I've always had a closet affection for Bell and Ross. I think they are a cool and unique style. Personally I like the BR 01-93 phantom no date (might be a different model). What are your opinions on these watches? I feel like the 46mm looks way too big. Are they made with quality parts? Are the movements decent? What kind of resale value do they have?

I know a lot of people on this forum are all about wearing what you love. Personally this wouldn't be the first watch if buy but definitely one I may want to buy down the road. Please give an honest critique of the watch. I'm looking for a basic overall review.

Thanks

[BOEDY]

I bought the B&R 01-93 LE Blue dial for Christmas last year. I wasn't too sure on the smaller size when I first got it, but have grown to love it. I don't see many of them around, but I love the simplicity.

Great sporty watch to wear on casual days.

Good luck in your quest.

[Bhutton]

well resale will be 50% of new... maybe less. they're ETA movements - just google them... here in Toronto you can find them 30-40% off if you're patient

Even a grey dealer can get it for you for 40% off still taking his commission.

Honestly... if you have the money to blow, IMO you're basically buying a cooler version of a fashion watch.

They do look cool, i will give them that.

[Yanks213x]

Yeah I don't want to spend thousands for that kind of movement. Same reason I don't like buying expensive quartz movement watches. I really do like the way they look. The phantom is so nice looking. I'm 6'8 with 7 inch wrists and the 46 mm looks just right on my wrist.

Keep the reviews coming!

[asadtiger]

I am sold out on their looks...the new WW military models with no dates, and the older diver models and the newer 1000m diver with inner rotating bezel all are absolutely wonderful looking, provided you are into this kind of aesthetic ..the movements are ETA, so one can say they are nothing especial, but then, I would say they are very special too since they are reliable, tested and wonderful movements by all general criteria, though they have 'nothing special' :D

but having said all that, B&R would always be a weekend/beater or second choice for me afetr I have other watches which I feel like having more pedigree, like Omega..but B&R remains a major choice IMHO.

[Rocky2013]

The aviator look is definitely striking. It's not for everyone, but I believe, with time, they will become an iconic watch to own. For being a new comer to the world of watches (1992), their style has already been copied by other manufacturers. Although some of their movements could stand some complexity, they are currently very tough and reliable watches. My BR03-92 (steel) is currently in my rotation of watches.

[eric23]

I wanted to get a B&R for a long time untill I seen them used with the black scaching off.

But I still have a soft spot for them, I think they look great.

[dajiggalo]

Echoing the majority sentiment.... Interesting design (especially their WWI models) but the for the MSRP... not worth it. For basically the same ETA movement, but with more "usable" features and less cost, you can get a Sinn 7 or 8 series watch

[HRFdez]

I used to own a BR01-97, Power Reserve. It was nice, but the movement was not what I was looking for. It was nice looking, but the heart was not for me.

[turillo]

Originally Posted by Bhutton

well resale will be 50% of new... maybe less. they're ETA movements - just google them... here in Toronto you can find them 30-40% off if you're patient

Even a grey dealer can get it for you for 40% off still taking his commission.

Honestly... if you have the money to blow, IMO you're basically buying a cooler version of a fashion watch.

They do look cool, i will give them that.

Where in Toronto do you suggest I look for a B&R? If the price is right I might buy one as a daily driver.


Cheers,

[rulessapt]

I wear a new style Vintage 123 as a daily.
Keeps reasonable time, has a super legible dial and I'm well aware it doesn't have the "cache" of other watches, or the heritage for that matter.

It's my third B&R, I keep coming back to them.
They have a deployant which is comfortable to wear too.
Something I can't say for Rolex bracelets, on my wrist anyway.

cheers,
richard

[1st amg]

I am about to sell my B&R Br01-94 stainless steel to a friend this week. I have had it since 2008 and bought three other straps for it. Which is great to bring on extended holidays. You can change the look with your wardrobe and the strap changing system is excellent. I have decided to part ways with it for a DSSD.....i guess we can call it an upgrade. But I still loved that watch as a daily. Oh well, time to move on. Great watch.

[427shark]

I've been on and off about getting a B&R 01 for probably the past 3 years. Every time I came close to buying one I stumbled because of the eta movement.... Well I tried one on again a couple weeks ago and made up my mind, I'm pulling the trigger after Christmas. Honestly your not buying a B&R 01 for the movement, in its own right it's iconic and very unique. They have very nice finishes and really do exemplify aircraft instruments. Even if the whole aviation tool thing is just a great marketing ploy, I still dig it

[Walton]

I LOVE the BR 126 Heritage and the Radar watches but not at $4000...

[joe100]

The 123 is one of my favorites. Their vintage line feels vintage without being pretentious. I like that.

[Psmith]

B&R should bring back an updated Professional line e.g. the Type Marine, Hydromax, etc...

[rolex69]

Originally Posted by BOEDY

I bought the B&R 01-93 LE Blue dial for Christmas last year. I wasn't too sure on the smaller size when I first got it, but have grown to love it. I don't see many of them around, but I love the simplicity.

Great sporty watch to wear on casual days.

Good luck in your quest.

The 01 series is the 46MM
I have the aviator with the thermo compensated quartz movement and at 42mm its great
enjoyed it so much got the 42mm blue dial

[rolex69]

Originally Posted by eric23

I wanted to get a B&R for a long time untill I seen them used with the black scaching off.

But I still have a soft spot for them, I think they look great.

Concerned about scratching get the ceramic as its much harder

[Vincent65]

I like mine

[CoachRolexRyan]

I always hear people saying it's overpriced for what they are but really.. aren't all luxury watches ridiculously overpriced? As far as the ETA movements they are going to be more sought after as they are now owned by the Richmond group and will not be available to other brands.
I actually feel the Bell and Ross BR01 series is a great value for the money.
To me they are like how Panerai used to be 20 years ago. A unique, original design, tough and durable cases, finished nicely, great lume with a work horse movement. The BR01-93 SS is the one to get if you ask me. Awesome looking watch and the closest thing to what Panerai used to be.

[applebook]

Some of their designs are fantastic. The vintage collection is stunning:



Unfortunately, they use module movements now. I don't recall when B&R switched from the 7750 to modules, but the 7750 models will hold their value.

[scotty83]

Originally Posted by applebook

Some of their designs are fantastic. The vintage collection is stunning:

Unfortunately, they use module movements now. I don't recall when B&R switched from the 7750 to modules, but the 7750 models will hold their value.

They switched to the module 2894 chronographs all the way back in 2002 in the second generation of the Vintage 126 line.

[northeasterik]

I was really not into them until I said what the hell and got a BR01-96 S Grande Date Commando Limited Edition.

Pretty tough looking watch. I think it's an acquired taste and yo grow into it... I wasnt fond of the square shape on these but now I love them. It's good to get out of your usual picks once in a while

The one I got is 46mm and adds good weight to your wrist.