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Old 10 September 2015, 12:40 PM   #1
supra8903
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Icon19 Is Bell and Ross a dead brand

Hello all.

I'm looking at possibly picking up a Bell and Ross BR03-92 Steel.

I think it will be a fun casual watch that will complement my collection.
Panerai 422
Breitling avenger seawolf
Stowa marine
Tissot PRC200

All the forums I'm looking at for Bell and Ross are non responsive.
Very little activity.
No post on here other than for sale threads.

Is it worth dropping some money on?
Is it dead. Old news.

I was saving for a Sub Date, but the BR03 is less than 1/3 the cost, and a completely different look. I'll still add the sub, but at a later date.

What's your thoughts on Bell and Ross.
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Old 10 September 2015, 12:45 PM   #2
nick c
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Bell&Ross they have some good looking watches
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Old 10 September 2015, 05:34 PM   #3
BlackBay1
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If you like the look of the watch and want it in your collection then go for it, if you're not sure then keep saving for that Sub.

I remember talking with my AD a few months back and he was quite keen on the idea of stocking Bell & Ross as he was getting quite a few enquiries from the local RAF guys and various other aviators who visit the City.
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Old 10 September 2015, 05:51 PM   #4
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I am a big fan of Bell & Ross. I would love to add a BR03-92 Golden Heritage to my collection one day. I don't think they are a dead brand in any way, just not as popular as some others. That makes them more appealing to me.
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Old 10 September 2015, 06:43 PM   #5
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My friend has one that piqued my interest in the brand. I still don't love the square cases enough to buy one but the 123 sport and GMTs are great great looking watches.
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Old 10 September 2015, 09:57 PM   #6
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Dead? I don't think so.
Also, the B&R forum on WUS still seems to be pretty active.
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Old 10 September 2015, 10:13 PM   #7
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Even if they were dying, which I don't think they are, you should still get one if you like it.

I've always liked B&R. Some very cool and functional designs.
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Old 10 September 2015, 10:50 PM   #8
supra8903
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Thanks guys... this helps... maybe I just caught the forums at a slow time.

Thanks.

Joe
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Old 11 September 2015, 10:42 AM   #9
Speed
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They're big watches in general ...ETA movements...but a different look to mix things up.
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Old 11 September 2015, 10:48 AM   #10
s14roller
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Never was a fan
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Old 11 September 2015, 11:06 AM   #11
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Not my cuppa. But then neither is AP, PP, or RM, to name but a few that are not to my liking. But dead? I don't think so.
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Old 11 September 2015, 11:12 AM   #12
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I like the look of the vintage collection
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Old 11 September 2015, 12:28 PM   #13
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A few interesting pieces, but the square aviation style is a bit silly to me.
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Old 11 September 2015, 12:49 PM   #14
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They certainly have their followers and make an appealing watch.
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Old 11 September 2015, 12:49 PM   #15
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Neither dead nor appealing.
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Old 11 September 2015, 01:17 PM   #16
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not for me but why not if you like them
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Old 11 September 2015, 09:29 PM   #17
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I personally LOVE Bell & Ross. I think they make good quality watches that look unique. I actually just picked up the "Rafale" and love it!

And wait till you see the custom straps I'm getting made for it
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Old 12 September 2015, 12:47 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HOHO View Post
I personally LOVE Bell & Ross. I think they make good quality watches that look unique. I actually just picked up the "Rafale" and love it!

And wait till you see the custom straps I'm getting made for it
Nice, the Rafale is a french fighter plane
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Old 13 September 2015, 05:00 AM   #19
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Don't judge a brand by it's forum. TRF is the exception to the rule. Most "Brand" forums don't have a high volume of activity, i.e. Bremont, Christopher Ward and yes Bell & Ross. There are two major Bell & Ross Forums and one is really slow and the other so, so. I have two B&R watches a Vintage 123 and a BR03-92 and love them both. The unique square face is awesome! Great strap options as well. I think it is a great casual watch.
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Old 13 September 2015, 05:37 AM   #20
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I like the look of the vintage collection

I'll drink to that. Never liked the square cases either but they do take some risks with their designs which I have respect for.
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Old 17 September 2015, 02:21 PM   #21
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Aaron at Combat straps in Montreal does good work!
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Old 19 September 2015, 05:57 AM   #22
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There is a reason why a BR03 costs less than 1/3 of a Sub Date.

I like some of them, about how they look, but the look alone has yet got me to spend my money on one. Call me crazy, I much rather buy a Hamilton or Tissot than a BR ...
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Old 21 September 2015, 04:40 AM   #23
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I have recently been looking at the BR03 92 myself and I was a little sceptical about how it would look on the wrist so I tried one on a few days ago.

I was amazed at how well it sits on the wrist (7 inch wrists) and more importantly, how comfortable it was. The rubber strap is very sturdy and comfortable to wear.

I love the custom straps available for it is as well and I think if I can get one for a good price it is something that I will be picking up in the near future.
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Old 25 September 2015, 10:52 PM   #24
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I have owned a 03-92 Steel for the last 8 years and really like having it to mix up my small collection. As a few have mentioned they do have a pretty decent following. I have been stopped a few times while traveling by other enthusiast of the brand. It isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I think that is why I like it. I only wear it on occasions now as my Pam 523 get most if the wrist time these days. I say buy one and join the club.
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Old 9 November 2015, 03:02 AM   #25
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Bell and Ross has a great community... Recently, when on vacation in Paris we arranged a GTG and I even had the pleasure of visiting their HQ. I'd say Instagram is the best place for BR community. They also have official forums on their own website, which get a decent amount of traffic. Also, the BRgang forums have recently enabled Google translate, which opens it up to non-French speaking users.
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Old 17 November 2015, 02:36 PM   #26
aprasert
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Save your money for the Rolex. Bell and Ross are no better than other fashion watches but with higher price tags
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Old 17 November 2015, 04:58 PM   #27
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save your money for the rolex. Bell and ross are no better than other fashion watches but with higher price tags
+100000000
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Old 17 November 2015, 07:17 PM   #28
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They had a few very popular years. Lately its calmed down a bit but they are by no means dead in my opinion. Its just the phase where their designs were new and fresh is over. However, i still think they are fantastic watches that are made very well. I especially enjoy the new lineup they have with the gold. If their designs appeal to you then by all means get one!
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Old 1 December 2015, 12:21 AM   #29
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Just picked up a 123. Really liking it. I think it goes well in any collection.
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Old 1 December 2015, 12:47 AM   #30
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Would love to own a TI GMT w/ carbon fiber dial.
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