The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Old 3 March 2013, 02:05 PM   #1
Yanks213x
"TRF" Member
 
Yanks213x's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: Mike
Location: Long Island
Watch: 14060m
Posts: 342
Bell and Ross

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
Yanks213x is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 March 2013, 08:09 AM   #2
BOEDY
"TRF" Member
 
BOEDY's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Real Name: Mark
Location: No. Virginia
Watch: All of Them
Posts: 28
Bell and Ross

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.
BOEDY is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 March 2013, 11:04 AM   #3
Bhutton
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Toronto
Posts: 197
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.
Bhutton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 March 2013, 11:17 AM   #4
Yanks213x
"TRF" Member
 
Yanks213x's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: Mike
Location: Long Island
Watch: 14060m
Posts: 342
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!
Yanks213x is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 March 2013, 06:21 PM   #5
asadtiger
"TRF" Member
 
asadtiger's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Asad A. Awan
Location: kabul, Afghanista
Watch: Tissot PRX
Posts: 2,698
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.
asadtiger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 March 2013, 12:11 PM   #6
Rocky2013
"TRF" Member
 
Rocky2013's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Real Name: John
Location: California
Posts: 20
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.
Rocky2013 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 March 2013, 10:02 AM   #7
eric23
"TRF" Member
 
eric23's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: Eric
Location: Calgary
Posts: 9,595
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.
eric23 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 June 2013, 09:31 AM   #8
dajiggalo
"TRF" Member
 
dajiggalo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Atlanta area
Watch: anything 36mm
Posts: 134
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
dajiggalo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 June 2013, 09:57 AM   #9
HRFdez
"TRF" Member
 
HRFdez's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Real Name: Hector
Location: Lake Placid, NY
Watch: Rolex Day-Date
Posts: 390
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.
HRFdez is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 June 2013, 12:49 AM   #10
turillo
"TRF" Member
 
turillo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Toronto Canada
Watch: AP, Omega,
Posts: 257
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bhutton View Post
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,
turillo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 June 2013, 01:47 PM   #11
rulessapt
"TRF" Member
 
rulessapt's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Real Name: richard
Location: Tasmania
Watch: u c
Posts: 514
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

rulessapt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 July 2013, 06:05 AM   #12
1st amg
2024 Pledge Member
 
1st amg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Real Name: nicholas
Location: ottawa canada
Watch: Rolex,AP,Panerai
Posts: 9,383
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.
1st amg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 November 2013, 02:08 PM   #13
427shark
"TRF" Member
 
427shark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: JD
Location: Jersey
Watch: Dj2 tt, 126610LV
Posts: 772
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
__________________
It's not easy being green
427shark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 November 2013, 12:39 PM   #14
Walton
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 134
I LOVE the BR 126 Heritage and the Radar watches but not at $4000...
Walton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 November 2013, 02:30 PM   #15
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
The 123 is one of my favorites. Their vintage line feels vintage without being pretentious. I like that.
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 November 2013, 08:57 PM   #16
Psmith
"TRF" Member
 
Psmith's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Real Name: Clive
Location: Exoplanet
Watch: spring-driven
Posts: 38,856
B&R should bring back an updated Professional line e.g. the Type Marine, Hydromax, etc...
__________________
Psmith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 February 2014, 03:44 AM   #17
rolex69
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Real Name: Ernie hecht
Location: NYC
Watch: Panerai 88
Posts: 11
Br01

Quote:
Originally Posted by BOEDY View Post
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 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 February 2014, 03:46 AM   #18
rolex69
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Real Name: Ernie hecht
Location: NYC
Watch: Panerai 88
Posts: 11
scratching

Quote:
Originally Posted by eric23 View Post
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
rolex69 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 February 2014, 03:59 AM   #19
Vincent65
"TRF" Member
 
Vincent65's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 14,293
I like mine
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 2013-09-22 17.55.24.jpg (129.5 KB, 606 views)
Vincent65 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 February 2014, 04:56 AM   #20
CoachRolexRyan
"TRF" Member
 
CoachRolexRyan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Real Name: Coach
Location: Boston
Watch: Rolex Deep Sea
Posts: 1,297
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.
__________________
DSSD, PAM 320, PAM 170, BR03-92
CoachRolexRyan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 February 2014, 09:23 AM   #21
applebook
"TRF" Member
 
applebook's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: vancouver
Posts: 1,918
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.
__________________
applebook is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2014, 06:56 PM   #22
scotty83
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: New York
Posts: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by applebook View Post
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.
scotty83 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 June 2019, 10:48 PM   #23
northeasterik
"TRF" Member
 
northeasterik's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Real Name: Erik C.
Location: North New Jersey
Posts: 55
Bell & Ross

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.

northeasterik is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.