What Are Your Opinions About Bell & Ross?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

At my AD visit recently, I got a very nice Bell & Ross catalogue.

They seem like very well made and classic watches to me!

How's the typical accuracy of Bell & Ross watches? How's the lume?

Any user experiences shared here would be nice!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

At my AD visit recently, I got a very nice Bell & Ross catalogue.

They seem like very well made and classic watches to me!

How's the typical accuracy of Bell & Ross watches? How's the lume?

Any user experiences shared here would be nice!

Bo,
I test drove a B&R instrument chrono with carbon fiber dial when in NYC. It might have had a second timezone too. Man, was it somethin'. Not sure of the model number but it was the large SS cockpit instrument design. Big motha with big straps to hold 'em down. I though it looked great on the wrist. It's so different that I don't know if it would grow on me or the loose it's shine over time. It's probably like owning a Paneria. You either fall head over heels or it ain't you. Probably just grow on me.
dP

[jands8916]

Anyone know if they sent B&R one in for COSC certification?

[Jedi]

They hold awesome parties here in Malaysia and Singapore, and are regarded more as a fashion brand. In my opinion this is fair enough given that they have tried to link in with a tool watch image by marketing their instruments as being designed for bomb disposal experts and aviators etc, but there is little testing documents or accounts to back them up. I actually haven't seen much to back up their claims.

Most people buy them because of the dials and cases and straps.

They use ETA movements by and large.

[Thani]

i like the phantom and the one with power reserve.. kinda cool watches

i was gonna buy one when i was in houston a few months ago, but i changed my mind

[vukotab]

I`m not big fan of brand `cos it`s more about form,not the essence.
They`re too much about rugged and retro design,while they use common ETA movements.
And their prices are too high for what they offering.

[Steven79]

i like them but its a trendy watch, over priced and low resale value.

[boa2]

However, I really like their classic models, such as the Demineur, the Hydro-Challenger, the 126, etc. Very well-made tool watches at reasonable prices...especially on the used market. I can appreciate the look of the instrument series, but I've tried them on, and can't see myself wearing one.

[mfer]

My thoughts are (on this and other watches) if you like 'em, you like 'em.

Why do we pay so much for these things? My answer is b/c we like the style. Bell & Ross make good watches, primarily with ETA movements but a very distinct style. They also make some oil filled watches that blow away the DS depth rating!!!! I would be willing to bet, if they had their own movement, they would hold their value much better.

[jmjm]

Too Big. It's like mounting a television set on my wrist. Actually, it's like taking one of the display dial section from an old WWII airplane, welding on some straps and putting it on my wrist.

Although, I must admit, it looks kinda cool . . . . .

[boa2]

Originally Posted by jmjm

Too Big. It's like mounting a television set on my wrist. Actually, it's like taking one of the display dial section from an old WWII airplane, welding on some straps and putting it on my wrist.

Although, I must admit, it looks kinda cool . . . . .

Lots to choose from beyond the instrument series:

[Fortunato]

I used to wear a SPACE 3 GMT Ti.
Low profile, clean design.
Sold it, because I had some problems in the movements...
Nice watch it was, there is nothing like the "titanium warmth" on your wrist, but I think they are over priced. If someone like BUBBA gives me one, he will have my smile, forever.

[jmjm]

Originally Posted by jmjm

Too Big. It's like mounting a television set on my wrist. Actually, it's like taking one of the display dial section from an old WWII airplane, welding on some straps and putting it on my wrist.

Although, I must admit, it looks kinda cool . . . . .

Whooooa . . . I didn't know about these other models. I only knew about the "Instrument" looking ones. I'd better stick to ROLEX threads only.....

but then, this is how you learn. (from mistakes)

[boa2]

Originally Posted by jmjm

Whooooa . . . I didn't know about these other models. I only knew about the "Instrument" looking ones. I'd better stick to ROLEX threads only.....

but then, this is how you learn. (from mistakes)

That's very funny!

[mfer]

I really like Oil Filled ones. Look so clean and can be dropped to the bottom of the ocean to be recovered by Robots!!!!!!

[Jedi]

Omigod!! A Sub-Explorer Clone!!!

[mfer]

Originally Posted by Jedi

Omigod!! A Sub-Explorer Clone!!!

I know, I know. I REALLY wish Rolex made a white and blue 16610!!!! I have to go elsewhere to get my white and blue subs!!!!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on B & R.

I for my part only like ONE of the models: The HydroMax with black dial. Apparantly, besides the steel bracelet, the HydroMax also comes with a rubber strap and velcro strap option. I kind of like the velcro strap.

Only drawback (or is it?) is that it has a quartz movement.

Still, this watch could be a cool everyday beater...

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I just found this pic of the HydroMax (black dial) in the General Rolex Forum:


(Pic originally posted by "BiGJeEzY" (Jerome).

It's actually quite a nice looking watch, imho!

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by Jedi

Most people buy them because of the dials and cases and straps.
They use ETA movements by and large.

I agree, a fashion brand: I love them too but they are nothing great in terms of mechanism.

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by vukotab

They`re too much about rugged and retro design,while they use common ETA movements.
And their prices are too high for what they offering.

Thats exactly what I meant!

[Scarface]

Here 's a great link about the HYDROMAX:

http://www.bellross.com/download/not...ydromax-en.pdf

Byt a QUARTZ?????? Not for me

[Jedi]

In terms of mechanism, they do have a tourbillon model priced at around USD153,000.00 but even then it was developed and executed by Depraz... I think

[moby33]

I wore a B&R BR01-94 (chrono version) for a little over a year. I loved the style & 46mm case...and even though it was large, they are pretty slim IMO and therefore didn't wear as HUGE as they appear. But, I must admit I wasn't thrilled with the operation.

The watch literally stopped on me 3 times during the course of the year...and it wasn't from lack of power reserve as I never took it off. For some reason once every 2-3 months it would simply jam & not work. After spinning the hands and freeing it, it would work great. The crown was pretty weak IMO (and compared to the Triplock, it seems like you're playing w/ a toy). The first time it jammed, I chalked it up to lack of power (was trying to talk myself into it even though I knew I was wearing the hell out of it). The second time I almost sent it in for service...but figured I would see if it happened again. Sure enough months go by w/o incident so I forget about it. Then it did it again.

The chrono feature wasn't great either...sometimes I would have to press the reset button a few times for the hands to realign perfectly (very annoying as my Omega SMP chrono NEVER had this problem in over 4 years of operation...one touch, SMP reset perfectly - every time).

I had all three bands (canvas & leather that came w/ it), then purchased the new rubber. Leather band looked good, but didn't age very well. Canvas band also looked pretty 'worn out' after a few times in the water. Rubber band was good...no complaints there.

Overall, I loved the look, but too many mechanical & quality of material issues for me to ever consider buying another. I sold it to a friend for a great price (and obviously disclosed these issues)...but my B&R experience wasn't the best.

The Hydromax looks interesting, but I just can't get over its bracelet...just not my style w/ those rounded center links.

[time]

I do not like B&R. Too special for me.

[bfh]

Bo - I had a B&R "Type Marine" which is somewhat the same at the one you're interested in except it has no oil behind crystal and has a much lower price. I really like the look of many of the Bell & Ross watches, but somehow they don't look great (to me) in person. Regarding the Type Marine I had, I didn't like the lack of lugs on the case (how the case goes directly into the band, as seen in the picture below). The rubber band that came with mine also tapered down to 16mm and just felt to small too me when wearing it - and I never found another band that really fit it well, due to the different case design without lugs. The quality/ fit and finish of the watch was quite good, but the other issues led me to sell it.

[rulessapt]

I own a Vintage 123, with black face on black alligator deployment band, bought at Fortunoffs in NYC last year for $2097. Worth the money ? On reflection, probably not.
I do like the look, it does feel well weighted on the wrist and is easy on the eye.
Accuracy is not as good as a chronometer, but then it doesn't claim to be. Does have an ETA movement. Box and packaging is 1st class and better than a Rolex. ( Flame suit on ! )
If I had my time over I would probably have chosen an Omega...... Anyone want to swap for a SMP ?
http://img108.mytextgraphics.com/pho...-fguckuth.jpeg

Apologies for the less than clear image, Bell & Ross do certainly make a watch with an easy to look at and read face.
cheers
richard
Right now I'm wearing my 1964 Rolex SS Datejust and loving it.

[moby33]

All things said...that's still a pretty sweet looking B&R.

[rulessapt]

Thanks, I do like it, but feel the " trendy " tag is a little too prevalent and wonder if they'll make it in the long term.

cheers
richard

[dubyatf]

Originally Posted by mfer

I really like Oil Filled ones. Look so clean and can be dropped to the bottom of the ocean to be recovered by Robots!!!!!!

Wow! That looks exactly like my Seamaster from circa 1992 - except for the white face. I mean even the bracelet look verry close!