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Any experience of Bell & Ross
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Author:  AshUK [ Tue May 19, 2009 4:35 am ]
Post subject:  Any experience of Bell & Ross
Hi Guys,

Well as a fan of both Breitling and Omega, I have been looking for my next piece, even though I've just got my latest in March... I'm thinking around Autumn time which gives me plenty of time to think things over. I did have a shortlist, which seemed to be fixed, until I saw over the weekend a Bell & Ross BR03-92. Now, I can see it is not to all tastes, in fact a year or so back I may well have not liked it, but I cannot stop thinking about it. My shortlist was :

A B1, mainly because I've always liked it, they have been discontinued and it would make a perfect mate for my B2.
An Avenger Seawolf, which to me looks stunning and very rugged.
A Speedmaster, the classic which again is a real beauty in my eyes.
Now this is the one I now can't get out of my head:
Image
Now the B&R has appeared, I'm constantly looking at photos, checking out the forums, and just cannot stop thinking about it. I suppose I just need to have a good think about it, maybe try them on again, see how they feel. I can't help but think that maybe it will 'go out of fashion' even though I don't buy them as a fashion piece, but as a watch. Will I regret having one if a few years?? Are they a novelty?? Does anyone else have any thoughts on these urges of mine?!! I just saw that Andrew Michaels stock B&R so the intention is to pop in and compare - who knows!

Thanks for any help and advice you may throw my way!

Ash
Author:  Driver8 [ Tue May 19, 2009 4:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Any experience of Bell & Ross
There are a few guys on here who like and own B&R watches, so I'm sure one of them will chime in shortly.

From a personal perspective I can't help but think of them more as a fashion watch that a "serious" timepiece, but they are certainly better in terms of quality than a lot of other watches of that ilk out there. They use standard unmodified ETA movements which are reliable but not overly interesting, but they have decent steel cases and sapphire crystal, etc, so they are certainly of a good standard of build. I'm personally not a huge fan of them, but you could do a lot worse.
Author:  Sav [ Tue May 19, 2009 5:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Any experience of Bell & Ross
I nearly got one but went for the SOH46 instead. I tried on a B&R (can't remember the model but it looked just like the one in the picture) and the 'squareness' of it just didn't feel right to me. It was a nice size and looked diffrerent, which I liked, but I coulnd't say I liked how it felt on the wrist.
Author:  BroncoSport [ Tue May 19, 2009 6:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Any experience of Bell & Ross
I have the Bell & Ross Phantom (the 43mm version) and I love it.

PROS:
Super thin
Extremely comfortable
Build quality is great (a notch below Breitling and Rolex)
Great wrist presence
Easy to read dial

CONS:
Lume is not as powerfull as Breitling
Crystal is flat and not coated
I found the extra nylon strap, uncomfortable
Date window is a tad small, but functional

I wouldnt hesitate buying another one. In fact I really like the carbon fiber dialed GMT. I do not like the large versions that much. I have decent sized wrist but I didnt think that the large one looked right on my wrist.

Scott
Author:  boothba [ Tue May 19, 2009 2:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any experience of Bell & Ross
I have to agree with Bronco.

I actually have the same watch (BR03-Phantom) and must say that it is a terrific watch. I have a Navi World and bought this when I could not get my hands on a SA Blacksteel. I do not care for the nylon strap and have only worn it on occasion.

I was recently at an AD and was able to view some of their new products. I was really blown away by the build quality. They have done some really cool things. One of the best was the model, the name escapes me, where the entire case is constructed of carbon fiber.

All that being said, I would not hesitate to purchase another B&R.

One additional note, I have received excellent service by both the B&R AD and the regional sales rep.
Author:  BroncoSport [ Tue May 19, 2009 2:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any experience of Bell & Ross
Image
Author:  09saint [ Tue May 19, 2009 3:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any experience of Bell & Ross
I have the 03-92 steel and really like it. The only thing I dont care for is the size of the date window. I have only used the rubber strap but wish it was a little longer, currently B&R does not offer a longer one. The lume on mine is outstanding! Next on my list is the Seawolf Avenger (slate), that will become my everyday watch. Good luck
Author:  Otto [ Tue May 19, 2009 4:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any experience of Bell & Ross
Ash, I was in a similar position before I bought my B&R - I had a few doubts in my mind but I couldn't stop looking at them and thinking about them. Eventually I decided to hedge my bets a little and buy second-hand. I haven't regretted it for a moment, and have even come close to buying another one a couple of times.

I'm not entirely sure how the instrument line is going to be regarded in a few years' time, but bear in mind that it's been around for a few years already now, and the brand seems to be going from strength to strength in terms of profile and recognition. I think there's just as much chance that it will be regarded as something of a classic (in a very modern sense, obviously) as a novelty. Classic might be too strong a word, I just mean that I think it could come to be regarded as a significant and instantly recognisable design.

Anyhow, here's my BR01. Wearing it makes a great change from the rest of my collection, makes me appreciate them all more.

Image
Author:  DZar [ Sat Jun 06, 2009 7:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any experience of Bell & Ross
Always thought these watches were super cool, but never knew anything about them. That phantom is a gorgeous watch, if you don't mind me asking, what's the retail?
Author:  AshUK [ Sun Jun 07, 2009 12:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Any experience of Bell & Ross
I'll let you know in a few days - I think a visit to Andrew is in order... Oh dear... here we go again!

Ash
Author:  Mellow Yellow [ Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Any experience of Bell & Ross
I think they look super cool. My Breitling was a massive purchase for me; my one and only high-end watch had to be one for all occasions as I can't buy another. But if I had pots of money and wanted a watch which looked ace with jean and t-shirt, I'd have a B&R.

Good luck with your purchase and congratulations on your pots of money. :wink:
Author:  alex** [ Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any experience of Bell & Ross
ash also if u do decide on a br let me know as andrew michaels also stocks them and i can likely get u a good deal
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