Bell & Ross BRV2-92

Bell and Ross are well known for their aviation style watches, and since the the early 2000's they have been producing very square, chunky, and bold wrist watches. The original BR-01 and BR-03 are most likely what comes to mind when Bell and Ross comes up, styled to look just like a historic cockpit clock.

The BRv2-92 maintains their signature aviation DNA withinn a more traditional round case design. Housed in a stainless steel case, it perfectly balances vintage charm, with modern design and appeal. Featuring a multi-directional rotating bezel, domed sapphire crystal, and a clean black dial with large highly-legible Arabic numerals. Enough brushed steel and ruggedness you can wear it anywhere, from days in the office, to sailing the seven seas.

Built to last, the brushed stainless steel case with a hint of polishing, offers a robust yet refined aesthetic. The screw down crown helps enhance water resistance, rated up to 100 meters. Its suitable for swimming, but not diving. Its got the dive watch look, but Captain Nemo would not approve it for life 10,000 leagues below the sea.

A stand out feature is the domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, providing scratch resistance and excellent visibilty. As the light bends through the domed side of the crystal, those sharp and clear Arabic numerals on the dial stretch and bend, warping your view and adding vintage character to any modern timepiece.

A controversial topic when it comes to Bell and Ross watches is the movement. Yes its an automatic movement and Yes its Swiss-made, however in the case of this BrV2-92, the Caliber BR-CAL.302 is based on the reliable Sellita SW300-1 movement. Featuring a 38-hour power reserve, and operating at 28,800 Vibrations per hour (4 Hz) providing smooth and accurate timekeeping. For the price, it would be nice to see an in-house movement from Bell and Ross.

The 41mm case size and 12mm case thickness makes it highly wearable for a wide range of wrist sizes. I typically find 40mm to be the sweet spot for a 6.5" wrist, however the 11mm thickness and nicely downturned lugs make this watch sit so comfortably on the wrist, it feels smaller than some of my chunkier 40mm watches. Bell and Ross offers a casual rubber strap, or a more dressy stainless steel bracelet. Besides an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet from Rolex, this is one of my favorites bracelets based on strength, design, and comfortability. Beautifully brushed links match the case perfectly, while the polished center links make the whole watch pop in the light. A double-release clasp feels secure, while looking very clean with just the Bell and Ross "&" logo, and both brushed and polished steel finishes.

The Bell and Ross BRv2-92 typically retails between $3,500 and $4,000, positioning itself in the mid-range luxury segment. At this price point, it competes with watches like the Tudor Black Bay 58, and the Omega Seamaster. Knowing the higher-quality of both those watches, you may ask yourself, why would I buy the Bell and Ross? To me, this watch is like comparing an Aston Martin to a Ferrari or Lamborghini. On paper, in every measurable way, the Ferrari or Lamborghini is better, but you don't buy an Aston Martin or a Bell and Ross with your brain, you buy it with your heart.

Pros: Timeless Aviation-inspired design, Nicely finished steel case with both Sapphire domed crystal and Sapphire display caseback, reliable Swiss automatic movement, and a versatile design that fits with both casual and formal attire.

Cons: Date window placement at 4:30 is small and might not appeal for everyone, 38-hour power reserve is slightly underwhelming compared to competitors, and the resale value is not as strong as some other more recognizable Swiss brands.

Technical Data:

Movement type - Automatic with manual winding

Caliber - BR-CAL. 302

25 Jewels

Case Material - Brushed stainless steel

Case Size - 41mm diameter, 11mm thickness, 47.7 lug-to-lug

22mm Lug width

Crystal - Ultra curved sapphire crystal with AR coating

Water Resistance - 10 bar

Bell & Ross BRV2-92