Bell & Ross Watches

About Bell & Ross Watches

In the late 1980s, a team of Swiss designers set out to create watches that could serve specifically as precise time indicators for pilots and space controllers. The founders, Carlos Rosillo and Bruno Belamich, knew that they were targeting a very small market. However, they believed in the power of the Swiss tradition of watchmaking and the promise of new technologies. After years of planning, Bell & Ross opened its doors in 1992 and instantly experienced success. The company had customers that ranged from everyday construction workers to bomb defusing squads. Bell & Ross did an excellent job marketing their product towards people who regularly worked in extreme situations. With the ability to withstand massive amounts of heat, pressure, and force, Bell & Ross made watches that gained notoriety for their relative indestructibility.

Initially, Bell & Ross formed a partnership with Sinn Models to help with the production side of the process. This allowed the team at Bell & Ross to focus their efforts on the design, marketing, and sales of the watches. However, their work with Sinn was ultimately short-lived. Bell & Ross’s quick growth and success gave them the opportunity to establish their own independent production company. With vertical integration, they were able to streamline their processes and make them even more efficient and cost effective.

Bell & Ross has built their business and watchmaking philosophy on four key components. These include optimal water resistance, accurate Swiss mechanical movements, clear visual indicators, and special functions intended for specific uses. In addition to these guiding principles, Bell & Ross wanted to take an extra step to ensure they were meeting the needs of their target customer. So, they decided to hire specialized engineers to develop the durability aspects of the watches.

In its early years, Bell & Ross quickly gained a reputation for its superior pilot and dive watches. As the company gained notoriety, they forged partnerships with both NATO and the US Air Force. Later on, they also agreed to a contract with the French Security Service’s bomb disposal squad.

Over the years, there have been a number of notable Bell & Ross models. Just two years after they opened their doors in 1994, the company had a watch in space. That year, German astronaut Reinhart Furrer wore a Bell & Ross on the Spacelab mission. The company also launched a women’s line in 2003: the Mystery Diamond. The collection combined feminine stylist elements with the brand’s reputation for durability. In 2011, Bell & Ross launched two new models: the limited edition Red Radar and the WWI-92 heritage. The Red Radar drew from the brand’s Compass and previous Radar incorporating a disc system into an ETA movement. The WW1-92 Heritage built upon the brand’s WWI collection. It combined elements of the brand’s military history with a modern PVD coated steel case.

In 2012, Bell & Ross continued to expand the WWI line with the WWI Monopusher Chronograph. The model features a pocket watch-inspired design, again calling back models past. However, it got a major upgrade in the form of the movement: a monopusher chronograph. The following year, the brand released three new additions to their Aviation collection. These included the BR 01-92 Heading Indicator, the BR 01-92 Airspeed, and the BR 01-92 Climb. In 2014, we see the introduction of a new variation on the brand’s BR 126: the BR 126 Sport Heritage GMT & Flyback. In typical Bell & Ross fashion, the model strives the perfect balance between vintage and modern elements. The black dial and gold applique indices and numerals give the look of patina. In contrast, the second time zone and flyback functions give the model a contemporary technical boost.

In more recent years, Bell & Ross has continued to grow and expand their offerings. In 2016, the brand launched the Instrument de Marine collection. As the name suggests, this trio of watches pays homage to marine chronometers. A year later, Bell & Ross unveiled two new models: the BR03-92 Horograph and the limited edition Horolum. Both models maintain the brand’s instantly recognizable square case. However, they each feature a strikingly modern aesthetic that’s a bit of a departure for the brand. In 2017, the brand went back to their roots with three new models in their Vintage collection. These included the BR V1-92 Black Steel, BR V2-92 Black Steel and the BR V2-94 Black Steel Chronograph. 2018 also saw the addition of three new models. First, they debuted the BR V1-92 Racing Bird and the limited edition BR V2-94 racing Bird Chronograph. Both models represent a fun, sporty, and brightly colored take on the traditional pilot’s watch. In addition, they launched the avant-garde BR-X1 Military. This model takes a modern twist on the brand’s military roots with a bold, skeletonized design and the incorporation of innovative materials. Then, in 2019, Bell & Ross unveiled an all-new collection: the BR05.