Horological Meandering

Several weeks ago, I had the chance to discover the 2014 collection of Bell&Ross at the brand headquarter located in Paris. It is always a pleasure to meet its staff in this superb mansion since everything is perfectly designed and organized to welcom...  

B&R has always been a brand that hasn't talked to me at all. Too big, too military, too much show. But some of these new models look very nice, like the GMT and the GMT flyback. And I see that the B&R "round in a square" also apparently exists in ... 

Yes they are moving a bit in their strategy by enlarging the complications and proposing new styles. Thanks for your comments! Fx

Did you have a chance to try sit in the cockpit? Yes, you can see from where they got the inspiration! :) I like the GMT! Best Blomman

I could sit inside but I was a bit afraid to not be able to get out! The GMT is a very nice watch but the Guynemer remains my fav of this year! Thanks for your comments! Fx

call me an outlier if you will, but I like what they did with the design of the tourbillon... I have followed B&R since I saw the pilot's 2 counter chronograph from Basel in 2003... BTW, good report, enjoyed the entrance as well as the product photos.... 

I agree with the presence of B&R in Japan, it is a very important country for them. Fx

... now I know where that design came from - I had been thinking "I have seen this shape somewhere..." :-) Yup, the brand is popular in Japan and I would love to visit the brand headquarter somewhere (they don't have one in Japan). Thanks, Fx! Ken

We organize something! Thanks Ken! Fx

Can't wait to visit there again! Ken

I quite like your idea about a fully removable cover. It could serve as a nice travel accessory to guard against wear. Really a thorough report here. Thanks for the special look at B&R on PuristSPro!

The cover is also inspired by the WW1 watches. The most intriguing B&R watch... Fx

There must be some story why B&R choose the Thunderjet cockpit for their inspiration. And their selection of the 77th fighter squadron is most appropriate. The squad's motto is " All Aces, No Jokers" and I think that is my description for their 2014 n...  

Actually, during WW2, there were many Allied Forces country insignia that saw action but for commercial reasons, the few chosen for production are restricted. Regards, MTF ...  

Thanks FrX for the report on production pieces. It is interesting to see the final pieces. Prototypes Regards MTF ...  

And I love the BR01... thanks for the pics of the prototypes! Fx

I'm always a sucker for this Rolex Explorer'ish orange GMT hand with a vintage looking dial. Thanks for the report ! Cheers, Anthony ...  

and yes, I'm sure that we can find the inspiration in the watch you are thinking about... Fx

Cool that they got a cockpit in the boutique. Thanks for the report and pics! -MW

Very cool that the B&R HQ has the jet cockpit to emphasize the pilot watch theme. I agree with Anthony that the BR 123 GMT is great. Thanks for the report. Regards, ED-209

The GMT seems to have good feedbacks! Fx

My heart is still with the square dial format. The fit nicely on the wrist. But like the direction they are taking to expand the appeal to a broader audience. Thanks Bill

I think I prefer the BR01, the larger one. Why? Because I think that the size is a part of the concept... Thanks Bill! Fx

These are cool designs ( not my taste but I can appreciate them.) The flying theme, etc works better here than with Bremont, who still seems to be struggling to make it feel natural and authentic. Here, it still feels, to me, silly and on the forced side.... 

And after having visited the Bremont booth at the SalonQP last year, I tend to agree with you... Fx

I have to admit I didn't really get to look over the new 2014 collection. But, they're watches are so interesting this year that I'm glad I got to see them. Surprisingly large amount of round watches to compliment their square watches. I'd like to see the... 

The round watches are welcome... if you only stay with a single style, one day you realized that you don't meet customers' expectations. Fx

I really like their collection this year. It's not just the usual watches in different colors. Especially the WW2 Military Tourbillon, very cool and different. Facebook community had good response to this watch as well. Thanks for the great report and pic...